Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Designate

Contract Type:

Full-Time

Location: Hybrid – London, UK

Start Date: After the close of our funding round and PRA/FCA fit-and-proper approval.

Salary Range: £120,000–£150,000 + equity.

Important Notice

This is a paid, full-time employment role. Your start date will follow the close of our funding round and PRA/FCA approval. You will formally assume Chief Financial Officer (CFO) duties only once these conditions are met.

About MENA FS

We are establishing a profit-sharing, interest free digital bank with a Shariah ethos, delivering a world‑class banking experience. We have completed the Prudential Regulation Authority’s (PRA) New Bank Start‑Up Unit (NBSU) pre‑application ‘Initial’ stage. We are now appointing a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Designate to strengthen our senior leadership team and progress through the pre‑application stages to authorisation.

This is a rare opportunity to:

Create a bank from the ground up.Shape its strategic direction.Deliver a new benchmark in ethical digital banking.

Why Join Us

Shape the operational DNA of a new UK bank from inception to launch.Work alongside a founding team committed to transparency, governance, and ethical finance.Drive innovation in Shariah and ethical finance.

About the Role

As CFO, you will develop and execute our financial strategy, build the finance function from the ground up, and lead the development of ICAAP, ILAAP, and detailed financial models for our Regulated Business Plan (RBP). You will ensure robust governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance while embedding financial discipline, transparency, and Shariah‑aligned principles across planning, reporting, and controls.

You will work closely with the Founder, Co‑Founder, CEO, COO, Chair (INEC), and Chief Risk & Compliance Officer to deliver the RBP, progress through PRA/FCA pre‑application stages, and support capital‑raising initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Lead financial planning, modelling, ICAAP and ILAAP for the Regulated Business Plan (RBP).Drive capital strategy, fundraising, and investor relations.Oversee treasury, liquidity, and cash management to support growth.Establish financial controls, risk frameworks, and regulatory compliance.Deliver transparent reporting to Board, regulators, and investors.Build and lead a high‑performing finance team with an ethical culture.Partner with cross‑functional teams to embed financial discipline and Shariah alignment.Monitor KPIs and KRIs to track financial health and performance.

Essential Requirements

Proven CFO or senior executive experience in regulated financial services or fintech startups.Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field.Demonstrated ability to raise capital and manage investor relations.Experience building and scaling a finance function from inception.In‑depth knowledge of UK banking regulations, AML/CTF, and data protection.Expertise in ICAAP, ILAAP, budgeting, forecasting, and scenario modelling.Strong knowledge of accounting and financial standards.Track record of driving growth, cost efficiency, and sustainable profitability.Excellent stakeholder management with investors, regulators, and Boards.Collaborative leadership style with strong ethical decision‑making.Outstanding presentation and communication skills.Ability to partner with Shariah and Ethics Advisors to ensure Shariah ethos compliance.

Desirable Qualifications

Advanced qualification (CPA, ACA, CFA, or MBA).Experience in fintech or digital banking startups and new‑bank authorisation.Familiarity with AI‑driven financial modelling and predictive analytics.Proficiency in financial software and data analytics platforms.Experience evaluating strategic partnerships and product investments.

Diversity & Inclusion

We are building a team that reflects fairness, transparency, and ethical finance. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including all ethnicities, genders, ages, religions, sexual orientations, and abilities.

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