Cofounder & Chief Risk Officer – Fintech (KSA)

About Us:

Sanabil Venture Studio, a partnership between Sanabil Investments and Stryber, merges top-tier talent, seasoned founders, and robust funding to propel startups to unicorn status. Leveraging a blend of industry, technology, and startup expertise, we generate and evaluate visionary ideas, and take them from concept to building and launching MVPs. If an MVP proves successful, we provide targeted seed funding, ensuring each venture is equipped with the financial foundation to meet its ambitious goals. Beyond early-stage development and funding, we provide ongoing support to our portfolio ventures and founders in their pursuit of scaling their startups.

Position Overview:

We are looking for a Cofounder & Chief Risk Officer (CRO) to join a fintech lending venture at its earliest stage. This is a cofounder-level role for a bold and experienced risk leader who wants to build something from the ground up. You will shape the venture’s credit risk philosophy, build its risk frameworks, and play a pivotal role in regulatory engagement — all while working alongside the founding team to grow a scalable, tech-driven lending platform.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in high-ownership environments and wants to be a true partner in creating one of the region’s next fintech success stories.

Key Responsibilities:

• Founding Leadership: Act as a key member of the founding team, helping to shape company strategy, structure, and long-term direction.

• Risk Management Strategy: Design and implement the end-to-end risk management framework tailored to fintech lending operations.

• Credit Risk & Analytics: Lead the development of credit risk models (PD, LGD, EAD), scoring algorithms, and decisioning systems using traditional and alternative data sources.

• Regulatory Compliance: Own the relationship with regulators (e.g. SAMA), ensuring full compliance and proactive regulatory alignment.

• Portfolio Oversight: Monitor loan performance, define risk appetite, and implement early warning systems for credit deterioration.

• Operational Risk: Build systems and processes to mitigate operational, fraud, and reputational risks.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with cofounders and product/tech/data teams to embed risk controls seamlessly into the product experience.

• Strategic Risk Leadership: Align risk practices with capital efficiency, unit economics, and growth objectives.

• Reporting & Governance: Build and lead governance processes; regularly report on risk KPIs and strategy to investors and board.

Qualifications:

• Experience: 10+ years in senior risk roles within fintech or financial services, ideally with experience in consumer or SME lending.

• Cofounder Mentality: Entrepreneurial spirit with a willingness to take ownership, get hands dirty, and grow something from zero.

• Proven Track Record: Demonstrated success in launching or scaling risk functions, especially in lending or credit-focused environments.

• Technical Depth: Proficiency in credit modeling, scoring, portfolio monitoring, and risk technology.

• Regulatory Acumen: Strong understanding of Saudi Arabian financial regulations and compliance requirements.

• Fintech Expertise: Experience with one or more models such as BNPL, RNPL, microlending, or trade finance.

• Saudi National (KSA): This role is open to Saudi nationals only.

Skills:

• Analytical Thinking: Deep data analysis skills with the ability to convert insights into action.

• Leadership: Ability to build and lead a high-performing risk and compliance team over time.

• Strategic Insight: Balances day-to-day execution with long-term risk planning and business growth.

• Problem Solving: Naturally proactive with strong decision-making and troubleshooting capabilities.

• Communication: Can clearly explain complex risk concepts to partners, regulators, and non-risk stakeholders.

Benefits:

• The unparalleled opportunity to co-found and lead a cutting-edge fintech product, with early validation and funding support

• True cofounder equity and a voice in all major product, commercial, and strategic decisions

• Full support from Stryber, a premier venture building unit, during the early stages of your journey

• A comprehensive and streamlined onboarding experience into the Sanabil Venture Studio ecosystem

• A competitive compensation package, including founder-level equity and performance-based incentives