Chief Operating Officer

Mal.AI; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Mal is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to shape and scale its operational framework for a cutting-edge neobank aligned with Islamic finance principles. You will lead diverse operational functions, drive efficiency, and ensure regulatory compliance while leveraging AI and fintech innovations to deliver ethical digital banking experiences globally.

Collaborating with the executive team, you will establish the core operations, set 5-7 KPIs, and define a 12-month roadmap for growth, customer

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all operational activities aligning with strategic goals.
• Develop and implement efficient operational processes to boost productivity and customer satisfaction.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement in service delivery.
• Oversee regulatory compliance and risk management across the organization.
• Establish and monitor KPIs and dashboards for operational excellence.
• Foster collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning within the operations team.
• Interface between executive team and operations to ensure smooth execution of strategic initiatives.
• Within 60 days, establish core operations team by hiring and onboarding senior leaders.
• Define and implement 5-7 operational KPIs tied to business objectives with dashboards.

Job description

Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Mal

As the Chief Operating Officer COO at Mal you will play a pivotal role in shaping the operational framework of our innovative neobank. Your day-to-day responsibilities will encompass overseeing diverse operational functions ensuring that our mission of delivering ethical financial services aligns seamlessly with Islamic principles. You will lead a motivated team dedicated to redefining banking for Muslims worldwide leveraging modern technology and AI to enhance our offerings. In this senior leadership role you will be instrumental in scaling our operations optimizing processes and fostering a culture of excellence within the organization. Your strategic vision will directly impact our growth trajectory and the overall customer experience as we strive to build the world s first ethical digital bank.

Collaborating closely with the executive team you will ensure that our operational strategies align with our mission and values ultimately driving financial wellness and halal investing for our customers.

• Lead and manage all operational activities to ensure alignment with the company s strategic goals
• Develop and implement efficient operational processes that enhance productivity and customer satisfaction
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement and innovation in service delivery
• Oversee regulatory compliance and risk management practices across the organization
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators KPIs to ensure operational excellence
• Foster a culture of collaboration accountability and continuous learning within the operations team
• Act as a key liaison between the executive team and operational departments to facilitate smooth communication and execution of strategic initiatives
• Within the first 60 days establish the core operations team by hiring and onboarding key functional leaders
• Define and implement 5 7 operational KPIs directly tied to business objectives and set up a dashboard for ongoing performance tracking
• Oversee the implementation of the foundational operational tech stack ensuring integration with core banking systems
• Conduct a targeted compliance review delivering an alignment plan that addresses all immediate regulatory requirements
• Present a 12-month operational roadmap to the executive team including clear milestones and resource allocations

Demonstrated success in building and scaling operations functions to effectively serve organizations with over one million users, including designing and implementing robust operational frameworks that support high user volumes, technological growth, and team development.

• Proven experience in hiring, developing, and leading high-performing operations teams from inception.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and compliance standards in banking.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships at all organizational levels.
• Deep knowledge of Islamic finance principles and Sharia-compliance is highly desirable.
• Proficient in leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience.
• Experience in startup environments, particularly in the fintech sector.
• Familiarity with AI and digital banking innovations.
• Multilingual capabilities, especially in Arabic, to enhance customer engagement.
• Previous involvement in community-building initiatives or financial wellness programs.
• Relevant certifications in operations management or project management.