Senior Lead, Open API & Open Banking

First Abu Dhabi Bank FAB; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 500,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

First Abu Dhabi Bank FAB seeks a strategic Open API and Open Banking leader to define and execute the enterprise API vision. You will decompose legacy systems into modular APIs, enable secure third-party collaboration, and ensure compliance with Open Banking regulations across the bank.

You will drive platform modernization, developer enablement, and cross-functional alignment to accelerate digital transformation and customer-centric innovation, treating APIs as strategic assets that deliver

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of Open Banking frameworks and regulatory requirements.
• Experience with API design and API management platforms.
• Strong leadership and collaboration across product, security, and architecture teams.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead enterprise API strategy aligned with architecture and data goals.
• Oversee lifecycle management of Open APIs in compliance with Open Banking standards.
• Collaborate with product, compliance and architecture teams to enable third-party integrations and developer ecosystems.
• Promote API-first design, reusable services, and secure, developer-friendly APIs.
• Track KPIs for API performance, adoption, and risk, and drive DevSecOps practices across the API lifecycle.

Skills

Open Banking

API security

OAuth2

Cross-functional leadership

API analytics

DevSecOps

Tools

Apigee

Kong

WSO2

Swagger/OpenAPI

Kubernetes

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

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 Exp Overall: 12+ Years, Banking 8+ YearsDeep 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.