Head of Strategic Digital Partnerships

We are seeking an accomplished leader to drive strategic growth and innovation as Head of Strategic Partnerships.

In this pivotal role, you will spearhead the identification of high-impact strategic partners globally to help build a best-in-class ecosystem for Retail Banking. You will be responsible for leading sustainable growth and long-term value creation by forging innovative partnerships across fintech, technology providers, telcos, digital platforms, and other financial institutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end lifecycle of strategic partnerships: market scanning, opportunity assessment, negotiation, execution, and relationship management.
• Develop and execute a cohesive expansion and acceleration strategy aligned with business objectives and market needs.
• Co-create and commercialize partner-enabled or co-developed propositions with cross-functional teams (product, technology, marketing, compliance, and operations).
• Drive adoption and scaling of new products and services through partnerships, with a focus on accelerating market penetration and profitability.
• Continuously monitor emerging trends, disruptive business models, and ecosystem opportunities to inform the innovation roadmap, particularly in BaaS/PaaS and digital ecosystems.
• Establish and maintain alliances with fintechs, startups, accelerators, technology vendors, and ecosystem partners to access cutting-edge capabilities.
• Act as a senior representative for the partnerships and innovation agenda, actively engaging in industry forums, conferences, and events.
• Build and lead a high-performing team of experts, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and performance excellence.
• Ensure robust governance, performance tracking, and KPI management for all partnership initiatives.

Candidate Profile

• 15–20 years of experience in strategic partnerships, business development, or growth/acceleration strategy within top-tier financial institutions, fintechs, or consulting firms.
• Proven track record of identifying, executing, and scaling high-impact partnerships leading to measurable business outcomes.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to inspire and influence cross-functional teams and senior executives.
• Deep understanding of banking products, fintech innovation, digital ecosystems, and emerging technologies.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, capable of making data-driven decisions.
• Experience with agile methodologies, design thinking, and rapid prototyping.
• Passion for innovation, ecosystem building, and continuous learning.