To support our ambitions of establishing a bank, including first obtaining the EMI licenses and subsequently the full banking license, we are seeking a Chief Risk Officer (CRO).
The CRO will ensure the bank's setup complies with all applicable rules and regulations, supported by a robust risk framework.
The CRO will be responsible for developing and leading a forward-thinking risk management strategy, laying the foundation for Benjamin's journey in becoming the number one B2B bank in selected industries.
The CRO's responsibilities will evolve in alignment with the company's growth stage, ensuring a solid risk and compliance foundation for delivering secure, innovative financial solutions that support both immediate and long-term business goals.
The ideal candidate is a business-driven CRO who combines deep risk & compliance knowledge and expertise in managing a banking (EMI) license process, including navigating relationships with regulators and central banks.
Additionally, it is essential that the CRO is hands-on and thrives in the dynamic environment of a start-up, demonstrating a willingness to work with minimal resources and a passion for building something groundbreaking in the industry.
The role requires close collaboration with the management team, ensuring the risk and compliance framework and processes are aligned with the company's overarching business goals.
The CRO will lead and mentor the risk and compliance teams (and potentially the finance team), fostering a culture of innovation, efficiency, and customer-centricity across all systems, processes, products, and services.
Moreover, the CRO must effectively communicate the company's vision to new team members, ensuring alignment and inspiration.
As a member of the executive team, the CRO will serve as the strategic leader for all risk & compliance aspects of the business.
You will (together with the CEO and in a later stage the CFO) have statutory responsibility for the company.
You will possibly be wearing a double hat, combining the strategic responsibilities of both a Chief Risk Officer (CRO) and a Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
As CRO, you will be responsible for the whole group, willing to travel and to work with different people and cultures.
The CRO needs to have an entrepreneurial spirit and is prepared to work in a flexible environment, especially given the evolving regulations in the banking sector.
Despite its early-stage status, the company is already progressing.
The CEO has developed a comprehensive business plan and is actively engaging partners to support the initiative.
An interim CTO is working on the technical blueprint, and several external consultants are assisting with the licensing process in the UK, shaping the brand strategy and design, and exploring regulatory requirements in Ireland.
Key responsibilities The CRO holds a crucial leadership role, primarily responsible for evaluating and mitigating risks for the company.
The three main types of risks the CRO focuses on are:
Technical Risks : Ensuring the company is protected from technical threats such as cyber-attacks, which may expose sensitive information.
Regulatory Risks : Ensuring compliance with all applicable rules, laws, and regulations relevant to the company's industry.
Competitive Risks : Mitigating risks posed by competitors and safeguarding the company's brand reputation in the marketplace.
The key responsibilities of a CRO include: Developing and implementing risk management strategies and policies.
Identifying and assessing potential risks to the organization.
Monitoring and reporting on risk exposure and mitigation efforts.
Collaborating with other executives to align risk management with organizational goals.
Leading and mentoring a team of risk management professionals.
Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
Conducting risk assessments and scenario analyses.
Developing and maintaining a risk management framework.
Communicating risk-related issues to stakeholders at all levels.
Overseeing the development of risk management training programs.
Coordinating with internal and external auditors on risk-related matters.
Implementing risk mitigation plans and monitoring their effectiveness.
Fostering a culture of risk awareness across the organization.
Managing the organization's risk appetite and defining tolerance levels.
Ensuring the integration of risk management into business planning processes.
Developing and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders and regulators.
Overseeing the development of business continuity and disaster recovery plans.
Evaluating the effectiveness of risk management tools and technologies.
Staying updated on industry trends and emerging risks.
Preparing and presenting risk reports to the board of directors.
Cybersecurity and Risk Management Given the paramount importance of financial data security, the CRO must collaborate closely with the Chief Technology and Product Officer (CTPO) to establish and oversee comprehensive cybersecurity measures across Benjamin's digital environment.
This includes developing and executing risk management strategies to safeguard sensitive data and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, such as AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and PSD2 (Payment Services Directive 2).
Cross-Functional Collaboration In partnership with the CEO and other executives, the CRO will contribute to building the company within the framework of legal and compliance requirements.
This includes aligning technology solutions with business objectives, compliance standards, and customer experience goals.
Through this collaboration, technology initiatives will directly support Benjamin's strategic vision and growth trajectory.
Candidate Profile Education Master's degree, preferably in finance.
Experience Experience with complex stakeholder management, preferably in a start-up or scale-up environment.
Experience in applying for and/or managing a banking/EMI license in at least one of the three target countries.
Leadership Style Analytical thinking and strategic mindset.
Strong people management and team leadership skills.
Deep market knowledge.
Hands-on mentality.
High level of integrity and ethical standards.
Professional Experience Minimum of 10-15 years relevant experience in a banking environment of which minimum 3 years relevant fintech experience.
Experience in developing and implementing risk management strategies.
Demonstrated success in building, leading, managing, and developing professional teams.
Proven track record as a C(F)RO or similar leadership role within a regulated Banking/FinTech environment, including compliance, and cyber-security.
Familiarity with fostering a culture of risk awareness across the organization.
Familiarity with the European regulatory environment, specifically PSD2 and the Electronic Money Directive.
Experience in designing and implementing a comprehensive risk framework, including processes and procedures.
Adaptable with willingness to frequently travel.
Experience in building and maintaining relationships with regulators, with a preference for existing active relationships within the regulatory environment.
Deep understanding of financial markets and instruments.
Hands-on experience with risk management tools and technologies.
Why Join Us?
Benjamin Finance is in its startup phase, and this is your chance to be part of something from day one.
We're assembling a team of dedicated, ambitious professionals, and you'll be one of the key players shaping the company's success.
In the coming months, you'll be joined by other like-minded individuals in our Ireland office.
This isn't just a job—it's an adventure in building something exceptional.
So, if you're ready to step into a role that's anything but ordinary, let's talk.
We're looking for someone who's as excited about this journey as we are.
How to Apply Send us your CV and a short note on why you'd be a great fit for this role.
We're not just looking for skills—we want the right mindset and energy to match our ambitious vision.
Seniority level Executive Employment type Full-time Job function Finance and Sales Banking #J-18808-Ljbffr