Emerging Markets Lead – Central Asia (Russian speaking)

About the company

The company is a bank and technology business focused on fixing the complexity in modern financial infrastructure. Its goal is to make banking for builders and developers more direct, transparent, safer, and more cost-effective by reducing dependence on multiple vendors, middleware layers, and disconnected systems.

The founders have experience scaling companies such as Plaid, Square, Meta, Blend, and Affirm, and built this business to remove friction from the banking supply chain and support financial technology companies more effectively.

Role overview

This position is a strategic international growth role focused on launching and expanding a new banking product across selected emerging markets, with emphasis on Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The role combines business development, partnership management, regional strategy, and execution. It is intended for someone who can operate independently, build trusted relationships, and help shape a new business line from the ground up.

The role is based in Dubai and includes frequent travel across the region, along with quarterly trips to the company’s headquarters in San Francisco.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the full market development cycle by identifying, assessing, and closing high-value banking partnerships across multiple international markets.
• Act as the main point of contact for prospective and current customers, including in-person meetings, participation in local industry events, and ongoing relationship building.
• Drive partnership execution from initial outreach through final contract signing, coordinating closely with Legal, Compliance, and Product teams.
• Collect and analyze intelligence on market conditions, regulatory shifts, competitor activity, and customer expectations to shape regional strategy.
• Build deep expertise in correspondent banking within priority emerging markets and develop a strong network across banking and fintech ecosystems.
• Create repeatable, scalable processes for onboarding, account/relationship management, and support as the business expands.

Candidate profile

• At least 6 years of experience in business operations, growth, or partnerships in a high-performing environment; experience from a leading technology company or management consulting background is preferred.
• At least 4 years of business experience specifically in Central Asian and Eastern European markets.
• Native-level Russian fluency, plus direct experience managing business relationships with Russian-speaking clients and stakeholders.
• Proven success handling complex partnerships and large-value deals with senior executives.
• Strong networking ability with a track record of building trust and long-term relationships with senior decision-makers, market specialists, and executive stakeholders.
• Sharp strategic thinking with the ability to evaluate market opportunities, assess potential partners, and present recommendations to senior leadership.
• Highly organized project-management style with the ability to coordinate across multiple teams and manage several priorities at once.
• Hands-on, pragmatic, and resourceful attitude with a willingness to do whatever it takes to build the business.

Additional information

The company welcomes candidates from varied educational, professional, and personal backgrounds and encourages all qualified individuals to apply. If you need help or a reasonable accommodation during the hiring process, you may contact the company’s accommodations team at the provided email address.

The employer also participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations as required by law.