CEO, AI-first Fintech/Neobank (located in the UAE) in London
CEO, AI-first Fintech/Neobank (located in the UAE)

CEO, AI-first Fintech/Neobank (located in the UAE) in London

London Full-Time No home office possible
Discovered MENA

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the creation of an AI-first financial superapp from the ground up.
  • Company: Join a pioneering fintech in the dynamic UAE market.
  • Benefits: Tax-free salary, relocation support, and a vibrant international community.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of banking with cutting-edge AI technology.
  • Qualifications: 12-15+ years in fintech or neobanking with strong leadership experience.
  • Other info: Exciting opportunity to build something truly innovative in a fast-paced environment.

Build the financial superapp of the future, from day one. This is a rare opportunity to lead the creation of something genuinely new, an AI-native financial superapp, backed by significant institutional capital, being built from the ground up in one of the world's most dynamic financial markets. If you've spent your career scaling a neobank, launching a fintech, or building AI-powered products and you're ready to run the whole show, we want to talk.

The opportunity: Lead the build

You'll be the first CEO of a new AI-first bank, responsible for everything from defining the product vision and building the team to steering the platform through regulatory milestones and into market. This isn't a transformation role inside an existing institution. It's a greenfield build with the ambition, infrastructure, and backing to compete at scale across the MENA region and beyond.

You'll lead a cross-functional leadership team spanning product, technology, commercial, and operations, and you'll set the tone for how this organisation thinks about AI, customer experience, and long-term growth.

What you'll own: Scope of the role

  • Define and drive the AI Bank strategy, business model, and product roadmap
  • Lead and develop the functional leadership team across product, tech/data/AI, commercial, and operations
  • Make the critical cross-functional calls that keep delivery on track
  • Own the P&L and manage the build against timeline, budget, and risk framework
  • Represent the bank with regulators, partners, and institutional stakeholders
  • Ensure full alignment between product experience, technology, brand, and commercial goals
  • Shape the culture, fast-moving, AI-native, customer-obsessed

Who we're looking for: Your background

We're looking for someone who has been inside a high-growth digital bank or fintech and understands what it takes to build, launch, and scale, not just advise. The ideal candidate has operated at or close to CEO level in a business where AI and data are genuinely central to the product, not a layer added on top.

  • 12–15+ years in fintech, neobanking, or AI-driven financial services
  • Hands-on experience building or scaling a digital banking or financial superapp product
  • Strong grasp of AI-native product development, not just familiarity with the concept
  • Proven P&L ownership and cross-functional leadership at scale
  • Track record managing regulatory relationships in a licensed banking or payments environment
  • Comfortable operating in ambiguity, this is a build, not a blueprint

Relocation fully supported

We actively welcome applications from candidates based internationally. A comprehensive relocation package is available, including flights, temporary accommodation, and transition support for you and your family. The UAE offers a tax-free salary, an exceptional quality of life, and a thriving international community.

Why now: The moment

The UAE's financial ecosystem is moving fast. Regulation is enabling, capital is available, and the region's young, digitally-native population is underserved by the incumbents. The conditions to build something category-defining are better here than almost anywhere else in the world right now, and this project has the backing and ambition to match.

CEO, AI-first Fintech/Neobank (located in the UAE) in London employer: Discovered MENA

Join a pioneering AI-first fintech/neobank in the UAE, where you'll have the unique opportunity to shape the future of banking from the ground up. With a strong focus on innovation and customer experience, our dynamic work culture fosters collaboration and creativity, while offering comprehensive relocation support and a tax-free salary that enhances your quality of life. As a leader in this exciting venture, you'll not only drive significant growth but also play a crucial role in developing a team that is passionate about redefining financial services across the MENA region.
Discovered MENA

Contact Detail:

Discovered MENA Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land CEO, AI-first Fintech/Neobank (located in the UAE) in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry leaders, attend fintech events, and join relevant online communities. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that CEO role.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your expertise! Create a personal brand by sharing insights on AI, fintech, and neobanking through blogs or social media. This will position you as a thought leader and attract attention from potential employers.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews like it’s game day! Research the company thoroughly, understand their vision, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with building an AI-first financial superapp. Confidence is key!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.

We think you need these skills to ace CEO, AI-first Fintech/Neobank (located in the UAE) in London

AI-native Product Development
Fintech Experience
Neobanking Expertise
Cross-Functional Leadership
P&L Management
Regulatory Relationship Management
Strategic Visioning
Team Building and Development
Customer Experience Focus
Risk Management
Ambiguity Navigation
Market Strategy Development
Operational Excellence
Stakeholder Engagement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Vision: When you're writing your application, make sure to clearly articulate your vision for an AI-native financial superapp. We want to see how you plan to lead this greenfield build and what innovative ideas you have in mind.

Highlight Relevant Experience: Don’t hold back on showcasing your experience in scaling neobanks or fintechs. We’re looking for someone who’s been in the trenches, so share specific examples of your achievements and how they relate to the role.

Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity and want to get a sense of who you are beyond your professional accomplishments. Share your passion for AI and customer experience!

Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Discovered MENA

✨Know Your AI Inside Out

Given the focus on AI in this role, make sure you can discuss your experience with AI-driven products in detail. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've integrated AI into financial services and the impact it had on customer experience and business growth.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience

This position requires strong cross-functional leadership. Prepare to talk about your previous roles where you led diverse teams, made critical decisions, and drove projects to success. Highlight your P&L management experience and how you navigated regulatory challenges.

✨Showcase Your Vision for the Future

Articulate a clear vision for what an AI-first neobank should look like. Discuss trends in fintech and how you would leverage them to create a competitive advantage. This is your chance to show that you understand the market dynamics in the MENA region and beyond.

✨Cultural Fit is Key

The company is looking for someone who can shape a fast-moving, customer-obsessed culture. Be ready to discuss how you would foster a positive work environment and encourage innovation within your team. Share examples of how you've built or contributed to a strong organisational culture in the past.

CEO, AI-first Fintech/Neobank (located in the UAE) in London
Discovered MENA
Location: London

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