CEO (UK)

The client is an early-stage NeoBank preparing to enter the UK market and pursue EMI authorisation with the FCA. Built around transparent pricing, human-first support, and modern payment infrastructure, the company aims to serve mobile individuals and SMEs across Europe.

This is a rare opportunity to step into a CEO role at a critical inflection point - leading regulatory approval, defining product-market fit, and scaling a fintech platform across the UK and EU. The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on execution in a high-growth, investor-backed environment.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the company through the UK EMI authorisation process with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA);

• Define and execute the company's strategic roadmap, from licensing to full market launch;

• Drive UK market entry and expansion strategy, followed by EU passporting and scaling;

• Ensure full regulatory compliance across UK and EU frameworks (PSD2/PSD3, AML, safeguarding);

• Oversee end-to-end operations including product, compliance, risk, and commercial functions;

• Build and maintain strong relationships with regulators, banking partners, investors, and key stakeholders;

• Define and validate product-market fit for both retail and SME customer segments;

• Lead financial planning, capital strategy, and revenue model development;

• Act as the public face of the company across industry events, investor relations, and media;

• Build, mentor, and scale a high-performing executive and operational team.

Requirements:

• 5+ years in a senior leadership role (CEO, COO, MD or equivalent) within UK or EU fintech, payments, or banking;

• Proven experience launching and scaling fintech or payments products in the UK and/or Europe;

• Strong understanding of UK payment infrastructure (Faster Payments, Open Banking, card issuing/acquiring, A2A payments);

• Deep knowledge of UK regulatory environment (FCA, EMI frameworks, AML/KYC requirements);

• Experience engaging with regulators and ideally leading or supporting EMI licensing processes;

• Strong network within UK/EU fintech, payments, and investor ecosystems;

• Strategic mindset with the ability to operate hands on in an early stage environment;

• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills;

• Ability to meet FCA "fit & proper" requirements for senior management functions.

The Employer Offers:

• Opportunity to lead and shape a high potential NeoBank from inception to scale;

• Equity participation aligned with long term value creation;

• Flexible engagement model during licensing phase, transitioning into full executive role;

• High level of autonomy and ownership in strategic decision making;

• Exposure to investors, regulators, and top tier fintech partners across Europe;

• Dynamic, entrepreneurial environment with strong growth ambitions;

• Competitive executive compensation package as the company scales.

If you're ready to build and lead a next generation financial institution in the UK and beyond, let's talk!