Financial Institution Business Partnership Manager (FIBD)

About the Role

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Financial Institution Business Partnership Manager (FIBD) to spearhead the development and management of commercial relationships with leading financial institutions in Saudi Arabia. This pivotal role will focus on cultivating and expanding Keeta’s financial partnerships ecosystem, engaging with banks, card networks, acquirers, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) providers, and fintech innovators across the Kingdom. The ideal candidate will drive end-to-end commercial evaluations, negotiations, and partnership designs—from initial business case development to successful launch—while ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and market dynamics.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Partnership Development: Build and nurture commercial relationships with financial institutions, including banks, card networks, acquirers, BNPL players, and fintech companies, to expand Keeta’s presence in Saudi Arabia’s payments ecosystem.
• Commercial Evaluation and Negotiation: Lead the assessment and negotiation of partnership models, such as acquiring, co-branded cards, BNPL, embedded finance, and other innovative structures. Own initiatives from business case development to execution and launch.
• Market Insight and Regulatory Engagement: Develop a deep understanding of Saudi Arabia’s payments market, including provider landscape, product structures, pricing models, market share, and regulatory developments. Collaborate with the Saudi Monetary Authority (SAMA) and local regulators to ensure compliance and navigate licensing requirements.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with internal teams—product, technology, operations, risk, and legal—to translate market requirements into practical and scalable product solutions that meet both local and international standards.
• Performance Tracking and Optimization: Monitor and analyze key performance metrics, including user adoption, transaction volume, cost efficiency, and ROI. Utilize data-driven insights to refine strategies and drive continuous improvement.
• Bridge Between Markets: Serve as the primary liaison between the Saudi market and Keeta’s international payments team, translating local market realities into actionable insights for global stakeholders and aligning platform capabilities with regional requirements.
• Leverage AI Tools: Utilize advanced AI tools to enhance market analysis, streamline negotiation preparation, and optimize partner relationship management, ensuring efficiency and scalability in operations.

Qualifications and Experience

To excel in this role, candidates must possess the following:

• Market Expertise: A minimum of 5 years of experience in business development, strategy, or commercial roles within payments, fintech, digital banking, or financial services, with a strong focus on acquiring.
• Acquiring Knowledge: Hands-on experience with acquiring economics, pricing models (e.g., IC++/Blended), and the negotiation or delivery of acquiring partnerships.
• Regulatory Acumen: A working knowledge of the SAMA regulatory framework, including licensing requirements, approval pathways, and realistic timelines for compliance.
• Established Relationships: Proven track record of engaging with banks, card networks, acquirers, and regulators in Saudi Arabia, with a demonstrated ability to execute deals and navigate complex financial ecosystems.
• Language and Communication: Fluent written and spoken English, with the ability to articulate complex concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Strong capability to build commercial models, defend assumptions, and translate data into strategic recommendations for stakeholders.
• Stakeholder Management: Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with local teams and cross-functional teams at headquarters. A results-driven, pragmatic, and adaptable approach in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Industry Specialization: Experience in embedded finance, consumer-facing financial products, or marketplace/super-app environments.
• AI Proficiency: Hands-on experience with AI tools, including AI agents, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) knowledge bases, and other advanced technologies to enhance operational efficiency.
• Deal Execution: A proven track record of independently closing major financial institution partnerships from inception to completion.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of financial partnerships in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving payments landscape. As an early-stage contributor to Keeta’s international expansion, you will have the chance to define strategies, build critical relationships, and drive innovation in a high-impact role. With the backing of a global platform and direct engagement with Saudi Arabia’s leading financial institutions, this position offers unparalleled exposure across strategy, business development, product delivery, and operations.