Executive Director, API & Open Banking – Cash and Trade

About the role

The Executive Director, API & Open Banking will lead the definition, ownership, and scaling of the bank's API-driven propositions across Global Trade, Treasury Services, and tokenized/digital asset offerings. This senior role positions APIs and Open Banking as core distribution channels that embed the bank within client ecosystems, enable real‑time financial flows, and support emerging transaction‑banking use cases.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute the Global Transaction Banking (GTx) and Wholesale Banking API and Open Banking strategy across domestic and international markets.
• Define and own the multi‑year API product vision and roadmap aligned with Global Trade, Treasury, and Tokenization strategies.
• Position API and Open Banking capabilities as differentiators for payments, liquidity management, escrow services, and next‑generation propositions.
• Identify and collaborate with fintech partners to create innovative cash and trade use cases.
• Ensure harmonisation and consistency across product lines to deliver a scalable, enterprise‑wide API stack.
• Drive cross‑functional collaboration with business, technology, and control functions while adhering to FAB policies and regulatory standards.
• Represent the function to senior management, external stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.
• Own the end‑to‑end product lifecycle from ideation through launch, scaling, and ongoing optimisation.
• Enable direct integration of bank capabilities into corporate ERP, TMS, digital platforms, and partner ecosystems.

Required profile

• Proven senior leadership experience in API product management, Open Banking, or digital banking within a transaction‑banking or treasury environment.
• Deep understanding of UAE and international regulatory frameworks governing APIs, Open Banking, and digital assets.
• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to translate market opportunities into scalable product roadmaps.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, capable of bridging business, technology, and regulatory teams.
• Experience working with fintech ecosystems and driving ecosystem‑led growth.

Required skills