At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global operations for cross-border payments and digital assets, driving innovation and transformation.
- Company: Join Citi, a leading global financial services company with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with global reach and the chance to shape the future of payments.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in the future of global payments and digital finance.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in payments operations with strong leadership and strategic skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
- Global Head of Cross Border Solutions Operations & Digital Payment Assets, MD/C16
- Locations: London, Dublin or Warsaw
Job Description
The Global Head of Cross Border Solutions Operations & Digital Payment Assets is a Managing Director-level leadership role within Payments Operations responsible for the strategy, performance, resilience, and transformation of Citi's global Cross Border Solutions Operations franchise.
The role provides end-to-end accountability for operational delivery across Citi's cross-border payments businesses, including World Link and Cross Border Funds Transfer (CBFT), while also leading the development and operationalization of Digital Payment Assets capabilities supporting the future of global payments.
This executive will oversee a global operating model spanning multiple regions, partners, payment networks, and regulatory jurisdictions, ensuring safe, efficient, and scalable payment processing while enabling innovation and business growth.
The successful candidate will drive the modernization of cross-border payments operations through automation, advanced analytics, digitization, and emerging payment technologies.
The role will partner closely with Product, Technology, Risk, Compliance, and business leadership to deliver strategic initiatives, industry change programs, and next-generation payment capabilities, including tokenized payments, blockchain-based settlement, and digital money solutions.
This position requires a proven leader with deep expertise in payments operations, large-scale operational transformation, and global stakeholder management, along with the ability to navigate an evolving regulatory, technological, and competitive landscape.
Responsibilities
- Strategic & Operational Leadership
- Lead Citi's global Cross Border Solutions Operations organization, ensuring operational excellence, resiliency, client service, and strong risk management outcomes.
- Define and execute the strategic vision for Cross Border Solutions Operations, aligning operational capabilities with business growth objectives and changing client needs.
- Drive modernization and transformation initiatives that improve scalability, productivity, automation, and service quality.
- Establish performance standards, governance frameworks, and operating metrics to support sustainable growth and operational excellence.
- Partner across Payments, Technology, Product, Operations, Risk, Compliance, Finance, and Legal to deliver strategic priorities and enterprise objectives.
- Cross Border Solutions Operations
- Maintain global accountability for operational delivery across World Link and Cross Border Funds Transfer (CBFT) product lines.
- Ensure efficient and effective processing of high-value cross-border transactions across a multi-region, 24/7 operating environment.
- Drive operational strategy for network partner management, service stability, high-risk corridor oversight, and payment processing effectiveness.
- Enhance straight-through processing rates, operational performance, and client outcomes through process optimization and automation.
- Ensure operational readiness and scalability to support business growth, evolving payment ecosystems, and client demands.
- Develop a effective partnership with the Transactional FX team and the FX Operations organisation to drive a seamless FX-Payments experience.
- Digital Assets & Emerging Payments
- Lead the operational strategy and framework supporting Digital Assets capabilities within Payments.
- Partner with Product and Technology teams to operationalize tokenized payments, blockchain-enabled settlement, digital cash, stablecoin initiatives, and other emerging payment capabilities.
- Ensure new digital asset solutions are supported by scalable operating models, robust controls, and effective governance frameworks.
- Drive operational readiness for new products, market infrastructure developments, and emerging payment rails.
- Monitor industry developments, market infrastructure evolution, and regulatory changes to ensure Citi remains positioned to support future payment innovations.
- Transformation & Strategic Programmes
- Lead delivery of critical industry, regulatory, and strategic initiatives impacting cross-border payments operations.
- Drive Cross Border Payments modernization programmes and migration to next-generation payment processing capabilities.
- Champion automation, digitization, process re-engineering, and data-driven operational improvements.
- Partner with Technology and Product teams to implement new payment platforms, enhanced tracking capabilities, workflow solutions, and straight-through processing optimization.
- Own and manage the global operational budget, ensuring disciplined investment decisions, productivity improvements, and efficient resource allocation.
- Risk, Controls & Regulatory Management
- Maintain a strong risk and control environment across all Cross Border Payments and Digital Assets operational activities.
- Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and industry standards across all jurisdictions.
- Partner with Risk, Compliance, Financial Crimes, Internal Audit, and Legal teams to address regulatory obligations and control requirements.
- Ensure timely remediation of audit findings, control issues, and regulatory actions.
- Appropriately assess and elevate risk in business decisions, safeguarding Citi, its clients, and its reputation.
- Reinforce a culture of accountability, transparency, and ethical decision-making.
- Leadership & Talent Development
- Lead large global teams through senior managers with accountability for performance, talent development, succession planning, organizational effectiveness, and workforce strategy.
- Foster a culture of operational excellence, innovation, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
- Build and maintain strong executive relationships across Product, Technology, Services, Compliance, Risk, and external network partners.
- Lead governance forums, executive reviews, OKRs, and strategic planning discussions with senior leadership.
- Develop organizational capabilities needed to support the future evolution of global payments and digital assets.
Qualifications
- 15+ years of leadership experience in Payments Operations, Transaction Banking, Treasury Services, Financial Market Infrastructure, or related financial services disciplines.
- Significant experience leading large-scale global operations organizations supporting mission-critical payment processing activities.
- Deep understanding of cross-border payments, correspondent banking, clearing systems, payment networks, and global payment rails.
- Strong knowledge of World Link, CBFT, SWIFT, and related cross-border payment ecosystems.
- Understanding of Digital Assets, tokenization, blockchain-enabled payments, digital money, stablecoins, and emerging settlement technologies.
- Demonstrated success leading large-scale transformation, payments modernization, and operational excellence initiatives.
- Experience delivering regulatory and industry change programmes in highly regulated environments.
- Strong financial management experience, including budget management, productivity initiatives, and investment prioritization.
- Exceptional stakeholder management, executive communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
- Proven ability to operate effectively within complex global and matrixed organizations.
Education
- Bachelor's/University degree required.
- Master's degree, MBA, or equivalent advanced degree preferred.
- Relevant payments, operations, risk, financial market infrastructure, or digital assets certifications are advantageous.
- Job Family Group
- Operations - Core
- Job Family
- Operations Project Management
- Time Type
- Full time
- Most Relevant Skills
Please see the requirements listed above.
Other Relevant Skills
For complementary skills, please see above and/or contact the recruiter.
Citi is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you are a person with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to use our search tools and/or apply for a career opportunity review Accessibility at Citi.
View Citi’s EEO Policy Statement and the Know Your Rights poster.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Global Head of Cross Border Solutions Operations & Digital Payment Assets, MD in London employer: Citi
Citi is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration within the Equities Technology team. Employees benefit from cutting-edge technology, opportunities for professional growth, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion. With a focus on high-performance analytics and real-time data solutions, Citi empowers its engineers to make impactful contributions while enjoying a supportive atmosphere in a globally recognized financial institution.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Head of Cross Border Solutions Operations & Digital Payment Assets, MD in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Citi. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Head of Cross Border Solutions Operations & Digital Payment Assets, MD in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Citi.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Citi's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Citi
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Citi.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Citi will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Citi employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
