At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI strategy for Universal Banking, turning opportunities into impactful products.
- Company: Join Finastra, a global leader in financial services software.
- Benefits: Unlimited vacation, hybrid work, health insurance, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of banking with innovative AI solutions and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in product innovation and AI/ML within financial services required.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
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.
Role summary: The Director of Innovation & AI will lead the AI strategy for the Universal Banking portfolio, working closely with Product Managers, banking clients, Sales, GSC, Partner teams and internal technology teams to generate customer and business value. The role is focused on turning emerging AI opportunities into clear product priorities, practical use cases, market-ready propositions and measurable outcomes.
Overview: This is a senior product leadership role within the CPO organisation, responsible for shaping and driving the AI innovation agenda across Universal Banking, including core banking, lending, payments, digital, and analytics solutions. The role operates across product strategy, customer engagement, sales enablement, partnerships, and delivery execution. It requires an individual who can translate market demand, client challenges, and product roadmaps into a clear and actionable AI strategy that delivers measurable business value.
The successful candidate will partner closely with Product Managers and cross-functional teams to identify high-impact opportunities, validate them with customers, prioritise them based on business value, and drive successful adoption. In addition, the role will champion modern AI-enabled product development practices, including the responsible application of AI throughout the software development lifecycle. This includes ensuring that governance, security, regulatory compliance, and customer trust considerations are embedded from the outset and remain central to all AI initiatives.
Key responsibilities:
- Define the AI Strategy for the Universal Banking portfolio, aligned to customer needs, product priorities and business objectives to generate revenue or for cost optimization and control.
- Product leadership skills and need to partner with Product Managers to identify and prioritize AI opportunities to enhance products, create differentiation and deliver customer value.
- Translate market trends and emerging AI capabilities into actionable product initiatives across the portfolio.
- Leverage customer insights and competitive intelligence to shape AI strategy, innovation priorities and investment decisions.
- Engage customers to identify market needs, define AI opportunities and validate use cases.
- Drive a prioritized AI portfolio from ideation to productization and adoption, working with Product and Engineering to deliver high-value opportunities that improve customer impact, growth and efficiency.
- Establish scalable frameworks and best practices to accelerate adoption and maximize business value.
- Ensure AI initiatives are delivered responsibly, with appropriate governance, risk controls and regulatory compliance.
- Partner with Legal, Compliance, Security and Architecture teams to assess and manage risks across AI use cases.
- Define and track success measures for AI initiatives, focusing on business value, customer impact, adoption and delivery outcomes.
- Provide clear visibility to senior stakeholders on portfolio performance, risks, priorities and investment recommendations.
Required qualifications:
- Significant experience in product innovation, data science, or technology strategy roles, including substantial experience applying AI/ML solutions within the financial services sector.
- Strong understanding of banking, financial technology or enterprise software, ideally across core banking, lending, payments, digital banking or analytics.
- Practical experience shaping AI, data, automation or digital innovation initiatives from concept through delivery and adoption.
- Proven ability to work with Product Managers, Sales, Solution Consulting, Engineering, Partners and senior stakeholders to define strategy and drive outcomes.
- Strong customer-facing skills, with experience engaging senior banking stakeholders and translating business needs into product opportunities.
- Ability to build business cases, prioritise opportunities and connect technology investment to commercial and customer value.
- Good understanding of responsible AI, data privacy, security, governance and regulatory considerations in financial services.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex topics and influence executive audiences.
Additional qualifications and experience:
- Experience with AI-enabled banking use cases, including intelligent automation, AI agents, decision support, predictive insights, document intelligence, fraud, compliance or customer-service workflows.
- Familiarity with modern AI and GenAI development approaches, including LLMs, retrieval-augmented generation, prompt design, agent orchestration and model governance.
- Awareness of AI-enabled SDLC tools and practices such as requirements generation, test-plan creation, coding agents, automated code review, gated workflows and audit evidence.
- Exposure to platforms and tools such as Microsoft Foundry, Azure AI, Azure OpenAI, GitHub Enterprise, GitHub Actions, Claude, CodeRabbit, Microsoft Entra ID, Intune, Purview, Azure Monitor or similar enterprise tooling.
- Experience working with fintechs, hyperscalers, technology partners, analyst firms or industry bodies.
- Advanced degree or equivalent experience in business, finance, technology, data science, engineering or a related field.
Success measures:
- Clear AI strategy agreed across Product, GTM, Sales, GSC, Engineering and Partner teams.
- Prioritised AI use-case portfolio linked to customer value, commercial potential and delivery feasibility.
- Product Managers actively using the AI strategy to shape roadmap decisions and customer propositions.
- Validated AI pilots moving into product decisions, GTM plans or partner-led execution paths.
- Stronger client-facing AI narrative supported by sales enablement, demos, use cases and value stories.
- Responsible AI and governance practices embedded into AI opportunity assessment and delivery planning.
- Regular executive visibility of progress, risks, decisions required and measurable business outcomes.
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 stand for:
- Flexibility: Enjoy unlimited vacation, subject to local regulations and business priorities. Benefit from hybrid working arrangements and inclusive policies such as paid time off for voting, bereavement, and sick leave.
- Well‐being: Access confidential one‐to‐one support through our Employee Assistance Program, connect with our network of Wellbeing Champions and Gather Groups, and take part in monthly events and initiatives designed to help you thrive—inside and outside of work.
- Health & Financial Security: Medical, life and disability insurance, retirement plans, lifestyle, and other benefits.
- Sustainability: Paid time off for volunteering and donation‐matching opportunities to support causes that matter to you.
- Inclusion: Get involved in our inclusion communities, such as Count Me In, Culture@Finastra, Proud@Finastra, Disabilities@Finastra, and Women@Finastra—open to everyone who wants to participate and contribute.
- Career Development: Access online learning and accredited courses through our Skills & Career Navigator tool.
- Recognition: Take part in our global recognition program, Finastra Celebrates, and share your voice through regular employee surveys that help shape our culture and ways of working.
At Finastra, each individual is unique—bringing their own ideas, perspectives, cultural backgrounds, and experiences. We learn from one another, value what makes us different, and create an environment where everyone feels included, supported, and able to be their authentic selves.
Be unique. Be exceptional. Help us make a difference at Finastra.
Summary Location: London Type: Full time
Product Director - Innovation & AI in London employer: Finastra
Finastra is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and collaboration in the financial technology sector. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer extensive training and development opportunities, alongside a flexible work culture that supports hybrid or remote arrangements. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that values your expertise and empowers you to make a meaningful impact in transforming core banking solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Director - Innovation & AI 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 Finastra. 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 Product Director - Innovation & AI 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 Finastra.
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'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
✨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.
✨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 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 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.
