Head of Risk - Fintech, Reg-Ready Leader

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 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.