Global Head of Lending

Network International

Job DescriptionAbout us: Network International is the largest Financial Technology company in the Middle East and Africa. Payments is our core business where we provide services in more than 50 countries UAE, Jordan, South Africa, Egypt are some of our key markets. Apart from payments, we provide services on Data and Insights, Lending, Insurance, Risk Solutions, etc. Our core customers are businesses at every scale and segment, though recently we have been growing in the direct-to-consumer card segment as well.Our EVPAt Network International, every second counts. As a leader in the fast-paced world of financial services, we thrive on innovation, agility, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. We recognize industry trends, the dual nature of technological advancements, and the scarcity of top talent. This is why we prioritize investing in our people.Here, you ll work alongside industry experts to solve complex problems and leverage cutting-edge technology to stay ahead of the competition.We offer a culture where your skills are valued, your growth is prioritized, and your achievements are recognized because winning isn't just our goal; it's our standard.Job PurposeThis role is responsible for defining and executing Network International s global lending strategy. The role will drive embedded finance innovation, expand SME lending capabilities, and deliver scalable, data-driven lending products across our merchant ecosystem. The role demands a visionary leader with deep market insight, strong stakeholder engagement, and a proven ability to execute across diverse geographies.Responsibilities Lending Strategy & Market Leadership Develop and lead the group-wide lending strategy aligned with Network s commercial and digital transformation goals. Drive aggressive growth in loan origination, customer acquisition, and revenue across MENAP and Africa. Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and emerging opportunities to inform strategic decisions. Lead multi-channel sales teams (Tele-Sales, Field Sales, SME Lending) to deliver on regional targets and optimize performance. Business Development & Market Expansion Identify and evaluate new business opportunities, including strategic partnerships and product innovations. Lead efforts to expand the bank s customer base and enhance lending product offerings tailored to merchant needs. Prepare annual business plans, objectives, and budgets; cascade goals to regional teams and monitor execution. Implement market penetration strategies to increase market share and optimize the sales funnel. Embedded Finance & Strategic Partnerships Own commercial relationships with banks (e.g., Wio Bank), fintechs, and financial institutions to deliver embedded lending solutions. Structure and negotiate scalable lending programs integrated into Network s merchant platforms. Secure strategic contracts that enhance market reputation and drive revenue growth. Collaborate with merchant services and regional MDs to align lending solutions with local market dynamics. Digital Lending Enablement Champion the digitization of the lending lifecycle from lead generation to disbursal and repayment. Leverage transaction data and analytics to personalize loan offerings and optimize conversion funnels. Work closely with Product, Data, and Technology teams to enhance platform capabilities and user experience. Develop targeted retention strategies and customer experience initiatives to improve conversion and retention. Governance, Risk & Regulatory Compliance Ensure all business development and lending activities comply with banking regulations, including Central Bank circulars. Identify and mitigate risks associated with new business initiatives and credit programs. Act as the operational risk champion, ensuring robust governance frameworks across jurisdictions. Initiate and propose Risk Acceptance Criteria to streamline credit processes and improve decision-making. Performance Management & Reporting Define and monitor KPIs including loan origination volume, CAC, NPS, delinquency rates, and time-to-disbursal. Monitor credit performance and portfolio health to balance growth with risk. Prepare and present regular reports on business development activities and performance to executive leadership. Oversee team performance, achievements, and strategic project execution across regions. QualificationsMinimum 15 years in SME lending, with at least 5 years in a senior executive role leading regional or global lending initiatives.Proven success in scaling lending operations across emerging markets, especially MENAP and Africa.Demonstrated ability to manage multiple strategic projects simultaneously and deliver measurable outcomes.Deep expertise in merchant lending, POS financing, embedded finance, and revenue-based lending models.Experience with digital lending platforms, data-driven credit models, and ecosystem partnerships.Advanced degree (MBA, MSc, or equivalent) preferred.Exceptional stakeholder management, negotiation, and communication skills.Entrepreneurial mindset with a bias for innovation, execution, and ownership.