Risk - Payments SME

Risk & Payments SME (Contractual) Location: United Arab Emirates Type: Contractual Position Role Overview We are seeking an experienced Risk & Payments Subject Matter Expert (SME) to lead and support risk-based supervision activities for payment system operators. The role will focus on identifying, assessing, and mitigating operational, settlement, and systemic risks. As a technical advisor, the SME will contribute to policy formulation and the development of frameworks for oversight of both major and emerging payment infrastructures. Key Responsibilities • Design and implement risk-based supervisory frameworks for payment system operators, including real-time gross settlement (RTGS), retail payment systems, and digital payment platforms. • Develop comprehensive risk assessment methodologies, identifying and monitoring operational, settlement, and business risks that could impact system stability. • Prepare and maintain risk registers and contribute to scenario analyses for settlement failures, cyber incidents, and operational disruptions. • Review compliance with international standards and recommend best practices in operational resilience, business continuity, data security, and consumer protection. • Develop frameworks and SOPs for on-site and off-site supervisory reviews, including management interviews, technical assessments, and reporting of findings, KPIs, and supervisory concerns to oversight committees. • Collaborate with supervisory colleagues to ensure a consistent and proportionate approach to risk-based supervision, especially for systemically important operators. • Provide technical advice on regulatory developments, international standards (e.g., CPMI-IOSCO Principles for Financial Market Infrastructures), and industry best practices. Skills and Qualifications • Advanced understanding of payment systems, risk-based supervision methodologies, and regulatory frameworks. • Strong knowledge of PFMI principles, including self-assessment, gap analysis, and compliance roadmaps. • Proven experience with risk assessment techniques, risk registers, and scenario-based supervision. • In-depth knowledge of operational resilience requirements, including business continuity, disaster recovery, and information security controls. • Strong analytical skills in assessing payment system operations, governance structures, and financial stability linkages. • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with experience advising senior management and regulatory authorities.