Principal, ADIB Ventures

Role: Principal, ADIB Ventures
Location: Abu Dhabi

Role Purpose:

ADIB Ventures, a new strategic initiative launched in 2024 as part of 2035 vision, is designed to accelerate innovation and collaboration within the global financial technology (fintech) sector. The program aims to strengthen ADIB’s position as a leader in digital transformation and create a robust ecosystem by connecting with fintech players and integrating emerging technologies, such as Generative AI & Digital Assets & Currencies to enhance the banking experience for over 1.5 million customers. 

ADIB Ventures seeks to introduce new offerings that cater to the rapidly evolving needs of tech-savvy customers by launching pilot programs and proof-of-value (POV) projects to test and implement cutting-edge technologies that can transform the future of Islamic banking. The initiative further strengthens our position as the world’s most innovative Islamic bank, empowering us to drive growth across the region and beyond.

We’re on a journey to build the bank of the future to become the go-to-bank for entrepreneurs building world class products & services using cutting edge platforms & experiences. We are seeking an entrepreneurial and strategic professional to drive our partnership and emerging technology evaluation / implementation initiative and investment program.

The Principal, ADIB Ventures will assist in the engagement model externally with early-stage startups and scale ups and also within ADIB, working closely with all stakeholders across the Bank: Digital, Technology, Business, Support & Control functions. This role will assist in the internal lifecycle of prioritizing and executing strategic partnership and investment opportunities aligned with our innovation roadmap. This person will help drive the delivery and implementation of new partners that can create new capabilities for ADIB and its customers, facilitating internal communication and coordination, and managing the overall portfolio workflow. 

This is a strategic role for defining and optimizing the portfolio lifecycle engagement model efficiency with internal ADIB stakeholders and accelerating our ability to identify, test and implement cutting-edge FinTech and emerging tech solutions while also exploring investments in those innovative companies. The ideal candidate will become an agile practitioner with the ability to bridge business, technology and external partner ecosystems.
    
Key Accountabilities of the role      

DISCOVER: Partnership Pipeline Management (50%)

• Incubate startups to conduct proof of concepts (or Pilots) with clearly defined MVPs for business objective validations.
• Closely work with internal teams (Business, Technology, Digital…) for taking the qualified ideas and prototypes to market
• Research and prepare relevant information and resources (e.g., market reports, competitor analysis) to support the Head of Fintech Partnerships with potential partners.
• Stay up to date on industry trends and developments within the fintech landscape.

DEFINE: Collaboration and Facilitation (10%)

• Implement and optimize a structured operating model with business teams to funnel opportunities, problem statements, needs and proposing right potential partners.
• Develop an objective scoring system to prioritize potential partners based on strategic alignment, solution relevance, market fit, and risk assessment, prioritizing high impact opportunities.
• Assist internal teams (Risk, FCC, VMCP, etc.) define governance and risk management framework around fintech/ startup engagements.
• Assist with the development and implementation of program processes and workflows for efficient and effective partnership exploration to implementation.
• Facilitate internal discussions and information sharing to ensure a coordinated approach to evaluating and potentially onboarding fintech partners.
• Drive internal alignment and secure cross-functional buy-in from business, technology, operations, legal, compliance, Sharia, and other key stakeholders.
• Manage knowledge sharing, training and coordinate internally to help with change management activities related to new partner solutions.
• Build trusted relationships with internal teams and external partners to ensure successful delivery.

DELIVER: Product & Portfolio Management (40%)

• Develop and maintain the strategic roadmap and backlog for partnership prospects in the Fintech portfolio, accountable for program implementation, budget and resource allocation.
• Track and document partnership progress throughout the evaluation and status of onboarding process, including defining success metrics, measuring results and report on status, risks, and issues to executive leadership.
• Coordinate communication and schedule meetings between our team and relevant internal stakeholders (e.g., Product Teams, Risk Management, Legal) based on potential partner alignment.
• Manage communication with clear direction on progress with external partners, including scheduling meetings, sending follow-up emails, and maintaining a professional and timely response.
• Prepare investment memorandums and materials for internal stakeholders and other investment committee members.

Specialist Skills / Technical Knowledge Required for this role:

Communication & People Skills

• Leadership qualities as a people’s person, managing their passion, continuously motivating and empowering colleagues to come forward and develop out of the box thinking.
• Excellent at building and maintaining relationships with external partners/vendors and internal stakeholders, working cross-functionally with in an agile environment.
• Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation, and interpersonal skills to effectively influence people of all levels. 

Attitude & Technical Skills

• Very strong problem-solving skills (analytical skills, creativity, and logical thinking) to tackle complex issues; will at times go beyond application of existing know-how.
• Self-driven, Energy, enthusiasm, commitment, courage, and entrepreneurial excitement, with a desire for ownership
• Strong work ethic and a proactive approach, with the ability to think critically and strategically while challenging mindset, pushing boundaries beyond status quo and comfort zone.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple deadlines, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Industry & Market Knowledge

• Passionate about innovation and the potential of fintech solutions, including startup legal structure and venture funding.
• Strong understanding of the fintech landscape, latest emerging technologies, financial regulatory policies, and business trends in the FinTech space (highly desirable).

Previous experience:       

• 10+ years of experience in customer facing venture capital, digital business and / or technology.
• 10+ years’ experience in agile delivery, product management or partnership program management, or a related field.
• Significant hands-on experience managing technology innovation initiatives, product integrations or ecosystem partnerships.
• Experience in VC / fund management, or leading Fintech engagement for accelerators/enterprises (desirable)
• Proven ability to work across multiple business units, geographies and with external partners/vendors with a strong business acumen with ability to understand technical concepts and communicate clearly to all levels.