Executive Director – National Digital Innovation Lab (Financial Services)

Purpose The Executive Director – National Digital Innovation Lab (Financial Services) shall serve as the Authority's sector expert for Financial Services and provide strategic leadership for the design, development, and implementation of digital transformation initiatives across the financial ecosystem. The incumbent shall lead the National Digital Innovation Lab (Financial Services) in developing innovative digital products, fostering interoperability, and promoting secure, inclusive, and technology-driven financial services in alignment with the National Digital Vision and Goals. Key Responsibilities • Lead the establishment and operationalization of the National Digital Innovation Lab (Financial Services) as a centre of excellence for digital financial innovation. • Provide sector leadership and subject matter expertise to guide the development of digital financial services, digital payments, financial inclusion initiatives, and innovation strategies. • Develop and implement sector-specific digital strategies, product roadmaps, and innovation initiatives aligned with national digital priorities. • Lead the design, development, testing, and deployment of digital financial platforms, payment solutions, identity-enabled financial services, fintech applications, and AI- and data-driven financial innovations. • Identify opportunities to leverage emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, digital identity, cloud computing, blockchain, and advanced analytics, to strengthen financial services, regulatory compliance, consumer protection, and financial inclusion. • Coordinate with relevant ministries, financial sector regulators, financial institutions, fintech companies, payment service providers, development partners, and other stakeholders to accelerate digital transformation. • Ensure interoperability with national Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), digital identity, digital payments, and data exchange frameworks. • Lead multidisciplinary teams responsible for product development, innovation, research, and implementation while monitoring project delivery, risks, and outcomes. • Contribute to policy recommendations, concept papers, regulatory reforms, and innovation frameworks relating to digital financial services. • Ensure compliance with applicable laws, cybersecurity requirements, data governance standards, and financial sector regulations. Qualifications & Experience Education: Minimum Bachelor's degree in Finance, Banking, Economics, Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related discipline. A Master's degree in Finance, Digital Finance, Business Administration, Financial Technology, Economics, or a related field shall be preferred. Experience: Minimum 12 years of professional experience in financial services, fintech, digital banking, digital payments, financial sector transformation, or related fields. Demonstrated experience in leading large-scale digital transformation initiatives, financial technology products, or digital financial infrastructure. Experience working with government institutions, regulators, financial institutions, multilateral organizations, or large technology programmes will be preferred. Proven experience in building, developing, and leading high-performing multidisciplinary teams (minimum size of 15 team members). Key Competencies • Financial services sector expertise • Digital financial innovation and fintech leadership • Digital payments and financial inclusion • Product strategy and innovation management • Artificial intelligence and data analytics • Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) • Stakeholder engagement and partnership development • Strategic planning and execution • Leadership and team management • Policy advisory and regulatory understanding • Effective communication and influencing skills