Director of Network Expansion
Set2Recruit · Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates
Tailor my CV for this job — freeExciting new Blockchain/Cross Boarder Payment Platform Scale-upAbout the BusinessAn early-stage UAE fintech building a regulated, stablecoin-based platform for cross-border business payments. Working with a network of banking, custody, and liquidity partners, it aims to make international payments faster, cheaper, and more transparent, and is building its operations to UAE virtual asset regulatory standards.About the RoleReporting to the CEO, the Director of Network Expansion will build and grow the company's network of banking, custody, liquidity, on/off-ramp and payout partners, opening new cross-border payment corridors across the region and beyond. You will own the full partner lifecycle, from identification and due diligence through negotiation and launch. This is a hands-on, relationship-driven leadership role that will directly shape the corridor strategy and geographic footprint of the business.What You'll Be DoingDefining and executing the network expansion strategy, prioritising corridors by market size, partner availability, regulatory feasibility and commercial returnIdentifying, assessing and onboarding banks, exchange houses, stablecoin issuers, custodians, liquidity providers and payout partners in target marketsLeading partner negotiations on pricing, volume commitments, liquidity limits, settlement arrangements and SLAs alongside Legal and TreasuryCoordinating partner due diligence and KYB with Compliance, the MLRO and the CISO to meet AML/CFT, security and VARA outsourcing requirementsManaging corridor launches end to end, from testing and go-live readiness to ongoing performance monitoring with Operations and TechnologyOwning strategic partner relationships and running regular performance and risk reviewsBuilding a pipeline of new partners and corridors, and reporting on coverage, performance and progress to the CEO and BoardRepresenting the business at industry events, with regulators where appropriate, and across the UAE and regional fintech and virtual asset ecosystemsSupporting the VARA licensing application with partner and corridor documentationWhat We're Looking ForEssential:10+ years in partnerships, business development or network expansion within payments, remittances, banking, fintech or virtual assets, including senior leadership responsibilityProven track record building stablecoin, virtual asset, remittance or similar cross-border payment networks, including corridor launches with banks, exchange houses and payout partnersAn established network across banks, exchange houses, liquidity providers and payment companies in the UAE, GCC and key remittance corridorsUAE experience, with familiarity with the VARA framework, CBUAE requirements and payment regulation in key receiving marketsStrong commercial negotiation skills, including structuring partnership agreements, pricing and SLAsSolid understanding of AML/CFT, KYB and partner due diligence in cross-border paymentsBachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics or a related fieldWhat's On OfferCompetitive, tax-free salary packagePermanent, senior leadership role reporting directly to the CEOThe chance to shape the corridor strategy and geographic footprint of a regulated stablecoin payments business from an early stageBased in the UAE, with regular regional and international travelIf this sounds like the right move for you, apply now.