Senior Executive Officer – Payments (Dubai)

About the role

We are partnering exclusively with one of the fastest‑growing FinTech businesses in the MENA region. The company is looking for a Senior Executive Officer to lead licensing, launch and subsequent growth of its payments platform in the UAE.

Key responsibilities

• Hold overall executive responsibility for the regulated DIFC entity, reporting directly to the Board.
• Lead the business through DFSA authorisation, controlled launch and early‑stage growth.
• Act as the senior point of contact with the DFSA and other regulators.
• Execute the company’s business plan and oversee day‑to‑day commercial and operational performance.
• Build and lead the initial UAE leadership team as the business scales.
• Oversee governance, compliance, AML, risk, capital, liquidity and operational controls.
• Manage key external relationships with banking, payment, card‑scheme, processing and technology partners.
• Establish a strong culture that balances commercial growth, regulatory compliance and customer protection.

Required profile

• Significant senior leadership experience within payments, FinTech, e‑money, banking or regulated financial services.
• Previous CEO, Managing Director, General Manager, Country Head or equivalent role with full P&L responsibility.
• Strong experience working directly with the DFSA or comparable regulators such as CBUAE, SAMA or FSRA.
• Regulatory authorisation/licensing and regulated business launch experience (highly desirable).
• Deep understanding of governance, AML, risk, compliance and prudential requirements.
• Experience across cards, issuing, acquiring, payment accounts, processing, safeguarding or money‑services.
• Comfortable operating hands‑on in an early‑stage environment and building teams/functions from the ground up.

What we offer

• Salary: 50,000 – 80,000 AED per month plus a 10 % performance‑related bonus.
• UAE residency visa for you and your family.
• Comprehensive health insurance for you and your family.
• Office‑based role in Dubai, five days a week.