Chief Executive Officer (Mandarin Speaking)

Who We AreOur client is building a next‑generation global offshore digital bank, backed by a major international fintech group with deep expertise in the digital‑asset ecosystem. The bank has secured Approval‑in‑Principle from a recognized regulator and is now progressing toward full licensing and launch.

This is a rare opportunity to join at pre‑launch, shape governance, build the organization from the ground up, and help define one of the market's most credible regulated digital banks.

We Are Seeking: Chief Executive OfficerThis is the founding CEO role - responsible for setting vision, building the leadership team, engaging regulators, and guiding the bank through licensing, launch, and early‑stage growth. We are seeking a high‑integrity, bilingual senior banking executive with deep banking expertise and strong familiarity with regulated environments with a focus on how to build a bank system, build a management team, run through and verify new bank business models, and how to make efforts in user growth and revenue in the future.

Ideal candidates have led digital banks, fintech banking platforms, or regulated FIs, and possess a genuine interest in Web3‑aligned financial innovation. Remote work is possible; however, Hong Kong or Singapore-based professionals are strongly preferred due to regulatory interaction and language alignment.

Key ResponsibilitiesLead overall strategy, licensing readiness, and operational build‑out of the digital bankEngage regulators and ensure full compliance with prudential, AML/CFT, conduct, and governance standardsBuild and scale the leadership team (technology, product, operations, compliance, finance)Shape platform architecture in partnership with technology and product leadersOversee risk, capital, liquidity, and control frameworks consistent with regulated banking requirementsRepresent the bank to shareholders, regulators, partners, and external stakeholdersDrive multi‑market expansion and ensure operational readiness from day one

Must‑Have Requirements15+ years in banking or financial services5+ years in senior leadership (C‑suite / MD / CEO‑1) within a traditional bankExperience in regulated banks or licensed financial institutionsStrong background in:Digital banking operationsLicensing & regulatory engagementAML / CFTPrudential standards (Basel, liquidity, capital)No adverse professional history (never fired, disciplined, sanctioned, or terminated)Clean regulatory profile; no disqualificationsAble to pass full regulatory background & CDD (10‑year address verification, employment history, education, identity checks, notarized documentation)Bilingual: English (near‑native) + Mandarin (business fluency)Demonstrated interest in Web3 / digital‑asset financial modelsExperience managing cross‑border or regional teams

Strong PreferencesPreviously CEO / MD / Country Head, or a strong COO / CEO‑1 ready to step upLeadership experience launching or scaling digital banks or challenger banksExperience with fintech‑driven banking models, API banking, or next‑gen digital platformsPrior exposure to tokenized assets or digital‑economy infrastructure (advantageous but not mandatory)Familiarity with multi‑jurisdictional regulatory frameworks

Why This Opportunity Is ExceptionalJoin a digital bank before launch, at the point of licensing and foundational build‑outInfluence governance, culture, product vision, leadership hiring, and regulatory positioningBacked by a major global fintech group with world‑class investorsOperate at the crossroads of regulated banking + next‑generation digital financeOpportunity to shape a future flagship digital institution from day zero

Selby Jennings is a Trading Style of Phaidon International (License Number 16S8194)