At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and scale operations in a fast-growing fintech, overseeing payments and BaaS services.
- Company: Join a recognised leader in financial services, delivering innovative payment solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a rapidly growing company recognised by the Financial Times.
- Why this job: Shape the future of fintech and make a real impact on payment operations.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in payments operations with strong leadership and operational skills.
The predicted salary is between 121500 - 148500 £ per year.
Financial House is a fast-growing financial services provider delivering multi-currency account, payment and Banking as a Service (BaaS) solutions to businesses and fintechs. Through technology and API infrastructure, clients can embed IBAN accounts and payment capabilities directly into their products, with connectivity across key payment rails including SEPA, Faster Payments, BACS, CHAPS and SWIFT. Recognised by the Financial Times and Statista as one of Europe’s 1,000 fastest-growing companies, we are now seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead and scale operations.
The Role
This is a senior leadership position with responsibility for the end-to-end operational performance of our IBAN account, payments and BaaS business. The COO will oversee account and payment operations, BaaS partner management, operational controls, service delivery and transformation while working closely with Compliance, Risk, Technology, Product and senior leadership.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the operational strategy in line with the company's growth objectives.
- Lead the end-to-end operation of IBAN accounts and payment services, including onboarding, IBAN issuance, payment processing, reconciliation, safeguarding and payment investigations.
- Oversee the complete BaaS partner lifecycle, from due diligence and onboarding through to programme implementation, monitoring and offboarding.
- Scale payment and BaaS operations across new currencies, payment corridors, partners and client segments.
- Define and manage SLAs, operational support models and escalation processes.
- Drive operational efficiency through automation, technology integration and lean process improvement.
- Maintain high standards of operational resilience, service availability and customer experience.
- Work closely with Compliance and Risk on AML, KYC, safeguarding, transaction monitoring, fraud prevention and partner oversight.
- Strengthen internal controls, governance and operational risk management.
- Partner with Technology and Product teams to develop account, payment and embedded finance capabilities.
- Champion digital transformation, including real-time payments, open banking, API automation and AI-enabled monitoring.
- Build strong relationships with banking partners, payment schemes, fintech partners, BaaS clients and other key stakeholders.
- Provide executive-level leadership on operational strategy, performance and scalability.
Experience & Requirements
- 8+ years' progressive leadership experience within payments operations, account services or banking operations in a bank, EMI or regulated financial institution.
- Strong hands-on understanding of IBAN account operations and payment processing.
- Good knowledge of payment infrastructure, including SEPA, Faster Payments, BACS, CHAPS and SWIFT.
- Experience within Banking as a Service (BaaS), embedded finance or partner-led financial services.
- Experience overseeing partner onboarding, operational delivery and ongoing partner performance.
- Strong understanding of AML, KYC, safeguarding, PSD2 and payment scheme requirements.
- Proven experience leading and scaling operational teams and functions.
- Track record of delivering automation, process improvement and digital transformation.
- Strong commercial awareness with excellent senior stakeholder and partner management skills.
This is an opportunity to take a key executive leadership role within a growing fintech and help shape the next stage of its payments, account and BaaS operations.
Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Fintech & Payments in London employer: Financial House
At Financial House, we pride ourselves on being a dynamic and innovative employer, offering our First Line AML Specialists a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and professional growth. With a commitment to compliance and excellence, we provide comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring our employees are equipped with the latest knowledge in AML and KYC processes. Located in a thriving financial hub, we offer competitive benefits and a supportive environment where your contributions directly impact our success as one of Europe's fastest-growing companies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Fintech & Payments 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 Financial House. 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 Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Fintech & Payments 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 Financial House.
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 Financial House'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 Financial House
✨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 Financial House.
✨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 Financial House 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 Financial House 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.
