Head of Payments and Platform at Umba

Role Overview

As Head of Payments and Platform, you will shape a licensed banking operation into a revenue-generating payments business. You’ll work closely with engineering, finance and compliance to launch partner-facing account services, establish reliable payment and FX routes, and bring the first customers onto the platform.

The remit also includes remittance payouts and lending delivered through the platform, with responsibility for the commercial model, partner relationships and the financial performance of the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Define the initial API-based accounts, collections and payouts product with engineering, and guide partner onboarding through to launch.
• Develop partner proposals and agreements, and secure early customers such as fintechs, payment firms, marketplaces and vertical software providers.
• Source and manage cross-border settlement partners, assessing cost, speed, reliability and counterparty exposure.
• Set and maintain pricing for platform access, accounts, transactions, foreign exchange and remittance payouts.
• Coordinate with finance on FX positions, treasury activity and the liquidity and capital requirements of the payments business.
• Work with compliance teams on partner reviews, KYC arrangements and regulatory approvals, including engagement with the Central Bank of Kenya or relevant regional regulators.
• Develop remittance payout services to bank accounts and M-Pesa, and collaborate with the credit team on lending to merchants and customers using the platform.
• Track partner launches, account growth, transaction volumes and revenue, and build the team as the business expands, including treasury, partner success and sales capabilities.

Requirements & Qualifications

• At least 7 years of experience in payments, fintech or financial services.
• Experience building or operating a sponsor-bank, payment service provider or aggregator integration, with a practical understanding of fintech requirements for bank APIs.
• Background in banking-as-a-service or fintech, ideally in East Africa; cross-border payments or remittances experience is preferred.
• Experience working with the Central Bank of Kenya or an equivalent regulator on product approvals.
• Ability to assess treasury positions, price FX and payment services, and explain commercial terms to partner finance leaders.
• Strong commercial skills, including the ability to win and close partnerships, alongside clear writing for engineering specifications and partner term sheets.
• Established connections with fintechs, payment companies or remittance operators in Kenya or the wider region.
• Experience with digital-asset payment infrastructure or core banking systems is useful but not essential.