Interim Head of Risk - 3-6 Month Contract

We are seeking an experienced Interim Head of Risk to lead the risk management function of a payments and FX business for an initial 3–6-month assignment.

This is a senior, hands-on role requiring a broad understanding of Enterprise Risk Management, financial and prudential risk, MiFID regulatory requirements, market risk, counterparty credit risk, liquidity risk, technology risk and operational resilience.

The successful candidate will bring demonstrable experience across both payments and FX, with a strong understanding of the risks arising from foreign exchange transactions, cross-border payment flows, treasury activities and, where applicable, investment services and financial instruments subject to MiFID.

The individual will undertake a rapid assessment of the existing risk framework, identify material exposures and control weaknesses, and implement a prioritised programme of improvements. They will work closely with the executive team, Finance, Treasury, Compliance, Operations and Technology, providing independent risk oversight, constructive challenge and clear reporting to senior management and the Board.

Essential Experience and Qualifications

• Significant senior risk management experience within payments, FX, e-money, cross-border financial services or a related regulated financial institution.
• Demonstrable experience across both payments and FX is essential.
• Practical experience with MiFID II and/or the applicable UK MiFID regime, with a clear understanding of its application to the firm's products and regulatory permissions.
• Strong technical knowledge of FX market risk, counterparty credit risk, settlement risk and liquidity risk.
• Experience managing financial and prudential risks, including capital or own-funds adequacy and regulatory liquidity requirements where applicable.
• Strong Enterprise Risk Management experience, including risk appetite frameworks, risk registers, RCSAs, KRIs and Board reporting.
• Experience assessing technology risk, cyber risk, outsourcing and operational resilience.
• Proven ability to assess and improve risk frameworks, challenge senior stakeholders and deliver measurable outcomes within tight timeframes.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work effectively across executive management, Finance, Treasury, Compliance, Operations and Technology.