Chief Risk Officer (CRO) – Digital Bank (UAE)
We are partnering with a next-generation digital banking platform in the UAE that is redefining ethical financial services. As the business scales, there is a critical need to build a robust, forward-looking risk management function that supports growth while ensuring strong regulatory and governance standards. This is a unique opportunity to join at an early stage and play a pivotal role in shaping the risk strategy of a high-growth financial institution.
The Opportunity
As Chief Risk Officer, you will be responsible for building and leading the enterprise-wide risk management function from the ground up. You will design and implement the frameworks, policies, and governance structures required to support a fast-scaling digital bank in a highly regulated environment. Working closely with the executive team, you will oversee all aspects of risk including operational, credit, fraud, and regulatory risk, ensuring alignment with UAE regulatory expectations. This role is central to enabling sustainable growth, protecting the firm's reputation, and embedding a strong culture of accountability, transparency, and proactive risk management.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement a comprehensive enterprise risk management framework aligned to business strategy and regulatory requirements
- Lead risk identification, assessment, and mitigation across operational, credit, fraud, cyber, and strategic risk areas
- Ensure full compliance with UAE regulatory requirements, proactively adapting to regulatory developments
- Partner with senior leadership to design and embed risk policies, controls, and governance structures
- Establish risk reporting frameworks, including KRIs and dashboards, to support executive decision-making
- Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing risk function
- Act as the primary point of contact for regulators, auditors, and external stakeholders on risk matters
Candidate Profile
- Proven experience in a senior risk leadership role within financial services or fintech
- Deep knowledge of the UAE regulatory landscape
- Demonstrated experience building risk frameworks and teams from inception
- Strong analytical capability with the ability to translate complex risk data into strategic insight
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
Preferred Experience
- Advanced degree in finance, business, or a related field
- Professional certifications such as FRM, PRM, or equivalent
- Exposure to technology-enabled risk management environments
- Experience within a high-growth or startup environment
- Familiarity with international regulatory frameworks
First 60 Days – Key Focus
- Conduct a comprehensive enterprise-wide risk assessment
- Establish core risk frameworks, policies, and governance structures
- Implement executive-level risk reporting and dashboards
- Launch a firm-wide risk awareness and training programme
- Build relationships with key regulators and external stakeholders
