Graduate Business Development Executive

Graduate Business Development Executive

Entry level 25000 - 32000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
E

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive client acquisition and manage the full sales cycle in a dynamic fintech environment.
  • Company: Equals Money, a leading fintech innovator with a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Flexible working options, career growth opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
  • Other info: Embrace diversity and bring your unique perspective to our inclusive workplace.
  • Why this job: Join a fast-paced team and make a real impact in the fintech industry.
  • Qualifications: Sales experience and strong communication skills are essential.

The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.

In May 2025, Equals Money and Railsr, two established fintech innovators with complementary strengths, came together. This strategic merger unites Equals’ proven expertise in currency and payments with Railsr’s powerful embedded finance and card-issuing technology. Together, we’ve created a next-generation financial services platform with the scale, infrastructure, and agility to serve customers across industries and borders. Backed by regulated infrastructure and advanced payments technology, we’re delivering seamless, scalable solutions with the personal service and trusted experience our customers rely on.

About the role

A Business Development Manager at the Equals Group is a commercially driven and proactive individual responsible for acquiring new clients with international payment and foreign exchange requirements. Focused on outbound business development, they take ownership of building a high-quality pipeline, engaging decision-makers and converting opportunities into active trading clients. Working closely with the Division Manager and wider team, they manage the full sales cycle from initial outreach through to onboarding and first transaction. They play a key role in driving early client activation, ensuring clients begin transacting quickly and generating value for the business.

About you

We believe that certain skills are essential in order to be successful in this role and these are detailed below. You may not have all the other skills we have outlined as desirable, we understand that and will still welcome your application. We will carry out individual interviews for shortlisted candidates and assess who is best suited for the role after we have discussed everything with you.

Responsibilities

  • Client Acquisition & Prospecting
    • Identify and approach businesses with international payment and FX requirements through outbound activity (phone, email and LinkedIn).
    • Build and manage a pipeline of prospective clients and engage key decision-makers.
    • Conduct discovery meetings and product demonstrations.
    • Manage the full sales cycle from initial contact through to account opening.
    • Prepare proposals, negotiate within agreed parameters and close new business.
    • Work with internal teams to complete KYC and onboarding requirements.
  • Client Activation
    • Drive newly onboarded clients to first transaction and support initial platform usage.
    • Ensure early engagement and achievement of Active Trading Client (ATC) status.
  • Cross-Sell & Referrals
    • Identify and introduce additional products including FX, cards and platform services.
    • Refer opportunities to internal teams and support progression where required.
    • Transition activated clients to the dealing team with clear handover notes.
    • Collaborate with internal teams to ensure continuity of service.
  • Reactivation & Partnerships
    • Re-engage dormant accounts and convert them back into active clients.
    • Identify and support introducer and partner opportunities.
  • Activity & Compliance
    • Maintain accurate CRM records and track pipeline progression.
    • Work towards defined activity and conversion KPIs.
    • Adhere to all compliance and operational procedures.

Accountabilities

  • Achieve individual new business and revenue targets through consistent client acquisition.
  • Maintain a healthy and active pipeline, ensuring continuous progression of opportunities.
  • Deliver strong client activation rates, ensuring newly onboarded clients reach first transaction quickly.
  • Drive conversion from prospect to Active Trading Client (ATC) in line with defined targets.
  • Meet agreed activity KPIs including outbound outreach, meetings and pipeline generation.
  • Ensure accurate and up-to-date CRM management, providing full visibility of pipeline and performance.
  • Identify and refer cross-sell opportunities, contributing to overall team revenue.
  • Maintain high standards of client engagement and professionalism throughout the sales process.
  • Adhere to all compliance, onboarding and risk procedures at all times.
  • Collaborate effectively with internal teams to ensure smooth onboarding and client handover.

Minimum qualifications

  • 1 year of experience in a sales or business development role.
  • Proven ability to generate new business through outbound prospecting and pipeline management.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage senior decision-makers.
  • Confidence in managing the full sales cycle from prospecting through to closing.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, target-driven environment with a commercial mindset.
  • Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, particularly in managing pipeline and activity.
  • Ability to build rapport quickly and handle objections effectively.
  • Basic understanding of international payments and foreign exchange products (or willingness to learn quickly).
  • Ability to work within defined processes, compliance requirements and operational frameworks.
  • Proficiency in using CRM systems and maintaining accurate records.
  • Demonstrates behaviours aligned with Equals Group values and culture.

