* Head of Operations - Transaction Banking/ Payments
* Hands-on head of operations role at a newly established bank
About Our Client
This is an exciting time to join the bank as it's scaling rapidly, leveraging a unique position in the global financial system, and delivering strong performance—all while investing for the future.
Job Description
The Head of Operations will be responsible for designing and executing the operational foundation of a newly launched U.S. bank with a core focus on transaction banking, wholesale banknote distribution, and FX payment services.
In the 'build the bank' phase, this role will lead the development of all operational strategies, policies, and procedures to support cross-border payment infrastructure, onboarding processes for financial institution clients, and end-to-end back-office operations.
The Head of Operations will oversee the selection and implementation of banking systems, ensure all workflows and vendor relationships meet U.S. regulatory and Federal Reserve standards, and work closely with risk and compliance to establish a robust control environment.
Once the bank is operational, the 'run the bank' phase will involve full ownership of day-to-day operations, including real-time transaction processing, cash settlement, reconciliation, client servicing, and operational scalability across FX and banknote payment services.
This includes managing 1st line operational risk controls, third-party risk management (TPRM), and service-level agreements with intragroup and external partners.
The Head of Operations will also collaborate closely with the CTO to deliver secure, scalable tech solutions, introduce automation and straight-through processing, and ensure operational readiness to support institutional-grade payments. Additional responsibilities include building and mentoring a high-performing team, defining KPIs to measure operational efficiency and service delivery, and participating in long-term strategic planning to support the bank's growth in the global payments ecosystem.
The Successful Applicant
This hands-on leadership role in Stamford, CT (hybrid, 3 days in-office) presents a rare opportunity to build and run a bank centered on payments and transaction banking.
The ideal candidate will have prior experience as a Head of Operations at a bank, bringing deep experience in banking operations, with a strong track record in cross-border payments, FX settlement, and transaction processing.
They should be comfortable operating in regulated financial environments, with a solid grasp of compliance, risk controls, and technology integration to support secure, scalable transaction banking infrastructure.
Familiarity with Connecticut state regulations and the Federal Reserve System is a strong asset.
This role requires a strategic yet hands-on leader who can drive operational excellence while building and mentoring high-performing teams.
Ability to work in Stamford, CT
What's on Offer
This is a hands-on leadership role based in Stamford, CT, with a hybrid schedule (3 days in-office).
It offers a rare opportunity to build and shape a bank from the ground up, and then lead its operational success in a high-growth, globally connected environment.
Attractive base and bonus
Entrepreneurial role working with the highest calibre of professionals who are ambitious, hardworking, and helping set up the bank in the US for future growth
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