Who We Are

Our client is building a next‑generation global offshore digital bank, backed by a major international fintech group with deep expertise in the digital‑asset ecosystem. The bank has secured Approval‑in‑Principle from a recognized regulator and is now progressing toward full licensing and launch.

This is a rare opportunity to join at pre‑launch, shape governance, build the organization from the ground up, and help define one of the market's most credible regulated digital banks.

We Are Seeking: Chief Executive Officer

This is the founding CEO role - responsible for setting vision, building the leadership team, engaging regulators, and guiding the bank through licensing, launch, and early‑stage growth. We are seeking a high‑integrity, bilingual senior banking executive with deep digital banking expertise and strong familiarity with regulated environments.

Ideal candidates have led digital banks, fintech banking platforms, or regulated FIs, and possess a genuine interest in Web3‑aligned financial innovation. Remote work is possible; however, Hong Kong or Singapore-based professionals are strongly preferred due to regulatory interaction and language alignment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead overall strategy, licensing readiness, and operational build‑out of the digital bank
• Engage regulators and ensure full compliance with prudential, AML/CFT, conduct, and governance standards
• Build and scale the leadership team (technology, product, operations, compliance, finance)
• Shape platform architecture in partnership with technology and product leaders
• Oversee risk, capital, liquidity, and control frameworks consistent with regulated banking requirements
• Represent the bank to shareholders, regulators, partners, and external stakeholders
• Drive multi‑market expansion and ensure operational readiness from day one

Must‑Have Requirements

• 15+ years in banking or financial services
• 5+ years in senior leadership (C‑suite / MD / CEO‑1)
• Experience in regulated banks or licensed financial institutions
• Strong background in:
• Digital banking operations
• Licensing & regulatory engagement
• AML / CFT
• Prudential standards (Basel, liquidity, capital)
• No adverse professional history (never fired, disciplined, sanctioned, or terminated)
• Clean regulatory profile; no disqualifications
• Able to pass full regulatory background & CDD (10‑year address verification, employment history, education, identity checks, notarized documentation)
• Bilingual: English (near‑native) + Mandarin (business fluency)
• Demonstrated interest in Web3 / digital‑asset financial models
• Experience managing cross‑border or regional teams

Strong Preferences

• Previously CEO / MD / Country Head, or a strong COO / CEO‑1 ready to step up
• Leadership experience launching or scaling digital banks or challenger banks
• Experience with fintech‑driven banking models, API banking, or next‑gen digital platforms
• Prior exposure to tokenized assets or digital‑economy infrastructure (advantageous but not mandatory)
• Familiarity with multi‑jurisdictional regulatory frameworks

Why This Opportunity Is Exceptional

• Join a digital bank before launch, at the point of licensing and foundational build‑out
• Influence governance, culture, product vision, leadership hiring, and regulatory positioning
• Backed by a major global fintech group with world‑class investors
• Operate at the crossroads of regulated banking + next‑generation digital finance
• Opportunity to shape a future flagship digital institution from day zero

Selby Jennings is a Trading Style of Phaidon International (License Number 16S8194)