Managing Director

About the Firm:
This position is for one of our clients, a leading mobile money operator in the African region. As part of a prominent group of companies comprising numerous regulated entities, our client boasts a decades-long history, a robust market presence, and a highly respected brand. They are known for their innovative financial solutions and their significant contribution to financial inclusion across Africa. The group is currently establishing a UK-based company that will seek authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as an electronic money institution (EMI).

About the Role:
Our client is seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to join an EMI applicant as a Managing Director and member of the Board of Directors. Reporting to the Board of Directors, you will drive the company's strategic growth, oversee operational excellence, and ensure robust regulatory compliance. As a Board Member, you will actively participate in governance decisions and share collective responsibility for oversight and strategic direction.

This is a key executive role critical to the success of the group's UK launch and long-term strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead overall management, strategic direction, and operational execution.
• Represent the company externally, including engagements with regulatory bodies (FCA) and key stakeholders.
• Implement, develop, and monitor robust internal controls and risk management frameworks.
• Provide clear, timely, and insightful reporting to the Board.
• Oversee compliance with all legal, regulatory, and financial requirements.
• Review and act on reports from the Chief Compliance Officer, MLRO, ISO, Risk Officer, and Internal Auditor.
• Develop strategic marketing, sales, and customer service initiatives aligned with company goals.
• Oversee both digital and traditional marketing channels, ensuring high-quality, impactful content.
• Monitor and optimise performance metrics to drive growth.
• Collaborate with SRE teams to ensure a robust technological infrastructure.
• Manage operational risk, cybersecurity, fraud prevention, and disaster recovery plans.
• Oversee third-party vendors and outsourced functions, ensuring quality and compliance.
• Lead financial planning, forecasting, and analysis.
• Oversee regulatory financial reporting and audits.
• Ensure effective capital management, liquidity, and compliance with financial regulations.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 10 years of senior management experience in transactional banking, international remittances, electronic money, and/or payment services, with at least 5 years in an executive role.
• Demonstrable experience dealing directly with the FCA.
• Proven track record in strategic business development, market expansion, and operational leadership, ideally within payment or e-money services.
• Comprehensive financial management expertise, including treasury management, budgeting, financial planning, forecasting, and implementing robust financial controls.
• Deep understanding of AML/CTF/CPF compliance frameworks and experience leading or overseeing compliance and risk management functions.
• Experience managing complex technology environments and overseeing cybersecurity and operational risk mitigation.
• Exceptional stakeholder management abilities, with demonstrated negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills at the executive level.
• Advanced degree or professional certification in business, finance, law, or a related field is strongly preferred.

Why Join:

• Competitive executive compensation package with performance-based incentives.
• Strategic leadership role with significant influence over company direction, operations, and culture.
• Opportunity to build and lead a newly established UK-regulated fintech from the ground up.
• Direct engagement with the Board of Directors, investors, and regulators.
• High-impact position with visibility across a respected international financial group.