Chief Risk Officer (CRO) – Bahrain

About the role

The Chief Risk Officer will lead an independent risk management function for a regulated PSP and crypto‑asset business in Bahrain. Reporting functionally to the Board of Directors and Board Risk Committee and administratively to the CEO, the CRO is responsible for the enterprise risk framework, risk appetite, policies, controls, monitoring, reporting and governance.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and maintain an enterprise‑wide risk management framework, risk registers, KRIs and escalation processes.
• Oversee PSP‑related risks including operations, transaction processing, client money safeguarding, liquidity, settlement, fraud, cyber security and third‑party arrangements.
• Manage crypto‑related risks such as market and liquidity risk, custody, wallet/key management, cyber security and regulatory compliance.
• Conduct risk assessments for new products, services, technology changes and outsourcing, providing independent review and approval recommendations.
• Support capital and liquidity planning, develop stress‑testing frameworks and present results to senior management and the Board.
• Maintain compliance with Central Bank of Bahrain requirements, support regulatory inspections and prepare Board and Risk Committee reports.
• Lead, develop and resource the Risk Management team, collaborating with Compliance, Internal Audit, Finance, Operations and Technology.

Required profile

• 8+ years of risk management experience within regulated financial services, preferably in payments, fintech, banking, capital markets, digital assets or crypto.
• Previous experience leading a risk management function and direct exposure to PSP, electronic payments, card issuing or crypto businesses.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Finance, Risk Management, Economics, Accounting, Mathematics, Business or related field; professional certifications (FRM, PRM, CFA, ARM, IRM) preferred.
• Strong stakeholder management, board‑level communication skills and a regulatory‑focused mindset.