Head of Card Issuance (Baghdad, Iraq / Dubai, UAE)
Adecco
- Baghdad Dubai
- Permanent
- Full-time
We are currently recruiting for the role of Head of Card Issuance with one of our esteemed clients in Baghdad, a leading fintech company.
Job Title: Head of Card Issuance
Location: Baghdad, Iraq / Dubai, UAE
Company Overview: Our client is the leading Fintech company based in Iraq with a market share of nearly 85%. The Group is currently diversifying the business into e-commerce, health, insurance & media verticals. They intend to recruit the “Head of Card Issuance” whose position involves overseeing the entire process of issuing various types of cards, such as debit, credit and prepaid cards in collaboration with network processors such as Master and Visa. Key responsibilities include strategizing and planning card issuance operations, leading a diverse team of national and international professionals, developing business cases for each card type, ensuring adherence to Master or Visa standards, compliance with regional regulations, coordinating & managing relationships with Identity Management System provider, card management system, card printers and logistics providers.
The Head of Card Issuance will play a pivotal role in shaping the company's card issuance strategy, optimizing processes, and driving the success of the card products in the market. This position offers an opportunity to lead in a dynamic environment, innovate in the card issuance sector, and contribute significantly to the company's growth.
The ideal candidate should have had extensive experience in card issuance, preferably within the Middle Eastern fintech or banking sector, and familiarity with the region's market dynamics and regulatory environment. Proficiency in Arabic is highly preferred. This role requires a combination of strategic thinking, leadership skills, analytical ability, and effective communication.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Development and Planning:
- Formulate and execute comprehensive strategies for the card issuance, aligning them with the overall business objectives of the company.
- Conduct market research and analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and challenges specific to the card industry, especially in the Iraq market.
- Build the Strategy and execution plan for simplifying the card issuance processes customized to the Iraq market and maintain Qi group's position at the Top #1 position in the market.
- Business Case Development for Each Card Type:
- Analyze and determine the viability and potential of various card types (credit, debit, prepaid, etc.).
- Develop detailed business cases for each card type, outlining benefits, costs, market demand, and alignment with customer needs and company goals.
- Team Leadership and Management:
- Lead and manage a diverse team encompassing roles such as card product development, operations, compliance, and marketing.
- Foster a collaborative environment, mentor team members, and oversee their professional development.
- Collaboration with Master & Visa:
- Maintain and strengthen relationships with Master & Visa.
- Ensure that card products are compliant with network standards and negotiate terms that are favorable to the company.
- Compliance and KYC Regulation Management:
- Oversee compliance with regional and international regulations related to card issuance.
- Work closely with KYC (Know Your Customer) provider to ensure robust customer verification and anti-fraud measures.
- Coordination with Multiple teams
- Work with Finance on Pricing, with Technology teams on implementation, and with operations team on the customer support processes.
- Lead initiatives to enhance system capabilities in line with evolving business needs.
- Manage relationships with card printers and logistics providers for last mile delivery of cards to customers.
- Quality Control and Process Optimization:
- Implement and monitor quality control measures across the card issuance process.
- Identify areas for process improvement and cost reduction while maintaining high service standards.
- Market Analysis and Reporting:
- Continuously analyze market data to gauge the performance of issued cards and identify areas for growth and improvement.
- Prepare and present comprehensive reports to senior management and stakeholders on card issuance performance and market trends.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Communication:
- Liaise with internal stakeholders across departments such as marketing, customer service, IT, and finance to ensure a coordinated approach to card issuance.
- Maintain transparent communication channels, updating stakeholders on progress, challenges, and achievements.
- Bachelor's or Master's in Business Administration, Finance, Computer Science, Information technology or related fields.
- Minimum of 10 to 15 years of experience as Head of card issuance, or in a similar role in the Fintech or Banking industry. Candidates with experience in the Middle Eastern Fintech or banking sector will be preferred.
- Proven track record of working with card network processors like Master or Visa.
- Familiarity with the EMV standards and certifications
- Effective negotiation and vendor management capabilities.
- Excellent communication skills
About Adecco: At Adecco, we believe in the potential of people. We are the world's leading talent advisory and solutions company making a difference in the working lives of 3.5 million people every year. The Adecco Group is a Swiss-based global firm, operating in 60 countries that offers 360° HR solutions from flexible placement, visa, and payrolling to permanent placement executive search and outsourcing services. We support more than 100,000 organizations with their human capital needs. By applying for this role, your details will be submitted to Adecco. Our Candidate Privacy Information Statement explains how we will use your information, kindly visit .