VP of Payments

VP of Payments

London/Dubai

We are seeking a VP of Payments to lead a transformation, shaping and executing a strategy that optimizes cost, speed, and enterprise value while overseeing day-to-day payment operations.

Role Overview

As VP of Payments, you will be responsible for defining and delivering our clients payments strategy, ensuring the function evolves from a cost center into a profit-driving capability. You will develop and execute a roadmap that balances operational efficiency with commercial growth, leveraging partnerships, licensing opportunities, and innovative technology solutions.

You will oversee all aspects of payment processing, ensuring seamless transactions for customers while driving cost efficiency, compliance, and revenue opportunities. This role requires deep expertise in global payments, a strong network in the industry, and the ability to lead strategic initiatives across multiple regions.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Transformation

• Define and execute a payments strategy that optimizes cost, improves transaction speed, and enhances enterprise value.
• Assess and implement new payment models, including partnerships, own builds, acquisitions, and regulatory licensing.
• Identify and execute monetization opportunities within payments, such as interchange fees, embedded finance, and cross-border optimization.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee the full payments lifecycle across PSPs, banks, card networks, and crypto channels.
• Implement automation (AI, and blockchain) solutions to enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs.
• Optimize internal reconciliation, settlement, and fraud prevention processes.
• Lead negotiations with PSPs, banks, and technology providers to drive cost efficiency and service improvements.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and licensing requirements across MENA and Asia.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with regulators, payment networks, and banking partners.
• Manage risk and FRAML prevention strategies, ensuring high security and compliance standards.

Technology & Innovation

• Work closely with technology teams to enhance payment infrastructure and develop scalable, future-proof solutions.
• Explore emerging trends such as open banking, embedded payments, and decentralized finance (DeFi) to drive competitive advantage.
• Lead digital transformation initiatives to modernize payment systems and user experience.

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Build and lead a high-performing payments team, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
• Collaborate with finance, product, compliance, and technology teams to integrate payments seamlessly into our clients broader operations.
• Present strategic plans and progress updates to senior leadership and investors.

Key Requirements

Experience & Expertise

• 10+ years of experience in global payments, fintech, banking, or related industries.
• Proven track record of leading payments transformation projects, driving cost efficiency, and developing revenue-generating strategies.
• Strong understanding of payment processing, PSPs, acquiring, issuing, and crypto transactions.
• Experience in high-growth, cross-border fintech environments, particularly in MENA and Asia.
• Deep knowledge of regulatory frameworks, licensing, and compliance in global payments.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic thinker with an ability to balance short-term operational needs with long-term vision.
• Strong commercial acumen, with experience negotiating and optimizing payment costs.
• Exceptional leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to influence across functions.
• Deep industry network and ability to establish key partnerships.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.