About the Role

A fast-growing global fintech with operations across India, the Middle East, Europe, and South America is establishing an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) in Turkey as part of its continued international expansion.

The company’s vision is to create secure, interoperable, and user-centric digital payment infrastructure that enables cross-border commerce and financial inclusion.

As Chief Executive Officer – Turkey, you will lead the establishment of the EMI entity, secure regulatory approvals, and drive the company’s strategic growth across the Turkish market. You will oversee operations, partnerships, and compliance while building a strong local leadership team.

This role is ideal for a strategic fintech leader with deep operational and regulatory experience in Turkey’s evolving digital payments ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

Market Entry & Growth Strategy

• Lead the setup and launch of the company’s EMI operations in Turkey, including regulatory, operational, and commercial readiness.
• Develop and execute the market entry strategy, focusing on product localization and customer acquisition.
• Identify growth opportunities in key merchant segments and build partnerships with banks, PSPs, and eCommerce platforms.
• Drive expansion in eCommerce, retail, travel, and fintech sectors through targeted business development.

Regulatory & Compliance Leadership

• Manage the EMI licensing process with the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey (CBRT).
• Establish and maintain compliance with AML/CFT, data protection, and payments regulations.
• Build strong working relationships with CBRT and other local regulators.
• Implement governance structures aligned with global standards.

Leadership & Organizational Development

• Build and lead the country leadership team, covering commercial, operations, technology, and compliance functions.
• Create a culture of innovation, accountability, and excellence.
• Align Turkish operations with global strategies and objectives.

Commercial & Partnership Growth

• Take full P&L responsibility for the Turkish entity.
• Lead merchant onboarding and strategic partnership programs to drive transaction growth.
• Develop alliances with banks, PSPs, telcos, and digital commerce platforms to enhance market reach.
• Drive brand positioning and local market visibility.

Stakeholder & Board Engagement

• Represent the company before regulators, investors, and partners in Turkey.
• Report performance metrics, regulatory updates, and strategic progress to the global management team and Board.

Key Requirements

• Proven leadership experience as CEO, MD, or Country Head in fintech, payments, or regulated financial services.
• In-depth knowledge of Turkey’s payments and EMI regulatory environment.
• Successful track record of building or scaling fintech/payment institutions in Turkey.
• Strong network across CBRT, banks, PSPs, and digital commerce ecosystems.
• Expertise in licensing, compliance, and governance.
• Strategic mindset with operational agility and execution focus.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in EMI, open banking, or acquiring businesses.
• Background in VC/PE-backed fintechs or high-growth environments.
• Degree in Finance, Business, or related field; MBA preferred.
• Fluency in English and Turkish required.