Our client, an international FinTech group preparing to establish a licensed Electronic Money Institution (EMI) in Latvia, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead its newly formed Latvian entity through the licensing process and into full operational launch.

This is a strategic leadership role for a professional with deep expertise in financial operations, regulatory compliance, and team management. The successful candidate will represent the company before the Bank of Latvia, oversee all regulatory interactions, and ensure full compliance with EMI and payment services regulations while driving business growth and operational excellence.

🔍 Responsibilities:

• Lead the institution’s strategic and operational development in line with Board decisions and regulatory expectations.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for the Bank of Latvia and other regulators, ensuring transparent communication and regulatory compliance.

• Oversee daily operations, governance, and internal control systems across payments, onboarding, treasury, and reporting.

• Supervise financial management, liquidity, capital adequacy, and safeguarding of client funds.

• Ensure robust implementation of risk management, AML/CFT, compliance, and safeguarding frameworks.

• Build and lead a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, ethics, and transparency.

• Maintain strong relationships with key partners, auditors, and shareholders.

• Ensure the company’s business continuity and incident response plans are maintained and tested.

🎓 Requirements:

• Minimum of 5–10 years of senior management experience within a regulated financial institution (EMI, PSP, or banking sector).

• Proven track record of managing operations, compliance, or risk in a cross-border financial environment.

• University degree (Bachelor’s or Master’s) in Finance, Economics, Banking, Accounting, or Business Administration.

• Strong leadership, analytical, and decision-making skills.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

• Fluency in English and Latvian (Russian is an asset).

• Must meet the “fit and proper” requirements of the Bank of Latvia.

✨ The Employer offers:

• Part-time engagement at the beginning, during the Licensing Phase (25% workload, approx. 40 hours/month).

• Opportunity to lead a newly licensed EMI and play a pivotal role in its strategic and operational success.

• Option to transition into a full-time CEO role upon successful license approval.

• Additional benefits and compensation to be agreed upon during the hiring process.