ED & Head of Cross-Border Payments​

About the Role / About the Job
This position focuses on the development and commercialization of new Payments product propositions, emphasizing partnerships with payment service providers on a digitally relevant scale. There is a continuous commitment to both local and international markets. The role is pivotal in driving the commercialization of cross-border payments and significantly contributing to the increase of market share and revenue. Key responsibilities include strategizing new propositions and the commercialization thereof, such as BUNA and Tokenization, along with managing innovative payment propositions across various markets utilizing technology effectively. This role also entails engaging extensively with regulators to ensure first mover advantages for specific payments products.

Key Responsibilities

• Support Payments Product Management, Product Development, Innovation, and delivery channels globally.
• Commercialize existing cross-border payments propositions and strategize campaigns to increase market share.
• Finalize and adopt relevant use cases related to Blockchain, Tokens, and partner bank propositions.
• Drive the tokenization and CBDC agenda while ensuring internal buy-in.
• Help commercialize FABAccess and track transactional FX as a vital income stream.
• Collaborate with regulators and industry forums for proactive identification of new digital wallet and payment solutions aligned with client needs.
• Engage with the Digital team for the end-to-end development and functioning of payment products, ensuring seamless client interactions across channels.
• Lead regional RFPs to create a unified client experience for all payment propositions across international locations.
• Enhance financial, operational, and service performance of Payments products while working within banks’ risk and audit principles.
• Re-engineer processing principles, cut-off timings, and currencies across different bank units to streamline operations.
• Evaluate new ideas and solutions while ensuring a bottom-line benefit from product opportunities.
• Oversee product management aspects including pricing, market positioning, and ongoing product management.
• Manage digital collateral, website content, go-to-market strategy, and communication strategies for product launches.
• Collaborate with external vendors to enhance the Payments product, ensuring adherence to service levels and client satisfaction.
• Plan and manage product launches in coordination with stakeholders.
• Monitor product performance, tracking uptake and volume trends, and assist Sales in cross-selling payment solutions.
• Own the P/L for payment propositions with regular reviews and reporting.
• Attend complex client meetings, providing effective solutions, and guiding sales and marketing teams in product promotion.
• Support the bank in evolving cash management products aligned with overall strategy and goals, analyze client pricing discussions, and prepare presentations for the Deal Review Committee.
• Manage product life cycle from business case through delivery and commercialization, including UAT management and sign-off.
• Review existing products and define business needs for new products.
• Ensure smooth transaction flow by liaising between operations and clients.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement of products and client solutions while managing fraud, regulatory, and compliance risks.
• Deliver promised solutions professionally, providing premier service across FAB locations.
• Build FAB’s market profile by engaging in industry events.
• Focus on all client segments within local and global markets, and maintain close collaboration with various stakeholders throughout the product management and commercialization process.
• Participate in reviewing service standards and operational excellence to exceed client expectations.
• Assist clients in understanding and using cash management products and channels.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Commerce, or equivalent discipline.
• 15-18 years of relevant experience in product launches, product roadmap strategy, and P&L management.
• Strong self-starter with a motivation for self-learning and a demonstrated track record in end-to-end product launches including periodic reviews.
• Proven experience in P&L management focusing on fee-based income for product lines.
• Strong analytical skills for understanding complex problems, making sound decisions, and articulating solutions effectively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to engage effectively with various seniority levels and ensure consultative collaboration with IT and business partners.
• Past experience in Payments, Collections, or Cash Management along with electronic banking solutions is required.
• Knowledge of new-age banking propositions like CBDCs, Tokenization, and Virtual Assets is essential, alongside familiarity with ERP, accounting, or Treasury systems used for client reconciliation.
• Understanding of recent payment and cash management trends, including Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence.
• Service-driven mindset with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to motivate team members and work in a matrix environment.
• Self-confident and results-oriented, with the ability to perform under pressure.
• Proven ability to present high-quality client presentations and influence others effectively.
• Strong understanding of operations processes and risk management principles.
• Authorized to make decisions as per the approved authorization matrix.

Preferred / Beneficial

• Professional qualification in Cash Management is preferred.
• Familiarity with the regulatory environment concerning the financial industry in the UAE and jurisdictions where operating.