CEO (Ireland)

Our client-an early-stage Ireland-based Neobank which is currently preparing to apply for EMI license-They are searching for a visionary Chief Executive Officer to lead the company through regulatory authorization (EMI license), product rollout, and continental expansion.

This is a career-defining opportunity to shape a new category of European financial services: a neobank combining transparent pricing, human-centred support, and advanced payment infrastructure built specifically for individuals on the move and the SMEs powering Europe's economy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the company through the EMI authorization process with the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI).
• Define and execute the company's vision and growth strategies, ensuring long-term success in the fintech space.
• Drive EU-wide market expansion following CBI authorization and passporting.
• Oversee daily operations, ensuring regulatory compliance and alignment with business goals.
• Develop and nurture relationships with regulators, banking partners, investors, and high-profile clients.
• Ensure financial health, overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and revenue optimization.
• Ensure product-market fit for both retail and SME customers across Europe.
• Serve as the public face of the brand and vision across Europe.

Key Requirements

• 3+ years of proven leadership role (CEO, COO, MD, or similar) in EU-based fintech, payments or banking project(s).
• Experience launching and scaling fintech products serving retail and/or SME segments.
• Strong understanding of European payment infrastructure (instant payments, card acquiring, cross-border payments, IBANs, A2A payments, merchant acceptance, open banking and similar).
• Strategic vision combined with hands on startup execution.
• Strong network across European fintech, payments, and investment communities.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills.
• Experience in having led a company through the EMI licensing process would be considered as an advantage
• Ability to meet the Central Bank of Ireland fit & proper requirements.

The Employer Offers

• Competitive salary linked to the level of involvement (part time during the early licensing stage, evolving into a full time executive package as the company approaches authorization and launch).
• Opportunity to architect a pan-European financial platform from the ground up.
• Performance-based incentives, including equity participation.