Payments Product Management and Commercialization Lead

First Abu Dhabi Bank; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) seeks a seasoned Payments Product Management and Commercialization Lead to drive development, innovation, and commercial growth of payment solutions across domestic and international markets.

The role focuses on expanding FAB's payments portfolio through cross-border solutions, digital banking innovations, strategic partnerships, and emerging fintech technologies, with responsibility for product strategy, commercialization, pricing, and P&L ownership.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in payment product management, development, and commercialization.
• Proven track record of end-to-end product launches with P&L ownership.
• Experience with domestic/international payments, cash management, and digital banking.
• Understanding of CBDCs, tokenization, and emerging payment technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and commercialization of payment products across global markets.
• Define pricing, revenue models, and product roadmaps aligned with business goals.
• Drive cross-border payment solutions and international market expansion.
• Partner with Sales, Digital, Technology, Operations, Risk, and external providers.
• Ensure governance, risk, and compliance across the product lifecycle.

Skills

Payments product management

Commercialization

Cross-border payments

Pricing strategy

P&L ownership

Education

Degree in Finance/Accounting/Economics/Commerce

Job description

Payments Product Management and Commercialization Lead Job Snapshot - Role: Payments Product Management and Commercialization Lead - Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Industry: Banking - Function: Product Management - Experience: 15-18 years - Job Type: Full Time - Work Arrangement: On-site

Position Overview

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) is seeking an experienced Payments Product Management and Commercialization Lead to drive the development, innovation, and commercial growth of payment solutions across domestic and international markets. The role focuses on expanding FAB 's payments portfolio through cross-border payment solutions, digital banking innovations, strategic partnerships, and emerging financial technologies. Key areas include blockchain-enabled payments, tokenization, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), digital wallets, instant payments, and next-generation cash management propositions. The successful candidate will lead payment product strategy, commercialization, pricing, profitability management, and product lifecycle activities while collaborating with Global Transaction Banking (GTx), Sales, Digital, Technology, Operations, Risk, and external payment service providers. The position requires extensive experience in payments and cash management product development, successful end-to-end product launches, and profit and loss (P&L) ownership. The role also involves engaging with regulators, industry participants, and strategic partners to identify innovative payment opportunities and strengthen FAB 's competitive position.

Job Details

Country: United Arab Emirates - City: Abu Dhabi - Industry: Banking - Function: Product Management - Salary: Not disclosed - Gender: No Preference - Candidate Nationality: Not specified - Job Type: Full Time - Work Arrangement: On-site

Key Responsibilities

Payments Product Strategy and Development

• Lead the development and commercialization of new payment products and propositions across local, regional, and international markets.
• Define and execute payment product strategies aligned with FAB 's business objectives and client requirements.
• Develop product roadmaps covering existing payment solutions and emerging digital payment technologies.
• Identify opportunities to expand FAB 's market share and generate additional payment-related revenue.
• Evaluate market developments, customer requirements, and competitive offerings to identify commercially viable payment propositions.
• Develop business cases for new payment initiatives and monitor the achievement of expected benefits.
• Review existing payment products and recommend improvements to functionality, positioning, and commercial performance.
• Coordinate with relevant product management teams to develop and launch new cash management and payment solutions.
• Ensure product development activities remain aligned with the bank 's governance, risk, and compliance requirements.

Cross-Border Payments Commercialization

• Drive the commercialization and growth of FAB 's cross-border payment solutions.
• Develop and implement campaigns to strengthen the bank 's position in the international payments market.
• Identify opportunities to increase transaction volumes, market share, and revenue from cross-border payments.
• Collaborate with Sales and Relationship Management teams to promote payment solutions to existing and prospective clients.
• Monitor transactional foreign exchange revenue as a key income stream associated with payment products.
• Review international payment requirements and coordinate solutions across FAB 's global network.
• Support regional requests for proposals (RFPs) to ensure integrated payment propositions across international locations.
• Evaluate opportunities to improve payment processing efficiency, currency coverage, and customer experience.
• Coordinate with relevant departments to support consistent payment services across markets.

Digital Payments and Emerging Technologies

• Develop payment propositions involving blockchain technology, tokenization, and digital financial infrastructure.
• Evaluate potential use cases for central bank digital currencies and token-based payment solutions.
• Support the development and internal adoption of CBDC and tokenization initiatives.
• Assess opportunities involving digital wallets, instant payments, and emerging payment platforms.
• Evaluate partner bank propositions and potential applications of new payment technologies.
• Support strategic payment initiatives involving BUNA and other relevant payment infrastructure.
• Work with internal stakeholders to evaluate the commercial and operational feasibility of emerging payment solutions.
• Maintain awareness of virtual assets and their potential relevance to payment product development.
• Assess developments in artificial intelligence and machine learning that may influence payment and cash management services.
• Identify opportunities for FAB to introduce differentiated payment propositions through technological innovation.

