Head of Risk (Fintech)

Uplift People Consulting; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Uplift is seeking a Head of Risk to lead and elevate the risk management function in Saudi Arabia, ensuring regulator-ready governance. The role is hands-on and requires collaboration with senior management, compliance, business, and technology teams to strengthen the existing framework.

Ideal candidates will have 5-8 years in risk within SAMA-regulated financial services, ownership of risk appetites and registers, and proven ability to present to senior leadership.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years of risk management experience within a SAMA-regulated financial services environment
• Direct exposure to SAMA regulatory requirements and inspections
• Ownership of Risk Appetite frameworks and Risk Registers
• Strong operational risk experience
• Experience managing third-party risk
• Confidence presenting risk matters to senior management

Responsibilities

• Maintain and enhance the existing Risk Management Framework
• Own and continuously improve the Risk Register
• Refine and monitor the Risk Appetite Statement and KRIs
• Oversee operational, technology, and third-party risks
• Conduct risk assessments for new initiatives and product changes
• Prepare structured, defensible risk reports for senior management
• Support regulatory engagement with SAMA
• Ensure risk governance remains practical, proportionate, and effective

Skills

Risk management

Regulatory exposure

Stakeholder communication

Regulatory engagement

Job description

Uplift is a dynamic agency specializing in global talent search, covering EMEA, LATAM, USA, and APAC. With successful placements in 60 countries, we combine speed and cutting-edge technology to source top executive and mid-senior talent across various functions. Our innovative approach integrates global networks, AI, and advanced recruitment tools. Beyond recruitment, we engage with our audience through our podcast, newsletter, and webinars, ensuring we stay at the forefront of talent acquisition and global HR trends.

We are partnering with a fast-growing, SAMA-regulated open finance provider to appoint a Head of Risk who will lead and further develop its risk management function in Saudi Arabia

The Risk Management Framework is already in place.

What is required now is not a builder from scratch - but a disciplined, credible risk leader who can strengthen, refine, and defend it.

The Role

You will take ownership of the existing Enterprise Risk Management structure in Saudi Arabia and elevate its effectiveness.

This is a hands-on individual contributor role.

You will work closely with senior management, compliance, business, and technology teams to ensure the organization remains regulator-ready at all times.

You will:

• Maintain and enhance the existing Risk Management Framework
• Own and continuously improve the Risk Register
• Refine and monitor the Risk Appetite Statement and KRIs
• Oversee operational, technology, and third-party risks
• Conduct risk assessments for new initiatives and product changes
• Prepare structured, defensible risk reports for senior management
• Support regulatory engagement with SAMA
• Ensure risk governance remains practical, proportionate, and effective

What We’re Looking For

• 5-8 years of risk management experience within a SAMA-regulated financial services environment (fintech, payments, digital banking, or lending preferred)
• Direct exposure to SAMA regulatory requirements and inspections
• Practical ownership of Risk Appetite frameworks and Risk Registers
• Strong operational risk experience (beyond pure credit or market risk)
• Experience managing third-party / outsourcing risk
• Confidence presenting risk matters to senior management