The Managing Director provides overall strategic leadership for ISW Microfinance Bank, working with the Board of Directors and Group Executive Management to define, implement, and achieve the Interswitch Group vision, goals, and strategies. The role is accountable for driving sustainable growth, ensuring regulatory compliance, fostering a high-performance culture, and delivering long-term shareholder value.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Corporate Strategy & Performance

• Collaborate with the Board to define and implement long-term strategy aligned to the company’s vision and Group objectives
• Lead execution of strategy, ensuring alignment across business units, shared services, and the Group’s portfolio companies
• Drive corporate performance against key parameters: profitability, revenue growth, deposits, loan portfolio quality, customer acquisition, and Portfolio at Risk (PAR)

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Establish and maintain robust governance structures, systems, and operational processes
• Ensure full compliance with CBN and other regulatory requirements, meeting all “fit and proper” criteria
• Lead enterprise-wide risk management practices, proactively assessing systemic risks and monitoring mitigation effectiveness
• Provide regular, transparent reporting to the Board and regulators

Stakeholder & Regulatory Engagement

• Proactively build and sustain strong relationships with the Board, regulators, customers, partners, vendors, and the wider community
• Serve as the Bank’s representative with regulators, industry bodies, and external stakeholders, ensuring trust, cooperation, and license to operate

Digital & Innovation Strategy

• Drive digital transformation and leverage technology to expand financial inclusion, improve operational efficiency, and enhance customer experience
• Champion innovation initiatives that strengthen competitiveness and sustain growth

Leadership & Culture

• Provide strategic oversight of daily operations through the executive team
• Build and maintain a high-performance, ethical, and customer-centric culture
• Ensure optimal talent resourcing, capability development, succession planning, and employee engagement
• Lead, mentor, and inspire management staff to deliver on organisational objectives

COMPETENCIES

• Strategic Leadership & Business Acumen – Shapes long-term vision, makes sound business decisions, and aligns strategy with organisational growth
• Governance, Risk & Regulatory Mastery – Anticipates, interprets, and applies governance, compliance, and risk standards to protect and strengthen the business
• Driving Performance & Results Orientation – Consistently achieves ambitious goals, sets high standards, and ensures accountability for outcomes
• Digital Strategy & Innovation – Leverages digital technologies and fosters innovation to create transformative business value
• Stakeholder Management & Influence – Builds trust, manages complex stakeholder needs, and exerts influence to drive alignment and decisions
• Change Management & Agility – Leads large-scale change, adapts quickly to uncertainty, and helps others transition effectively
• Leading & Developing People – Inspires, coaches, and grows talent, building high-performing teams and future leaders
• Relationship Building & Negotiation – Creates strong partnerships and achieves win-win outcomes through advanced negotiation skills
• Emotional Intelligence & Professional Confidence – Demonstrates self-awareness, resilience, and composure, even in high-pressure environments
• Customer Service Orientation – Champions a customer-first culture, anticipating needs and delivering superior service experiences

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university (minimum requirement)
• Advanced degree in Finance, Economics, or Business (MBA/M.Sc. preferred)

EXPERIENCE

• Must meet CBN’s “Fit and Proper” requirements for MD/CEO of a Microfinance Bank
• Minimum of 15 years of relevant financial services experience, including at least 5 years in Executive Management in Microfinance, Fintech, or Commercial Banking
• Participation in recognized executive leadership programs (e.g., LBS, INSEAD, Harvard) is an added advantage

Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.