Senior Lead, Open API & Open Banking

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB); Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 400,000 - 640,000; Full time

Job summary

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) seeks a senior API leader to define and drive the Open Banking strategy across the enterprise. You will decompose legacy systems into reusable APIs and champion secure, scalable API platforms.

You will oversee API governance, developer enablement, and collaboration with product, compliance, and architecture teams to deliver measurable business value.

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of Open Banking frameworks and regulatory guidelines.
• Proven leadership of cross-functional API programs.
• Strong experience with API security and identity protocols.

Responsibilities

• Define enterprise API strategy and roadmap.
• Lead lifecycle management of Open APIs with governance.
• Collaborate with product, security, and architecture teams.

Skills

Open Banking

API security

Regulatory compliance

Cross-functional leadership

DevSecOps

Tools

Apigee

Kong

WSO2

Swagger/OpenAPI

OAuth2/OpenID Connect

Job description

Job Summary / Introduction

Define and lead the strategic vision for Open API and Open Banking services across the enterprise, enabling secure, scalable, and innovative digital ecosystems. The role focuses on decomposing legacy systems into modular, reusable APIs, fostering third-party collaboration, and ensuring compliance with Open Banking regulations.

Drives platform modernization, developer enablement, and cross-functional alignment to accelerate digital transformation and customer-centric innovation. Ensure APIs are designed and managed as strategic digital assets that deliver measurable business value.

Key Responsibilities

• Align API initiatives with enterprise architecture, data strategy, and reusable adoption goals.
• Establish metrics and KPIs to measure API performance, adoption, and business impact.
• Lead the development and lifecycle management of Open APIs in compliance with Open Banking standards (e.g., PSD2, UAE Central Bank guidelines).
• Collaborate with product, compliance, and architecture teams to define API strategies that support business capabilities and customer journeys.
• Champion API-first design principles and ensure APIs are reusable, secure, and developer-friendly.
• Drive the adoption of Open Banking ecosystems by enabling third-party integrations and fintech partnerships.
• Define and maintain API documentation, sandbox environments, and developer portals.
• Ensure APIs are discoverable, version-controlled, and aligned with enterprise architecture standards.
• Provide technical leadership to API engineering teams, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Maintain delivery roadmaps, capacity planning, and resource forecasting for Open API initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with IT governance, security, and regulatory frameworks.
• Collaborate with enterprise architecture, security, and infrastructure teams to ensure platform scalability and resilience.
• Track and report KPIs related to API performance, adoption, and risk metrics.
• Promote DevSecOps, CI/CD, and test automation practices across the API lifecycle.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Exp Overall: 12+ Years, Banking 8+ Years
• Deep understanding of Open Banking frameworks, API security (OAuth2, OpenID Connect), and regulatory compliance.
• Strong experience in API management platforms (e.g., Apigee, Kong, WSO2).
• Expertise in RESTful API design, JSON, Swagger/OpenAPI specifications.
• Familiarity with domain-driven design and microservices architecture.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex stakeholder environments.
• Strong communication, leadership, and mentoring skills.
• Proficiency in API analytics, usage tracking, and performance optimization.
• Experience with tools like API Management, Kong, Cloud Native Services, Kubernetes.