Financial Institutions Partnership Director

Financial Institutions Partnership DirectorWe are looking for a dynamic and experienced Financial Institution Partnership Director to build and nurture key partnerships with local financial institutions (FIs) and licensed Non-Banking Financial Institutions (NBFIs) in the Middle East. The ideal candidate will play a pivotal role in enhancing our B2B trade payment solutions and related services for SMEs by fostering long-term, collaborative relationships and driving the execution of strategic initiatives.Key Responsibilities:Partnership Development & Management: Establish and manage strategic partnerships with local financial institutions and licensed NBFIs to enhance our product offerings for B2B trade payments and related services targeted at SMEs.Market Analysis & Product Strategy: Gain in-depth knowledge of the local banking and Fintech ecosystems, aligning market demand with the company's strategic goals. Identify, evaluate, and onboard the right partners to co-develop new products, negotiate commercial terms, and manage partnership execution from start to finish.Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams such as Sales, Operations, Product, Risk, and Compliance to ensure customer-centric product development, smooth operational workflows, and compliance with regulations.Project Management & Delivery: Lead the implementation of partnership projects, ensuring timely delivery with high-quality standards. Oversee the coordination of legal agreements, product rollouts, and post-launch optimization.Process Optimization: Continuously assess and identify areas for improvement in payment processes and collaborate with partners to drive operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.Compliance & Regulatory Engagement: Maintain ongoing communication with local regulators to stay informed about regulatory changes and compliance requirements related to trade payments and cross-border fund movements, and actively engage with regulators to navigate any regulatory challenges and ensure smooth operations.Performance Monitoring: Track the performance of partnerships, review success metrics, and hold regular meetings with partners to assess progress and identify opportunities for improvement.The Successful Candidate:Experience: Minimum of 8 years of experience working with local financial institutions, licensed NBFIs, or in a similar strategic partnership role in the payments or Fintech industry.Regulatory Expertise: Strong understanding of local financial regulations and compliance requirements, particularly in the areas of trade payments, cross-border transactions, and payment processing.Negotiation & Commercial Acumen: Proven experience in negotiating partnership terms, creating proposals, and managing complex commercial agreements.Cross-Cultural & Cross-Country Efficiency: Ability to manage partnerships across different countries and cultures, ensuring high levels of efficiency, collaboration, and communication.Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills: Excellent interpersonal skills with a strong ability to think critically, analyze data, and drive solutions in a fast-paced environment.Organizational Skills: Highly organized and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously, with an ability to prioritize effectively and work under tight deadlines.Customer & Compliance Focused: A customer-centric mindset, with a keen eye on ensuring compliance and mitigating risks in every partnership and product implementation.Language Skills: Fluency in both Mandarin and English (speaking and writing) is required. Proficiency in Arabic is a plus, as it will enhance communication and relationship-building within the Middle East market.

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