Strategic Partnerships and Industry Engagement

• Develop and support partnerships with payment service providers, fintech companies, banks, and relevant industry participants.
• Engage with regulators and industry forums to identify emerging payment opportunities and regulatory developments.
• Evaluate partnership models that support new payment capabilities and market expansion.
• Coordinate with external providers to develop and enhance payment propositions.
• Support discussions concerning digital payment infrastructure and new transaction processing solutions.
• Identify opportunities for FAB to gain early market advantages through innovative payment offerings.
• Participate in industry events to strengthen FAB 's Global Transaction Banking market profile.
• Maintain effective working relationships with external payment processors and technology partners.

Product Commercialization and Go-to-Market Execution

• Develop commercialization plans for new payment products and services.
• Define product positioning, pricing structures, and target customer segments.
• Coordinate product launches with Sales, Marketing, Digital, Platforms, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Develop go-to-market strategies and communication plans for payment propositions.
• Oversee the preparation of digital marketing materials, product collateral, and relevant website content.
• Support the commercialization of FABAccess and related digital banking propositions.
• Provide product information and commercial guidance to Relationship Managers and Sales teams.
• Monitor product adoption, transaction volumes, and market response following launch.
• Recommend adjustments to commercialization strategies based on product performance and customer feedback.
• Support cross-selling opportunities across FAB 's payment and cash management portfolio.

Product Profitability and Financial Performance

• Own and manage the profit and loss performance of assigned payment propositions.
• Monitor fee-based income, transactional foreign exchange revenue, and other relevant product income streams.
• Evaluate product profitability and identify opportunities to improve financial performance.
• Track product revenue, transaction volumes, customer adoption, and commercial performance.
• Develop pricing recommendations based on market conditions, client requirements, and business objectives.
• Analyse client pricing proposals and prepare information for Deal Review Committee discussions.
• Assess the financial impact of proposed product enhancements and new initiatives.
• Monitor business case benefits and report progress against expected commercial outcomes.
• Support initiatives aimed at improving product margins, operational efficiency, and market share.

Payment Product Lifecycle Management

• Manage payment products throughout their lifecycle, from business case development to launch, commercialization, and periodic review.
• Define business requirements for new products and enhancements to existing payment solutions.
• Coordinate product design, development, testing, and implementation activities.
• Oversee user acceptance testing (UAT) and the associated sign-off process.
• Review product performance and identify opportunities for enhancement or repositioning.
• Ensure products remain relevant to customer needs, market conditions, and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with Technology, Operations, and Platform teams to maintain product functionality.
• Support the implementation of approved product changes and operational improvements.
• Monitor product delivery milestones and address issues affecting implementation.

Payment Operations and Process Improvement

• Review end-to-end payment transaction flows to identify processing improvements.
• Coordinate with Operations and client-facing teams to support smooth transaction processing.
• Evaluate payment processing procedures, currency arrangements, and operational cut-off times.
• Support the alignment of payment processes across Channels, Operations, Technology, and Risk functions.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and reduce unnecessary processing complexity.
• Work with relevant stakeholders to enhance payment systems and service delivery.
• Review operational processes and recommend improvements based on client requirements and market developments.
• Ensure payment products are regularly assessed for functionality, reliability, and suitability.
• Support improvements in financial, operational, and service performance while maintaining established risk controls.

Client Solutions and Relationship Management

• Participate in client meetings involving complex payment and cash management requirements.
• Analyse customer needs and recommend appropriate payment solutions.
• Provide product expertise to Relationship Managers, Sales, and Marketing teams.
• Support clients in understanding and using FAB 's cash management products and digital channels.
• Develop payment solutions that address specific client transaction and operational requirements.
• Work with internal teams to coordinate the delivery of agreed client solutions.
• Support client discussions involving pricing, product capabilities, and implementation requirements.
• Maintain a consultative approach when working with clients and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure payment solutions are delivered professionally and in accordance with agreed service expectations.

Stakeholder and Vendor Management

• Collaborate with Solutions and Advisory, Client Services, Channel Support, and Global Transaction Banking teams.
• Coordinate with Digital, Platforms, Technology, Operations, Legal, Risk, and relevant in-country teams.
• Work with Magnati/NI, payment processors, fintech providers, partner banks, and other external stakeholders.
• Engage with Relationship Managers and branch network teams to support product commercialization.
• Manage external vendors supporting payment products and related services.
• Agree and monitor vendor service levels to support product performance and customer satisfaction.
• Coordinate cross-functional activities required for new product launches and enhancements.
• Maintain effective communication with stakeholders across domestic and international operations.
• Support collaborative decision-making in a matrix organisational environment.

