Head of Banking Partnerships

Arival Bank; United States; Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Arival Bank is looking for a Head of Banking Partnerships to build and manage strategic relationships with financial institutions. The role requires 7+ years of experience in banking partnerships and strong negotiation skills.

You will lead the development of a global banking partner network and collaborate across teams to support the launch of new banking products. The position offers a competitive salary of $110,000 – $130,000, plus performance-based bonuses.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in banking partnerships, correspondent banking, payments, fintech, or financial services.
• Proven track record of establishing and managing strategic banking relationships.
• Strong understanding of correspondent banking and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the banking partnership strategy.
• Identify and establish relationships with financial institutions.
• Lead partnership discussions and negotiations.

Skills

Banking partnerships

Relationship management

Commercial negotiations

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Job description

Compensation: $110,000 – $130,000 base salary + performance-based bonus

Who We Are

Arival Bank is a US-licensed and regulated digital bank focused on serving global SMEs. We provide innovative, technology-driven banking solutions designed to empower modern businesses and support their growth worldwide.

As we continue to expand our global banking infrastructure, we are looking for a Head of Banking Partnerships to build, manage, and scale strategic relationships with banking institutions and financial infrastructure providers across multiple markets.

Position Overview

Arival Bank is seeking an experienced Head of Banking Partnerships to lead the development and management of our global banking partner network.

This role is responsible for identifying, negotiating, onboarding, and maintaining relationships with sponsor banks, correspondent banks, payment providers, card networks, and other financial institutions critical to the company's growth and operational capabilities.

We are looking for a commercially minded professional with deep banking industry knowledge, strong relationship management skills, and a proven ability to navigate complex financial partnerships in a regulated environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute Arival Bank’s banking partnership strategy aligned with business objectives and international expansion plans.
• Identify, evaluate, and establish relationships with sponsor banks, correspondent banks, payment providers, card networks, and other financial institutions.
• Lead partnership discussions, commercial negotiations, and contract execution with prospective partners.
• Build and maintain strong executive-level relationships across banking and financial services organizations.
• Expand and diversify Arival Bank's banking infrastructure across key jurisdictions and markets.
• Collaborate with Compliance, Risk, Operations, Product, and Legal teams to support successful onboarding and implementation of new partnerships.
• Manage ongoing partner relationships and ensure high levels of operational performance and collaboration.
• Monitor industry developments, regulatory changes, and market trends that may impact partnership opportunities.
• Identify and mitigate partnership-related risks, operational bottlenecks, and business dependencies.
• Support the launch of new banking products, payment capabilities, and international expansion initiatives.
• Represent Arival Bank at industry events, conferences, and strategic meetings.
• Provide regular reporting and strategic recommendations to executive leadership.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in banking partnerships, correspondent banking, payments, fintech, or financial services.
• Proven track record of establishing and managing strategic banking relationships.
• Strong understanding of correspondent banking, payment infrastructure, international money movement, and financial services operations.
• Experience negotiating complex commercial agreements and partnership frameworks.
• Knowledge of banking compliance requirements, KYC, AML, and risk management principles.
• Existing network within the banking, payments, or fintech ecosystem.
• Ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders and executive-level decision-makers.
• Strong analytical, commercial, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation abilities.
• Fluent English (written and spoken).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in digital banking, cross-border payments, embedded finance, or Banking-as-a-Service environments.
• Existing relationships with banks across North America, Europe, LATAM, or APAC.
• Experience working with sponsor banks, payment processors, card schemes, or financial infrastructure providers.
• Background in a high-growth fintech or startup environment.