Chief Financial Officer

ZAD is a Kuwaiti fintech company regulated by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA). Our mobile platform lets users buy and sell US-listed stocks and ETFs. With a quickly expanding team, we are one of the region’s fastest-growing capital markets platforms. As we prepare to launch the local Kuwait Stock Exchange offering and expanding in the GCC, we are building the leadership team that will take ZAD to the next level.

The Chief Finance Officer is the most senior financial appointment at ZAD and a core member of the executive leadership team. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will own the financial health, integrity and strategy of a regulated fintech at a critical point in its growth. This is not a reporting role. You will set the financial direction, build and lead the finance function, maintain our regulatory standing with the CMA, and partner with the CEO and founders to shape how ZAD grows.

We are looking for a leader who combines deep technical finance expertise with the commercial instincts and executive presence to influence decisions at the highest level of the business. You must understand capital markets, be current on Kuwaiti regulatory requirements, and have a clear track record of building finance functions that scale.

• Define and own ZAD’s financial strategy, aligned with the CEO’s vision and the company’s growth ambitions
• Serve as the primary financial voice on the executive team, contributing to all major business decisions
• Lead financial planning, long-range modelling, budgeting and capital allocation
• Build, scale and lead a high-performing finance function as the business grows
• Partner directly with the founders and board on strategic priorities, performance and direction

• Own full compliance with all Capital Markets Authority (CMA) financial reporting obligations
• Ensure timely, accurate submission of all regulatory filings, disclosures and returns
• Lead and manage relationships with the CMA, external auditors, legal counsel and regulatory advisors
• Monitor regulatory developments and proactively adapt internal controls and policies to remain compliant
• Oversee the integrity of all CMA-regulated financial disclosures, including those tied to the Kuwait Stock Exchange launch

• Oversee all financial operations including treasury, reconciliation, cash management and banking relationships
• Design and maintain a robust internal control environment appropriate for a regulated financial institution
• Manage risk exposures across liquidity, currency, credit and operational finance
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of all financial data, statements and reporting systems

• Lead investor relations from a financial standpoint, including reporting, communications and board presentations
• Support fundraising rounds, capital raises and any M&A or partnership activity with financial modelling and due diligence
• Build and maintain relationships with existing and prospective investors
• Deliver clear, credible financial narratives to the board, CEO and external stakeholders

• Lead the implementation and optimisation of financial systems, tools and reporting infrastructure
• Partner with Technology and Operations on integrations that affect financial data flows and settlement processes
• Build a reporting framework that gives leadership real-time visibility into financial performance
• Support the rollout of new products and markets with sound financial architecture and risk assessment

• 12+ years of progressive finance experience, with at least 3 to 5 years in a C-suite or equivalent senior leadership role
• Demonstrated experience as a CFO, Deputy CFO, VP Finance or equivalent in a regulated financial services, fintech or capital markets environment
• Deep knowledge of CMA regulations, financial compliance requirements and regulatory reporting in Kuwait
• Proven track record of leading and building finance teams in a high-growth environment
• Strong command of financial reporting, treasury management, internal controls, budgeting and capital planning
• Experience presenting to boards, investors and regulators at the highest level
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or a related field

• Professional qualification: CFA, CPA, ACCA, CA or equivalent
• Direct experience working with or reporting to the Kuwait Capital Markets Authority (CMA)
• Exposure to US-listed equities, ETFs, brokerage platforms or multi-market capital markets products
• Experience leading or supporting IPO, fundraising, M&A or investor relations processes