At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovation in corporate lending, exploring AI and blockchain to create new financial products.
- Company: Finastra, a global leader in financial services software with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Unlimited vacation, hybrid work, well-being support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team where your ideas have immediate impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance by co-creating products with top banks and fintechs.
- Qualifications: Experience in corporate lending or fintech, with strong product development skills.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
At Finastra, we’re a global leader in financial services software, dedicated to expanding access to financial services and shaping what’s next for the industry. Our technology powers mission‑critical solutions across Lending, Payments and Universal Banking, supporting over 7,000 customers, including 80% of the world’s top 50 banks, in more than 110 countries.
Shape and lead early‑stage product innovation across the Loan IQ and Trade Innovation ecosystem, partnering with clients to explore and advance emerging capabilities in AI, tokenisation, blockchain infrastructure, stablecoins, and next‑generation lending workflows. This is a rare opportunity to build new concepts with customers, influence product direction, and shape the next wave of financial technology.
What You’ll Do
- Lead customer discovery with corporate lending clients to identify pain points and high‑value innovation opportunities.
- Conceptualise new product capabilities and ecosystem integrations using emerging technologies (AI, tokenisation, embedded finance, supply chain finance).
- Build and manage a pipeline of innovation initiatives from discovery through POC validation and transition into MVP.
- Collaborate with Product Heads to ensure alignment, feasibility, and commercial potential.
- Assess commercial viability of new use cases, including scalability and revenue opportunities.
- Develop relationships with tier‑one banks, fintechs, and technology partners.
- Present insights, innovation concepts, and POCs to senior stakeholders internally and externally.
What you bring
- Experience in corporate lending, fintech, banking technology, or financial innovation.
- Strong background in customer‑facing product work — leading discovery, shaping ideas, and building concepts with clients.
- Proven ability to take ideas from concept to POC/MVP.
- Solid understanding of banking workflows, how financial institutions operate, and financial technology architecture.
- Comfortable working in ambiguous, fast‑moving environments with emerging technologies.
Preferred
- Exposure to AI, tokenisation, blockchain, stablecoins, or embedded finance.
- Familiarity with Loan IQ or Trade Innovation (helpful, not required).
- Experience in fintech product development or innovation labs (e.g., BCG X‑style environments).
Why you’ll love this role
- Work on cutting‑edge innovation topics with major financial institutions.
- Rare opportunity to co‑create new products with customers and see your ideas influence the product roadmap.
- High visibility and direct exposure to banks, fintech partners, and internal leadership.
- Join a small, collaborative team where your impact is immediate and tangible.
Benefits
- Flexibility: Enjoy unlimited vacation, based on your location and business priorities. Hybrid working arrangements, and inclusive policies such as paid time off for voting, bereavement, and sick leave.
- Well‑being: Access confidential one‑on‑one therapy through our Employee Assistance Program, find support from our network of Wellbeing Champions and Gather Groups, and a calendar of monthly events and initiatives designed to help you thrive – inside and outside of work. Medical, life & disability insurance, retirement plan, lifestyle and other benefits.
- Sustainability: Benefit from paid time off for volunteering and donation matching.
- DEI: Participate in multiple DE&I groups for open involvement (e.g., Count Me In, Culture@Finastra, Proud@Finastra, Disabilities@Finastra, Women@Finastra).
- Career Development: Access online learning and accredited courses through our Skills & Career Navigator tool.
- Recognition: Be part of our global recognition program, Finastra Celebrates, and contribute to regular employee surveys to help shape Finastra and foster a culture where everyone is engaged and empowered to perform at their best. Specific benefits may vary by location.
Director, Innovation – Corporate Lending employer: Finastra International Limited
At Finastra, we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking employer that champions innovation and collaboration in the financial services sector. Our inclusive work culture fosters creativity and personal growth, offering employees the chance to engage with cutting-edge technologies while enjoying flexible working arrangements and comprehensive well-being support. With a commitment to sustainability and diversity, we empower our team members to make a meaningful impact in their roles, particularly in the dynamic field of corporate lending.
Contact Details:
Finastra International Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Innovation – Corporate Lending
✨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.
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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.
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Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Finastra International Limited. 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 Director, Innovation – Corporate Lending
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 Finastra International Limited.
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 Finastra International Limited'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 Finastra International Limited
✨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 Finastra International Limited.
✨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 Finastra International Limited 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 Finastra International Limited 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.
