(SVP) Head of Finance - International Banking Group

Our client is a well-known large financial services organisation based in the UAE. They are looking to hire a Head of Finance - IBG at an SVP level.

Job Purpose

• This is a senior leadership role which sits within the Corporate Affairs Group, part of the GCFO Office, and supports the Groups strategic finance agenda through close alignment with IBG leadership.

• This role is responsible for overseeing the Finance function across the companys International Banking Group (IBG), spanning nine countries across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and the US. The IBG business is a core pillar of the companys global strategy and long-term growth ambitions. Countries Covered: Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, India, UK, New York, Hong Kong, Oman.

• The incumbent acts as the first point of contact and day-to-day finance partner for the Group Head of IBG, ensuring alignment on financial strategy, performance, and decision-making.

• The role ensures end-to-end financial leadership across IBGs international footprint, providing strategic insight, robust governance, and rigorous performance management.

• The incumbent will partner closely with the Head of IBG and Head of WBG to support business expansion, profitability, and enterprise transformation across geographies.

• The role also includes leading the digital and AI-led transformation agenda within IBG Finance - embedding automation, predictive analytics, and standardized tools and processes across countries.

• The incumbent will play a strategic role in supporting the GCFOs leadership agenda and contribute to both the Groups strategic direction and the Group-wide finance initiatives through the Wholesale Banking Finance leadership platform

Key Result Areas

• Lead the financial management of all IBG geographies, including strategic planning, budgeting, forecasting, and performance tracking.

• Oversee end-to-end management of local regulatory, financial accounting, and management accounting processes across IBG countries.

• Ensure compliance with local central bank regulations, statutory reporting, and audit requirements across all IBG locations.

• Supervise country finance teams and ensure timely consolidation of IBG financials in line with Group reporting standards.

• Support strategic projects including core banking system upgrades, product rollout into new markets, and cross-border digital initiatives.

• Drive digital transformation, AI adoption, and automation across IBG Finance, fostering data-driven insights and real-time reporting.

• Serve as a key advisor to the Group Head of IBG and act as the finance lead in strategic forums and expansion initiatives.

• Support business growth and profitability through sound financial governance and proactive advisory.

• Represent Finance in local and Group-level steering committees, and ensure effective execution of initiatives from a finance perspective.

• Prepare the consolidated MBO for the Group Head of IBG and ensure it reflects business and country performance.

• Ensure implementation of financial controls across IBG markets and resolution of audit/regulatory queries.

• Lead talent development, performance reviews, and capability building across IBG Finance teams.

Operating Environment, Framework & Boundaries

• While Country CFOs maintain hierarchical reporting to their respective Country Heads, their functional alignment is under the Head of Finance - WB for governance. The Head of Finance - IBG provides day-to-day coordination with Country CFOs and performance oversight across IBG markets.

• Works in a highly dynamic, cross-border regulatory and operational environment.

• Manages continuous interaction with Country CFOs, Business Heads, Tech, Risk, Ops, and GCFO leadership.

• Maintains strong external relationships with auditors, regulators, and consultants across all IBG countries.

• Adapts quickly to evolving global regulations, internal restructuring, and digital transformation priorities.

• Operates under high levels of autonomy while being fully accountable for performance across diverse jurisdictions.

Decision Making Authority & Responsibility

• Owns strategic financial planning, reporting, and consolidation across IBG.

• Approves or escalates country-specific business decisions, capital requirements, and financial model assumptions.

• Drives end-to-end ownership of performance outcomes and ensures alignment with Group CFO and Head of IBG expectations.

• Leads decision-making in matters related to financial systems, country finance structures, and cross-functional governance.

• Represents IBG Finance at steering committees and GCFO leadership meetings.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Qualified accountant (ACA, CPA, or equivalent) with ~20 years of experience in banking and financial services, including leadership of multi-country finance teams.

• Deep understanding of banking regulations, financial reporting standards, and capital frameworks across key global jurisdictions.

• Proven track record in managing finance for international banking operations, including ALCO, liquidity planning, and strategic budgeting.

• Strong experience in leading transformation initiatives, digital tool adoption, and cross-border operating models.

• Exceptional stakeholder management, influencing skills, and ability to represent Finance in senior leadership forums.

• Advanced analytical and financial modeling capabilities, with a deep understanding of business drivers and risk factors.

• Strong commitment to talent development, performance culture, and leadership across diverse cultural contexts.