Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at a regulated fintech institution

About Us

We are a Zurich-based, FINMA-regulated financial institution operating at the intersection of traditional banking, payments, embedded finance and blockchain technology.

We are looking for an experienced and hands-on banking executive to serve as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), with a strong track record in the Swiss or European banking sector and substantial experience in Financial Institutions (FI), Global Corporate Banking and/or High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWI).

The successful candidate should combine solid banking experience, strong commercial and relationship-management capabilities, and a deep understanding of operating a regulated financial institution.

Your Role

As CEO, you will have overall responsibility for the day-to-day management and sound operation of the Company.

You will lead and coordinate the Company’s key functions, ensure that its organisation and control framework meet the standards expected of a regulated financial institution, and work closely with the Board of Directors on the Company’s strategy and development.

A key part of the role will be to strengthen the Company’s position within the Swiss and international banking ecosystem, including relationships with banks, financial institutions, corporate clients and other key stakeholders.

You will also act as a principal representative of the Company towards FINMA, banking partners, clients and the broader financial community.

Key Responsibilities

• Overall Management & Banking Operations: Lead the day-to-day operations of the Company and assume overall executive responsibility for running a regulated financial institution. Coordinate key functions including Compliance, Risk, Finance, Operations, Technology and Business Development. Ensure that the Company’s organisation, processes, controls and resources are appropriate for its business activities and regulatory obligations. Implement the strategy and priorities agreed with the Board of Directors.
• Financial Institutions & Banking Relationships: Develop and maintain senior-level relationships with Swiss and international banks, correspondent banks and other financial institutions. Manage and expand relationships with payment and financial infrastructure partners, including SWIFT, SEPA-related institutions, card organisations and other banking service providers. Represent the Company in discussions and negotiations with banking partners and financial institutions. Support the development of the Company’s international banking network and institutional partnerships.
• Corporate & Institutional Client Development: Contribute banking expertise to the development of the Company’s corporate and institutional client business. Bring a strong understanding of client needs across payments, transaction banking, cash management, treasury, foreign exchange (FX), liquidity management and cross-border financial services. Contribute relevant treasury and FX expertise, including liquidity management, currency exposure, FX execution and related risk management. Ensure that commercial development remains consistent with the Company’s risk appetite and regulatory requirements.
• Governance, Risk & Compliance: Ensure effective governance, risk management and internal controls across the Company. Work closely with Compliance and Risk to ensure compliance with Swiss regulatory requirements, AML/KYC standards and internal policies. Ensure timely remediation of regulatory and audit findings and appropriate follow-up by management. Promote a strong risk and compliance culture throughout the organisation.
• FINMA, Audit & Regulatory Reporting: Maintain a professional and constructive relationship with FINMA and other relevant authorities. Actively participate in financial and regulatory/compliance audits and maintain effective relationships with external auditors.Ensure accurate and timely regulatory, financial, tax and corporate reporting to FINMA, the Board of Directors, auditors and other relevant stakeholders.
• Swiss & International Financial Ecosystem: Represent the Company within the Swiss banking and financial community. Maintain relationships with banks, industry associations, financial organisations and relevant working groups. Strengthen the Company’s connectivity with the broader Swiss and international financial sector.

Candidate Profile

We are particularly interested in candidates who have built their careers within established banks or regulated financial institutions.

Required Experience:

• 10+ years of professional experience with a Swiss bank or major international bank, including substantial senior management responsibility.
• Demonstrated experience in at least one, and preferably more than one, of the following areas: Financial Institutions (FI) / Correspondent Banking; Global Corporate Banking / Transaction Banking; Private Banking / HNWI / Family Office.
• Strong network within the Swiss and/or international banking sector, including senior relationships with banks, financial institutions and corporate or private clients.
• Practical experience dealing with FINMA and a strong understanding of the Swiss banking and regulatory environment.
• Strong understanding of AML/KYC, Risk Management, Corporate Governance and internal control frameworks.
• Solid understanding of banking accounting, financial statements, management reporting and regulatory reporting.
• Experience working with financial and regulatory auditors.

Leadership Profile:

• Proven ability to lead and coordinate multidisciplinary teams within a regulated financial institution.
• Strong commercial judgment combined with a sound risk and compliance mindset.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder-management capabilities.
• Able to operate both strategically and hands-on in a relatively lean organisation.
• Comfortable representing the Company at senior level with regulators, banks, clients, shareholders and other external stakeholders.

Additional Experience:

• Experience in payments, transaction banking, cross-border banking or digital banking is highly desirable.
• Understanding of embedded finance and modern payment infrastructure is an advantage.
• Knowledge of blockchain, DLT, stablecoins and digital assets is beneficial but not a prerequisite.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and German.
• Swiss work permit or citizenship required.

What We Offer

• A senior executive role with overall responsibility for a FINMA-regulated Swiss financial institution.
• The opportunity to lead the Company through its next stage of organisational and business development.
• Close collaboration with the Board of Directors, shareholders and senior stakeholders across the Swiss and international banking ecosystem.
• A hands-on environment with a high degree of responsibility and ownership.