Regulatory Compliance and Operational Risk

• Monitor regulatory developments affecting domestic and international payment products.
• Evaluate the implications of changing regulations for existing and proposed payment solutions.
• Coordinate with relevant stakeholders to adapt product propositions to regulatory requirements.
• Identify and manage fraud, regulatory, and compliance risks associated with payment transactions.
• Ensure product development and commercialization activities follow FAB 's policies and governance frameworks.
• Work with Risk, Legal, Compliance, and Operations teams to address relevant control requirements.
• Support product reviews to maintain appropriate operational and service standards.
• Exercise decision-making authority within the bank 's approved authorisation matrix.
• Recommend improvements that strengthen operational controls while supporting product innovation.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Commerce, or an equivalent discipline.

Professional Experience

• 15-18 years of relevant professional experience in payment product management, development, and commercialization.
• Demonstrated experience independently leading end-to-end product launches.
• Experience defining product strategies and developing product roadmaps.
• Proven experience managing product profit and loss performance.
• Strong background in payments, collections, or cash management product management.
• Experience conducting periodic product reviews and managing product lifecycle activities.
• Experience working with electronic banking channels and digital payment solutions.
• Practical knowledge of virtual accounts and Payments on Behalf Of (PoBo) solutions.
• Experience with instant payment developments across regional markets.
• Understanding of emerging banking propositions involving CBDCs, tokenization, and virtual assets.
• Knowledge of enterprise resource planning (ERP), accounting, and treasury systems used by corporate clients for reconciliation.
• Understanding of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and global developments in payment and cash management services.

Payments and Product Management Knowledge

• Strong understanding of domestic and international payment products.
• Knowledge of cross-border payment processes and transactional foreign exchange revenue.
• Experience developing and commercializing cash management solutions.
• Understanding of payment product pricing and fee-based revenue models.
• Knowledge of digital banking channels and emerging payment technologies.
• Familiarity with payment processing operations, transaction flows, and settlement requirements.
• Ability to evaluate payment product opportunities from commercial, technical, and operational perspectives.
• Understanding of product development, testing, implementation, and ongoing performance management.
• Knowledge of operational controls and risk considerations affecting payment services.

Financial and Analytical Skills

• Strong product profitability and P&L management capabilities.
• Ability to analyse revenue opportunities and commercial performance.
• Experience evaluating business cases and expected financial benefits.
• Ability to assess pricing proposals and recommend commercially appropriate solutions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to understand complex business and technical issues.
• Capacity to develop practical recommendations based on market developments and client requirements.
• Sound judgment when evaluating product opportunities and operational risks.

Communication and Stakeholder Management

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to explain complex payment concepts to business users, operations teams, and technology professionals.
• Strong client presentation and consultation skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at different levels of seniority.
• Strong interpersonal, influencing, and relationship-building capabilities.
• Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders in a matrix environment.
• Confidence in managing challenging client discussions and identifying appropriate solutions.
• Ability to influence decisions and encourage cooperation across teams.

Leadership and Professional Competencies

• Self-motivated and confident approach to managing product responsibilities.
• Strong commercial awareness and business development mindset.
• Ability to independently manage complex product initiatives.
• Results-oriented approach with a strong focus on delivery.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage demanding deadlines.
• Willingness to undertake continuous learning and develop further business knowledge.
• Strong appreciation of operational processes, procedures, and associated risks.
• Ability to motivate and influence colleagues towards shared business objectives.
• Commitment to customer service quality and professional standards.
• Ability to make sound decisions within approved governance and authority limits.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

• Professional qualification in Cash Management is preferred.
• Familiarity with the financial regulatory environment in the United Arab Emirates and other jurisdictions where FAB operates would be advantageous.

About the Company

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) is a major financial institution headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The bank provides banking and financial services to individuals, businesses, and institutions across the UAE and international markets, with a presence in more than 20 markets spanning five continents. FAB offers corporate banking, global transaction banking, cash management, payment solutions, and other financial services. Through its payment and digital banking activities, the bank supports clients with domestic and international transaction requirements. FAB invests in employee learning, professional development, and Emiratisation programmes. The bank also supports education, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy through partnerships and community initiatives. FAB promotes an inclusive workplace that values diverse perspectives and professional contributions. In December 2021, the bank became the first UAE and GCC bank to join the Net Zero Banking Alliance, committing to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.