Head of Risk
Our client is a fast-growing European payment technology group operating across multiple markets. They deliver innovative, secure, and scalable payment solutions for merchants and partners, combining modern payment rails with embedded finance. The business is entering its next phase of expansion and is seeking a leader to shape its Risk function.
The Role
As Head of Risk, you will take full ownership of building and leading the Risk function across the group. This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll define frameworks, embed risk into decision-making, and ensure the business remains safe and scalable while continuing to grow. You'll work closely with Compliance, Product, and Operations teams and have direct access to senior decision-makers.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and maintain a practical, business-oriented Risk Management Framework suited to a fast-moving payments environment.
- Monitor and report on enterprise-wide risk exposure, aligned with strategic goals and regulatory expectations.
- Identify, assess, and manage risks across acquiring, issuing, transaction processing, and merchant activities.
- Oversee operational, financial, and partner risks, including relationships with acquirers, processors, and scheme partners.
- Collaborate with Compliance to ensure regulatory alignment across Luxembourg and Switzerland.
- Build clear, actionable risk reporting for management, Board, and regulators.
- Use data to spot emerging risks and trends, driving continuous improvement.
- Lead and develop a small, high-performing Risk team, fostering ownership and accountability.
- Support audits and ensure controls/documentation withstand scrutiny without unnecessary bureaucracy.
What We're Looking For
- 5+ years' experience in risk management within financial services, fintech, or payments.
- Strong understanding of transaction, fraud, operational, partner, and liquidity risks.
- Familiarity with CSSF (Luxembourg), FINMA (Switzerland), and card scheme requirements.
- Proven ability to build or scale a risk function.
- Analytical, data-driven mindset; ability to turn complexity into actionable insights.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to influence cross-functionally.
- Fluent in English and German; willingness to travel occasionally.
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