Job Description
Our client operates as a leading OTC desk for stable coins and digital assets with experience across global equities, futures, foreign exchange (FX), and digital asset markets. They are seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Country Head to establish and scale their payments business in Nigeria that is part of a global organization. This role is ideally suited to a senior executive with prior experience as the head of a payments or a treasury leader within a Tier 1 financial institution.
The successful candidate will be responsible for building the business from the ground up, including regulatory engagement, infrastructure development, liquidity management, and commercial execution. This individual will play a critical role in positioning the company as a trusted and compliant participant within Nigeria’s evolving payments and FX ecosystem.
Key Responsibilities:
Business Build & Strategy
• Lead the establishment and growth of the company’s payments business in Nigeria
• Define and execute the market entry and expansion strategy
• Develop scalable operating models to support transaction growth and new product offerings
Regulatory & Stakeholder Engagement
• Act as the primary point of contact with regulatory authorities, including the Central Bank of Nigeria and other relevant bodies
• Lead licensing efforts (e.g., IMTO or alternative frameworks) and ensure ongoing compliance
Banking & Partner Ecosystem
• Establish and manage relationships with local and international banks, payment service providers, and liquidity partners
• Ensure efficient settlement, liquidity management, and transaction flows
FX & Liquidity Management
• Build and manage a network of FX counterparties with demand for foreign currency and digital assets (including stablecoins)
• Oversee treasury operations, including liquidity sourcing, pricing, and risk management
• Monitor market dynamics and identify opportunities within the FX and cross-border payments landscape
Operational Leadership
• Design and implement operational infrastructure, processes, and controls from inception
• Ensure robust risk management frameworks across payments, FX, and compliance functions
• Oversee transaction processing, reconciliation, and reporting systems
Job Requirements:
• Minimum of 7-10 years senior executive experience in payments, fintech, banking, or treasury, ideally within a Tier 1 institution.
• Proven track record of building or scaling financial services businesses.
• Deep understanding of the Nigerian regulatory environment and payments landscape.
• Strong, established relationships within the FX market, including institutional counterparties and liquidity providers.
• Experience with cross-border payments, foreign exchange markets, and digital assets (e.g., stablecoins).
• Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with regulators, banks, and senior stakeholders.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to operate in a build-from-scratch environment.