Meet Ryan Eickel, Associate General Counsel, who has been with SoFi for four years. Prior to joining SoFi, Ryan worked as a corporate and securities attorney for two global law firms and as a consultant advising international financial institutions on regulatory risk where he was able to develop a deep foundation in financial services. Eager to apply his experiences in a mission-driven and collaborative environment, Ryan came to SoFi where he was met with work he found grounded in a purpose he truly believes in. We sat down with Ryan to understand what his journey on the legal team looks like and how he makes an impact in his role everyday.
SoFi positions itself as a different kind of finance company. How does that ethos permeate the work and culture of the legal department?
Ryan: SoFi’s mission to help members get their money right drives everything we do—including how the legal department approaches our work. We don’t just advise from the sidelines; we’re deeply embedded in the product lifecycle, constantly finding creative and responsible ways to enable innovation. That ethos empowers us to think beyond traditional legal frameworks and explore solutions that align with both our regulatory responsibilities and our members’ needs. It’s a culture of curiosity, speed, and purpose.
In what ways does the legal team contribute to SoFi's mission of helping people achieve financial independence?
Ryan: Our job is to enable progress while protecting the business and our members. We support SoFi’s mission by helping design products that are legally sound, transparent, and built with our members’ best interests in mind. Whether it’s launching a new credit card or exploring the use of AI to better serve members, we ensure that every step forward aligns with our values and obligations. When our legal work is done well, it quietly helps unlock financial freedom for millions.
Compared to your experience in legal departments at other financial institutions, what are some key differences you've observed at SoFi?
Ryan: At more traditional institutions, legal work can feel siloed or limited to specific transactions or questions. At SoFi, the pace is faster and the scope is broader—we’re encouraged to engage holistically and strategically from ideation through launch and beyond. That kind of involvement gives legal a real seat at the table, and it makes the work more impactful, collaborative, and fulfilling. It’s also a great environment for learning and growing quickly. Since joining SoFi four years ago, I have had the opportunity to play an integral role in the launch of our Checking and Savings product, two new Credit Card products, our Pay in 4 product, our Commercial Payment Services business line, and the expansion of our SoFi Plus premium membership program. As SoFi has grown rapidly, I’ve been able to make a meaningful, wide-reaching impact–and to leave a lasting footprint. That kind of opportunity is rare, and it’s one of the things that makes working at a cutting-edge fintech like SoFi so rewarding.
How does the legal department stay agile and adapt to the fast-paced and innovative nature of a fintech company like SoFi?
Ryan: Agility is a mindset we cultivate daily. We stay ahead by tracking regulatory, legislative, and judicial developments closely, and by proactively building that knowledge into our product strategy. Our team also regularly hosts continuing legal education (CLE) and knowledge-sharing sessions with top law firms to sharpen our expertise. It’s a culture that values learning, flexibility, and thoughtful risk-taking.
How does the legal team collaborate with other departments at SoFi?
Ryan: Cross-functional collaboration is at the heart of our legal function. On any given day, I’m working closely with product managers, engineers, marketers, and compliance leaders to solve complex problems together. What’s unique is how embedded we are in those teams—we’re not just reviewing decisions, we’re helping shape them. That level of integration leads to better products, better decisions, and stronger alignment across the board.
Why would you recommend someone in the legal field work at SoFi?
Ryan: If you’re looking for a place where your legal skills can directly shape meaningful, innovative financial products, SoFi is it. The work is challenging, fast-paced, and intellectually rewarding—but it’s also deeply purpose-driven. You’re surrounded by smart, collaborative people who care about doing things the right way, not just the easy way. It’s a place where you grow quickly, contribute visibly, and help millions of people improve their financial lives.
The individual featured is a SoFi employee. Their personal experiences, obviously, do not take into account your own specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. Results will vary.
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