Overview
Head of Risk (Fintech) Jobs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at Uplift People Consulting
Title: Head of Risk (Fintech)
Company: Uplift People Consulting
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Uplift is a dynamic agency specializing in global talent search, covering EMEA, LATAM, USA, and APAC. With successful placements in 60 countries, we combine speed and cutting-edge technology to source top executive and mid-senior talent across various functions. Our innovative approach integrates global networks, AI, and advanced recruitment tools. Beyond recruitment, we engage with our audience through our podcast, newsletter, and webinars, ensuring we stay at the forefront of talent acquisition and global HR trends.
We are partnering with a fast-growing, SAMA-regulated open finance provider to appoint a Head of Risk who will lead and further develop its risk management function in Saudi Arabia
The Risk Management Framework is already in place.
What is required now is not a builder from scratch — but a disciplined, credible risk leader who can strengthen, refine, and defend it.
The Role
You will take ownership of the existing Enterprise Risk Management structure in Saudi Arabia and elevate its effectiveness.
This is a hands-on individual contributor role.
You will work closely with senior management, compliance, business, and technology teams to ensure the organization remains regulator-ready at all times.
You will:
- Maintain and enhance the existing Risk Management Framework
- Own and continuously improve the Risk Register
- Refine and monitor the Risk Appetite Statement and KRIs
- Oversee operational, technology, and third-party risks
- Conduct risk assessments for new initiatives and product changes
- Prepare structured, defensible risk reports for senior management
- Support regulatory engagement with SAMA
- Ensure risk governance remains practical, proportionate, and effective
The expectation is clarity, structure, and regulatory confidence — not bureaucracy.
What We’re Looking For
- 5–8 years of risk management experience within a SAMA-regulated financial services environment (fintech, payments, digital banking, or lending preferred)
- Direct exposure to SAMA regulatory requirements and inspections
- Practical ownership of Risk Appetite frameworks and Risk Registers
- Strong operational risk experience (beyond pure credit or market risk)
- Experience managing third-party / outsourcing risk
- Confidence presenting risk matters to senior management
- Fluent English
- Saudi national