Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

We are building a digital-first lending company in South Africa and are looking for an experienced lending industry executive to lead the business from launch to scale. Behind the project is an international fintech team with a proven track record of building and growing lending businesses across multiple markets. We have secured funding, an established operating model, and deep expertise in consumer lending. The CEO will have full ownership of the business, including P&L responsibility, team building, strategy, and execution. South Africa is one of the largest and most developed consumer lending markets in Africa, with more than 20 million potential borrowers. We are entering the market with a digital-first approach in a sector where traditional and legacy players still dominate. What you will do: • Build and scale the company from the ground up, including strategy, organisational structure, key processes, and team • Own the full P&L and drive the overall performance and profitability of the business • Develop and execute the company's consumer lending strategy, with a focus on digital lending products • Oversee product strategy and vision (working closely with Product, Risk, and Tech teams), ensuring alignment across underwriting, credit risk, scoring, collections, and operational efficiency • Build and scale customer acquisition channels • Manage portfolio quality, profitability, and risk metrics • Lead licensing efforts and ensure compliance with South African regulatory requirements, including NCR and NCA regulations • Hire, develop, and lead a high-performing management team • Represent the company in relationships with regulators, partners, investors, and other key stakeholders What we are looking for: Industry Background (Mandatory): • Hands-on executive or senior operational experience working directly inside a bank, MFI (microfinance institution), MCC, credit scoring company, or leasing company. Experience solely as a vendor, B2B consultant, or tech partner serving these industries is not sufficient. We need someone who has operated the core lending business from within. Core Experience: • Strong track record in consumer lending, payday lending, or digital lending • Deep expertise in underwriting, credit risk management, scoring models, and collections strategies • Proven experience launching, building, or scaling lending businesses in competitive markets (experience in Africa or other markets is a strong plus) • Demonstrated ability to manage a full P&L and drive sustainable profitability in a lending portfolio Leadership & Execution: • Proven ability to build, scale, and manage cross-functional teams (50+ people preferred) • Strong analytical skills and a highly data-driven approach to decision-making • Solid understanding of regulatory and compliance frameworks within financial services Other Requirements: • Willingness to relocate to South Africa and lead the business on-site • Fuent English or B2 min • Russian language skills are a strong plus What we offer: • Competitive fixed compensation and performance-based bonus • Comprehensive relocation support • Direct access to shareholders and fast decision-making • High level of autonomy and ownership • The opportunity to build a market-leading digital lending business from the ground up in one of Africa's most attractive financial markets If you are excited by this opportunity, we would love to hear from you. Уровень владения языками: Английский : Разговорный.