Chief Operating Officer

Our client is building a Offshore Digital Bank. They are looking for a builder-operator who can help build and operationalize a bank from the ground up — owning execution, defining the operating model, and ensuring the business can scale within regulatory boundaries.

This role sits at the center of execution, operations, and strategic decision-making. The successful candidate will work closely with the CEO and leadership team to establish the operational backbone of the business while driving scalable growth. For the right individual, this role offers a clear pathway toward broader executive leadership responsibilities, potentially including progression to CEO over time.

Responsibilities

Build the Bank’s Operational Foundation

• Customer onboarding & KYC
• Payments & settlements
• Lending operations
• Account management
• Customer servicing

Translate Strategy into Execution

• Design operational workflows and SOPs
• Establish operational KPIs and service standards
• Create scalable operational processes

Define Scalable Operating Models

• Drive automation and STP initiatives
• Improve operational efficiency and customer experience

Ensure Regulatory & Compliance Readiness

• AML / CFT / KYC compliance
• Internal controls and audit readiness
• Operational governance

Build & Lead High-Performing Teams

• Operations
• KYC / onboarding
• Customer support

Partner Closely with the CEO

• Business scalability
• Operational strategy
• Growth planning

Qualifications

Experience & Background

• Bachelor’s degree or above, with 10–15+ years in banking or financial services
• Strong experience in banking operations

0→1 / Transformation Experience

• Building digital banks or banking platforms
• Digital transformation initiatives
• Launching new business lines

Regulatory & Risk Understanding

• Strong understanding of banking regulations
• Experience engaging with regulators preferred

Leadership & Personal Attributes

• Builder mindset
• Hands-on operator
• Strong ownership mentality
• Comfortable in fast-changing environments

Language Requirements

• Fluent in English
• Mandarin proficiency highly preferred

Required Skills

Builder mindset, hands-on operator, strong ownership mentality, comfortable in fast-changing environments.

Preferred Skills

Fluent in English, Mandarin proficiency highly preferred.

Work Location: remote from Hong Kong, Singapore, Middle East, Europe