Values

  • Make it happen
  • Succeed together
  • Be the customer

Additional experience and skills

  • Previous experience within FX, international payments or fintech environments.
  • Experience in a high-volume outbound sales or telesales environment.
  • Demonstrated experience engaging SMEs and corporate clients.
  • Understanding of foreign exchange markets and basic risk concepts.
  • Track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets and activity KPIs.
  • Familiarity with onboarding processes and compliance requirements (e.g. KYC/AML).
  • Experience using CRM systems such as Salesforce or similar platforms.
  • Ability to identify and develop cross-sell opportunities across multiple products.
  • Strong negotiation skills and commercial awareness.
  • A proactive, resilient and self‑motivated approach to sales.

Our investment in you

We welcome people into Equals and desire to grow and develop our talented teams. We believe in teamwork and celebrating our successes. We strive to embrace our values. We want to put you in the driving seat of your career and achieve your full potential through growth opportunities and developmental support. When you join Equals, we aim to help you to get more out of your career. Where possible we offer the opportunity to work flexibly and the opportunity to balance some remote working with time in the office collaborating, taking part in events and developing the social connections that make working with us rewarding. Equals strives to create a workplace where we can all be ourselves. We believe in inclusion, equality and the power of diversity, so you'll be encouraged to bring your unique perspectives and experiences, and help us understand what you need to do your best work.

Graduate Business Development Executive employer: equals

At Equals Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our focus on teamwork, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional development, all while delivering innovative financial solutions in a fast-paced fintech environment. Join us to not only advance your career but also to be part of a collaborative team that values your unique contributions and celebrates success together.

E

Contact Details:

equals Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Graduate Business Development Executive

Get Involved with Campus Finance Societies

Join your university's finance or investment society — they're a goldmine for networking, guest lectures, and career fairs. These societies often host employers looking for entry-level talent like you, so get involved and make yourself known!

Attend Industry Workshops and Webinars

Look for workshops and webinars focused on banking and financial services. These events not only boost your knowledge but also let you connect with industry professionals who could help you land that entry-level role at places like equals.

Leverage LinkedIn for Informational Interviews

Take advantage of LinkedIn to reach out to professionals working in banking, especially those who've started in entry-level positions. Politely ask for a quick chat about their experience and any advice they might have on breaking into the field.

Apply Directly through Company Websites

Don't just rely on job boards. Head directly to equals's careers page and look for their entry-level openings. They might have opportunities that aren’t advertised widely, so keep checking back for new listings!

We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Business Development Executive

Client Acquisition
Outbound Prospecting
Sales Cycle Management
Pipeline Management
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Negotiation Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Splash Your Skills on Your CV:In the banking and financial services realm, it's all about numbers and analysis. Make sure to highlight any relevant coursework, internships, or projects where you've used skills like financial modelling, data analysis, or risk assessment. Show us you can crunch those numbers!

Educational Achievements Matter:For an entry-level role, your grades and academic accomplishments are key. If you have any certifications, like CFA Level 1 or something similar, don’t forget to include them. We love seeing ambition and commitment to the industry, so flaunt those achievements!

Craft a Personal Touch in Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to show us your enthusiasm for banking and finance! Share why you're passionate about the industry and how your studies or previous experiences have prepared you for this role. We want to see that spark and motivation!

Use the Right Format and Language:In banking, clarity is king. Use a clean, professional format for your CV and cover letter. Make sure to avoid jargon, but don’t shy away from technical terms where appropriate – just keep it all clear and easy to read. Let’s see your professionalism shine through!

How to prepare for a job interview at equals

Brush Up on Your Financial Knowledge

Since you're diving into the banking and financial services industry, make sure you're up to speed with current market trends and financial concepts. Be prepared to discuss things like interest rates and investment strategies, as you might get some technical questions that gauge your understanding.

Show Off Your Analytical Skills

Analytical skills are key in banking, so be ready to showcase how you've used them in your studies or any relevant projects. Prepare to tackle case studies or hypothetical financial scenarios during the interview that require you to analyse data and make informed decisions.

Demonstrate Your Team Spirit

As this is an entry-level role, they’ll likely look for how well you can collaborate and fit into their team. Think of examples from group projects or internships where you successfully worked with others. It'll help show that you're keen to learn and grow in a team-oriented environment.

Prepare Thoughtful Questions

Approach your interview with curiosity! Prepare insightful questions that reflect your knowledge of the industry, such as asking about the latest technology being implemented in their services. It shows you're genuinely interested in the company's operations and future.