Global Head of Regulatory Affairs & Licensing

Sector

Global Head Of Regulatory Affairs & Licensing

Global Licensing Strategy & Execution

• Develop and maintain a multi-year global licensing roadmap aligned with the organisation’s growth strategy.
• Identify and prioritise target jurisdictions and regulatory permissions required to support international expansion.
• Lead end-to-end licensing and regulatory approval processes across multiple jurisdictions.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure successful licence applications and ongoing regulatory compliance.
• Conduct market entry assessments, providing strategic recommendations based on regulatory feasibility, operational requirements, and capital considerations.

Regulatory Strategy & Market Intelligence

• Monitor and analyse global regulatory developments impacting financial services, fintech, payments, and digital banking sectors.
• Translate regulatory trends into actionable business strategies and growth opportunities.
• Identify emerging regulatory changes that may present risks, challenges, or competitive advantages.

Regulatory Engagement & Industry Representation

• Build and maintain strong relationships with regulators, supervisory authorities, and industry bodies.
• Act as a senior representative in discussions with regulatory authorities and external stakeholders.
• Participate in industry forums, working groups, and regulatory consultations to support the organisation's strategic interests.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Partner with Product, Technology, Compliance, Risk, and Legal teams to ensure products and services are developed in line with regulatory requirements.
• Work closely with Finance and Risk leadership to align licensing strategies with capital adequacy, governance, and risk management frameworks.
• Provide regulatory guidance on new business initiatives, market expansion plans, and product launches.

Candidate Profile

• The successful candidate will possess:
• A minimum of 10 years' experience in regulatory affairs, licensing, public policy, or regulatory strategy within fintech, banking, payments, or financial services.
• Significant experience managing licensing applications and regulatory approvals across multiple international jurisdictions.
• Strong knowledge of financial services regulatory frameworks across major global markets, including Europe, the United Kingdom, North America, and Asia.
• Proven ability to engage effectively with regulators, executive leadership teams, and external stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical capability, and commercial awareness.
• Experience operating within fast-paced, high-growth, and international environments.

Desirable Experience

• Exposure to digital banking, neobanking, payments, or emerging financial technology sectors.
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks within the Middle East and wider MENA region.
• Legal, regulatory, compliance, or related professional qualifications.
• Experience supporting international market expansion and new product launches.

Opportunity