Country Manager (New Market Expansion)
First Circle · Kuala Lumpur
First Circle is an SME-focused, credit-centric, and multi-product NeoBank in SE Asia which is fast-growing (>100%), profitable, and internationalising soon.
We started life as an SME lender in the Philippines in 2016 to solve the SME credit gap by using technology to systemise underwriting, deliver exceptional UX, and automate away delivery costs. We’ve delivered our clients the fastest, cheapest, most flexible credit line available to businesses anywhere in Southeast Asia. We’ve been rewarded with both fast growth and exceptional unit economics, a rare combination in our space.
Over the past two years we’ve expanded our product range to include business bank accounts & payments, e-Invoices, corporate credit cards, rooftop solar, and most recently deposits catalysed by securing a full bank charter in the Philippines. In 2027, we’ll expand our geographical coverage to include at least two new markets in APAC.
Our excellent track record results from our people & culture. We combine high standards & intensity with a collegiate environment. Our barometers of success are the rate of personal growth of our people, how long high performers choose to stay, and ensuring we raise the bar with every hire.
We're looking for an experienced leader to join our Expansion team, leading First Circle's first expansion into Malaysia. You will be responsible for launching and scaling our Malaysia operations, including defining pricing and risk management strategy, and product strategy. We are launching new products and growing existing products, including corporate credit cards, invoice financing, payments accounts, and payroll. To launch and grow these products we need operators who keep a finger on the pulse of everything that is happening. You understand what customers want and need, and you execute with a high degree of precision and excellence. You will report to the Head of Expansion.
The ideal candidate has strong problem solving and analytical skills, and is also able to work with other people to make things happen in reality. You don't stop at finding a neat solution to a problem - you also want to implement change and see the results of your work. You are comfortable working with data, have familiarity with how sales teams work, and are able to partner with other people.
First Circle is changing small business banking for under-served SMEs, and Malaysia is the next market where we're bringing this to life. The sky is the limit for someone who wants to get stuck in and make a difference.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Build and lead First Circle's local entity in Malaysia, including incorporation, licensing, and regulatory registration workstreams.
- Define and execute the country strategy - including product sequencing, pricing, and risk management approach - for the local market.
- Own delivery against the launch KPIs: issuing the first loan and hitting early gross profit targets.
- Build and manage relationships with key external stakeholders, including regulators, banking partners, and local service providers.
- Recruit, hire, and build out the founding local team.
- Get hands-on with day-to-day execution - from underwriting and operations to customer issues - while also setting overall strategy.
- Represent First Circle to regulators, partners, and prospective customers in Malaysia.
- Report progress, risks, and learnings back to the Head of Expansion and wider leadership team.
Requirements
- 10+ years of experience in the Financial Services industry, including 3+ years in a management role at a moneylender, bank, or similar lending institution.
- Track record of launching or scaling a financial services business, ideally in a new or emerging market.
- Demonstrated experience managing relationships with regulators and other key external stakeholders.
- Comfortable operating hands-on and in the details - this is not a "strategy from a distance" role.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with comfort working with data to make decisions.
- Experience with M&A is a plus.
- Entrepreneurial mindset, with a bias to action in ambiguous, fast-moving environments.
- Fluency in English and Malay; existing professional network in Malaysia is a plus.
- The successful applicant would need to pass Fit & Proper approval with the local regulator. Prior F&P approval is a plus.
Benefits
- Work at a fast-growing fintech on meaningful products that reshape SME finance in Southeast Asia.
- We don't have a fixed budget for the role as we hire from all over the world. When we find the right person, we will pay them competitively vs their market rate.
- Macbooks, health insurance, training budget, and more!
- Rapid growth opportunities within a fast-growing business.
- Flexibility to work remotely within Malaysia with opportunities for travel.
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