Local Executive Director

Local Executive Director 

This role is based in a leading EU Mediterranean jurisdiction recognised for its robust regulatory framework for payments and virtual financial assets for a newly incorporated but not yet licensed business. This candidate will directly contribute to the license application process.

Company Overview

ONE.io was founded in 2017 as an OTC digital asset trading desk, serving high-net-worth individuals, corporates, and institutional clients globally. Recognising that our clients – generally in sectors underserved by the traditional banking system – were facing tremendous difficulty in the movement of fiat funds, we undertook to resolve this industry pain point by shifting our focus toward the provision of payment services. We subsequently acquired our PI licence from the FCA in 2020, and launched our proprietary payments platform in 2021.

Today we provide a unified end-to-end financial services solution for corporate clients through our core propositions - ONE.io Connect (Payments Platform), ONE.io Fusion (OTC Crypto Trading and Crypto Gateway). We leverage a strong network of banking partners and regulatory licenses to serve clients effectively on a global scale.

Through a single onboarding journey with us, clients get access to a full suite of products and services, including named IBANs in multiple fiat currencies, foreign exchange, and access to payment rails including SWIFT, SEPA, Faster Payments and CHAPS.

The ONE.io Group is very culture-driven and employees live by our values which include:

Ingenuity: Constantly improving with creativity and confidence

Integrity: Brave and tenacious in pursuit of equality

Unity: A team empowered by shared beliefs and commitment

Dedication: Intuitive to our customers needs and accountable for our actions

Role Overview

The Local Executive Director is responsible for the effective management, regulatory compliance, and strategic execution of an Electronic Money Institution. The role ensures that the EMI operates in accordance with all applicable local and EU regulatory frameworks, including the Payment Services Directive 2 (PSD2) and upcoming PSD3 and PSR frameworks while maintaining strong governance, operational resilience, and financial integrity.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Management & Local Presence

Provide full-time executive leadership of the entity, ensuring a substantive local presence in line with regulatory expectations.

Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring efficiency, scalability, and alignment with the company’s strategy.

Ensure that decision-making authority is appropriately exercised within the jurisdiction.

Regulatory Oversight & Engagement

Act as the primary liaison with the local Financial Services Authority.

Ensure timely and accurate submission of all regulatory reports, notifications, and disclosures.

Lead the organisation through regulatory inspections, audits, and supervisory interactions.

Compliance & AML/CFT

Ensure full compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements, including AML/CFT obligations.

Oversee the effectiveness of the Compliance function and collaborate closely with the MLRO.

Promote a strong compliance culture throughout the organisation.

Risk Management & Internal Controls

Establish and maintain robust risk management frameworks covering operational, financial, compliance, and IT/cyber risks.

Ensure effective internal controls and governance structures are in place.

Escalate material risks and issues to the Board in a timely manner.

Financial Oversight & Safeguarding

Oversee financial performance, budgeting, and forecasting.

Ensure compliance with safeguarding requirements for customer funds in accordance with EMI regulations.

Maintain capital adequacy and financial resilience in line with regulatory expectations.

Governance & Board Reporting

Serve as a Board member, contributing to strategic planning and governance.

Provide clear, accurate, and timely reporting to the Board on key matters.

Ensure implementation of Board decisions at the local level.

Stakeholder & Partner Management

Maintain strong relationships with banking partners, auditors, legal advisors, and service providers.

Represent the company in its jurisdiction with regulators, industry bodies, and external stakeholders.

Skills and Experience

Experience

Senior executive experience within financial services, fintech, payments, or an EMI/Payment Institution.

Demonstrable knowledge of EMI regulatory frameworks, including Payment Services Directive 2.

Experience engaging with regulators, preferably the local Financial Services Authority.

Skills & Competencies

Strong leadership and operational management capability.

Deep understanding of governance, compliance, and risk frameworks.

Strategic thinking combined with hands-on execution.

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Regulatory Requirements

Must satisfy “fit and proper” criteria as defined by the local Financial Services Authority.

Ability to demonstrate competence, integrity, and financial soundness.

Time Commitment

Full-time executive role with ongoing regulatory engagement responsibilities.

ONE prides itself on being an equal opportunities employer. We will always hire people based on merit and will never discriminate against someone based on gender, race, religion, or background.

Unfortunately, we cannot offer sponsorship at present.