Director, Innovation – Corporate Lending in London

Who are we? 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 the future of lending. Build what’s next.

We’re forming a high‑impact Market Innovation Team to co‑innovate directly with global banks and fintech partners. This team discovers emerging trends, develops Proofs-of-Concept (POCs), and hands validated opportunities to Product for roadmap development.

As the Director of Innovation – Corporate Lending, you will 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

• Essential 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.

We are proud to offer a range of incentives to our employees worldwide. These benefits are available to everyone, regardless of grade, and reflect the values we uphold:

• 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.

At Finastra, each individual is unique, bringing their own ideas, thoughts, cultural beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences together. We learn from one another, embrace and celebrate our differences, and create an environment where everyone feels safe to be themselves. Be unique, be exceptional, and help us make a difference at Finastra!