Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – FinTech Startup

About the Role and Company

This position is for a Chief Executive Officer at a dynamic fintech startup focused on reshaping financial infrastructure across Asia. The startup aims to develop innovative digital payment and financial products that simplify financial services for companies and consumers alike. The CEO will be pivotal in steering the company through significant growth stages and must relocate to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Key Duties

• Craft and implement the company’s overarching strategy and long-term growth objectives with full accountability for profit and loss.
• Lead all areas of the company including operations, technology, finance, marketing, product development, compliance, and customer success.
• Foster a results-driven culture emphasizing innovation, accountability, and strong execution.
• Identify new business opportunities and develop strategic partnerships with banks, payment firms, financial institutions, technology entities, and enterprise customers.
• Represent the business in negotiations and strategic dealings, expanding its footprint across Southeast Asia and global markets.
• Collaborate with product and engineering teams to steer product vision, operational excellence, and scale customer acquisition.
• Manage financial planning, budgeting, resource allocation, and monitor performance metrics to secure ongoing profitability and growth.
• Lead capital raising efforts through various funding stages, maintain strong investor relations, and prepare targeted presentations.
• Recruit and mentor senior leaders while building an empowered leadership culture to attract top-tier talent.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations, establish corporate governance standards, risk controls, and cultivate relations with regulators and industry stakeholders.

Candidate Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• 8 to 15 years of senior leadership experience in fintech, financial services, banking, SaaS, or technology sectors.
• Proven leadership as CEO, COO, General Manager, Country Manager, or similar business leadership roles, with experience driving startup growth.
• Strong track record in revenue growth, managing cross-functional teams across product, tech, marketing, operations, finance, and compliance.
• Deep understanding of fintech ecosystems including digital payments, embedded finance, financial infrastructure, and digital assets.
• Experience in fundraising and investor relations is highly advantageous.
• Effective leadership, communication, negotiation, and decision-making abilities.
• Adaptability to work in a fast-paced startup environment and willingness to relocate to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Preferred Expertise

• Experience with fintech startups, payment gateways, digital wallets, banking technologies, and embedded finance.
• Familiarity with cross-border payments, blockchain or digital asset ventures, financial infrastructure platforms, B2B SaaS, and scaling high-growth tech companies.