SUCCESS PROFILE

Job Title: Chief Technology Officer

Reports to: Board of Directors

Role: Full time

Location: Abu Dhabi

Company Details

Our client is an established financial institution licensed to provide a comprehensive range of banking products and services. Built on a foundation of resilience and innovation, it has grown into a trusted provider of financial solutions for individuals, businesses, and institutions. The organisation is deeply committed to financial inclusion, social responsibility, and aligning with global best practices in financial services and technology.

With a strong customer base and extensive network of branches, offices, and ATMs, the institution delivers tailored, high-quality services to meet the diverse financial needs of various economic and social sectors. Its highly qualified team also supports initiatives and projects that contribute to sustainable economic growth and development.

Job Purpose

The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) will be responsible for defining, implementing, and overseeing the Bank’s overall technology strategy to ensure secure, resilient, and innovative delivery of banking products and services in compliance with ADGM and international regulatory standards. As a key member of the executive leadership team, the CTO will provide vision and direction for the Bank’s technology infrastructure, digital transformation, and cybersecurity framework, ensuring that technology enables the Bank’s business objectives and supports sustainable growth.

The CTO will oversee core banking systems, digital channels, enterprise architecture, and IT operations, ensuring high levels of availability, scalability, and regulatory compliance. The role will also champion innovation in areas such as cloud adoption, digital banking, fintech partnerships, and data analytics, while maintaining robust risk management and business continuity capabilities. Acting as a strategic partner to the CEO and the Board, the CTO will balance innovation with prudence, positioning the Bank as a leader in technology-driven financial services within ADGM and the wider region.

Duties and Responsibilities

Technology Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute the Bank’s technology vision and roadmap in alignment with overall business strategy.
• Advise the CEO and Board on emerging technologies, digital transformation trends, and their potential impact on the Bank.
• Lead the design and implementation of innovative banking solutions to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.
• Ensure technology investments are aligned with growth, profitability, and risk management objectives.

IT Governance & Regulatory Compliance

• Establish and maintain IT governance frameworks in line with ADGM, FSRA, and international regulatory standards.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and cybersecurity requirements, including data privacy and protection.
• Prepare and present regular IT risk and compliance reports to senior management and regulators.
• Oversee IT audits and ensure timely closure of findings.

Technology Operations & Infrastructure

• Manage the Bank’s core banking systems, digital platforms, and enterprise applications to ensure resilience and availability.
• Oversee IT infrastructure, data centres, cloud environments, and networks to maintain operational stability and scalability.
• Ensure effective IT service management practices (ITIL or equivalent) for incident, change, and problem management.
• Drive continuous improvement in system performance, uptime, and disaster recovery readiness.

Cybersecurity & Risk Management

• Design and enforce a comprehensive information and cybersecurity strategy to safeguard the Bank’s digital assets.
• Monitor technology risks and implement robust internal controls, threat detection, and incident response capabilities.
• Collaborate with the Risk and Compliance functions to integrate technology risk into enterprise risk frameworks.
• Ensure business continuity and disaster recovery plans are up to date, tested, and effective.

Digital Transformation & Innovation

• Lead digital banking initiatives, including mobile, online, and open banking solutions.
• Foster partnerships with FinTech’s, RegTechs, and technology providers to enhance innovation and competitive advantage.
• Leverage data analytics, AI, and automation to support decision-making and customer personalization.
• Promote a culture of innovation and agility within the technology function.

Team Leadership & Development

• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing technology team, ensuring strong technical expertise and succession planning.
• Foster collaboration between IT, operations, risk, and business units to achieve shared objectives.
• Drive continuous training and professional development to keep the team aligned with emerging technologies and best practices.
• Create a strong performance culture, with clear accountability and metrics for delivery.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage the IT budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness and return on technology investments.
• Negotiate and manage vendor contracts, service level agreements (SLAs), and outsourcing relationships.
• Ensure prudent investment in scalable and sustainable technology solutions.

Skills and Experience (essential to any successful application)

• 15+ years of progressive IT leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a senior executive role (CIO/CTO/Head of Technology) within banking or financial services.
• Strong track record in managing technology in a regulated financial institution, ideally within the GCC or international banking environment.

Skills

• Deep knowledge of core banking systems, digital banking platforms, and enterprise IT architecture.
• Proven experience in cloud adoption, data centres, and hybrid IT infrastructure management.
• Strong background in cybersecurity, information security frameworks, and regulatory technology compliance (ISO 27001, NIST, PCI DSS, GDPR, ADGM/FSRA requirements).
• Hands-on expertise with emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, open banking APIs, data analytics, and automation.
• Experience in implementing large-scale digital transformation initiatives in financial services.
• Demonstrated ability to set technology strategy aligned with overall business objectives.
• Strong leadership skills with a track record of building, developing, and motivating high-performing IT teams.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence Board members, regulators, and external partners.
• Ability to foster innovation while maintaining focus on governance, risk, and compliance.
• Skilled in vendor management, contract negotiation, and strategic partnerships with FinTech’s and service providers.
• In-depth understanding of banking operations, financial products, and customer digital journeys.
• Strong knowledge of ADGM regulations, FSRA frameworks, and global banking technology standards.
• Experience engaging with regulators, auditors, and compliance teams to ensure full adherence to technology and operational risk requirements.
• Familiarity with business continuity management (BCM), operational resilience, and regulatory reporting obligations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field (Master’s degree or MBA preferred).
• Professional certifications such as CISM, CISA, CISSP, TOGAF, or ITIL are highly desirable.