Chief Risk Officer (CRO) - Fintech / BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later)

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Chief Risk Officer (CRO) to lead the enterprise risk management function for a regulated BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) fintech operating under the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) framework.

The CRO will be responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating operational, credit, regulatory, technology, and strategic risks while ensuring strong governance, compliance, and platform resilience as the business scales across Qatar and the wider MENA region.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement an enterprise-wide risk management framework aligned with QCB regulations, fintech best practices, and business strategy.
• Develop and oversee credit risk policies, including credit scoring models, customer segmentation, payment behavior analysis, and merchant onboarding risk frameworks.
• Establish and monitor internal controls for operational, IT, cybersecurity, and data protection risks.
• Lead fraud prevention and detection initiatives in collaboration with data, compliance, and technology teams.
• Monitor macroeconomic, regulatory, and industry risks impacting BNPL products and market stability.
• Conduct periodic enterprise risk assessments, stress testing, and risk simulations across departments.
• Ensure compliance with QCB regulatory requirements, reporting obligations, and supervisory reviews.
• Define Key Risk Indicators (KRIs) and risk tolerance thresholds; report regularly to the CEO and Board.
• Assess and manage third-party risks related to vendors, payment processors, and data service providers.
• Lead the implementation of business continuity and disaster recovery plans.
• Represent the risk function in interactions with regulators, auditors, and investors.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing risk team while promoting a strong risk-aware culture.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Risk Management, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• MBA, MSc in Risk, or professional certifications such as FRM, CISA, or CIRM strongly preferred.
• Minimum 8+ years of experience in enterprise risk management within fintech, banking, payments, or consumer credit environments.
• Strong understanding of Qatar Central Bank (QCB) regulations and risk reporting requirements.
• Proven experience in credit risk modeling, fraud analytics, and data-driven risk assessment.
• Familiarity with ISO 31000, COSO, or similar enterprise risk management frameworks.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strategic and analytical risk leadership
• Deep understanding of digital finance and BNPL risk dynamics
• Expertise in credit, fraud, operational, and regulatory risk
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Cross-functional leadership and team mentoring
• Knowledge of cybersecurity and data privacy risks
• High integrity, accuracy, and attention to detail

Job Type: Permanent

Pay: From QAR20,000.00 per month

Application Question(s):

• Briefly describe your experience managing credit risk, fraud, and regulatory risk in a fintech or BNPL environment.
• Do you have hands-on experience in fintech, banking, payments, or consumer credit (BNPL/lending)?
• What is your current salary (QAR)?
• What is your expected monthly salary range (QAR)?