Cross-Border Payments Lead

Sokify is delighted to present this exciting opportunity from Umba, Africa's pioneering stablecoin bank. POSITION: Cross-Border Payments Lead COMPANY: Umba ABOUT UMBA Umba is Africa's first stablecoin bank — a fully licensed Kenyan financial institution with live stablecoin infrastructure and active operations spanning East and West Africa. With Kenya's VASP Act coming into effect in October 2025, Umba holds a unique distinction as the continent's sole licensed bank authorized to facilitate money transfers via stablecoin rails. The mission is clear: replace the outdated correspondent banking model with instant, affordable cross-border payment solutions designed for African businesses and consumers alike. THE OPPORTUNITY We're seeking an experienced Cross-Border Payments Lead to own and accelerate our cross-border payments division from the ground up. You will establish and grow two distinct product verticals: Business Payments — serving Kenyan exporters, business process outsourcing companies, and technology firms receiving funds from international markets Consumer Payments — enabling freelancers, remote workers, and digital creators to receive payments in USD and EUR seamlessly Your influence extends beyond direct customer relationships. You'll forge strategic partnerships with international payment providers and remittance networks, positioning Umba as the essential infrastructure layer for moving capital into Africa. This role offers the chance to shape how stablecoin technology fundamentally transforms cross-border commerce across the continent. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Own the complete commercial strategy and revenue expansion across both business and consumer payment segments Design and execute distinct go-to-market strategies tailored to each customer segment and their unique needs Identify, acquire, and onboard high-value enterprise customers including exporters, BPO operations, and software companies Build consumer adoption momentum among independent professionals and remote workers dependent on international income Establish and nurture partnerships with global payment platforms, financial institutions, and remittance operators Drive consistent growth in payment transaction volumes while meeting revenue objectives Collaborate extensively with product and engineering leadership to influence platform development priorities Recruit, develop, and lead a growing commercial team as the business scales WHAT YOU BRING Minimum seven years of professional experience in payments, fintech, or broader financial services, with preference given to candidates with cross-border payments or remittance sector background Demonstrated success building and scaling payment products within emerging market contexts Proficiency in executing both B2B and B2C commercial strategies and customer acquisition campaigns Expert knowledge of African payment corridors, foreign exchange market dynamics, and the regulatory environment Established professional network within the global payments industry, including connections to remittance platforms, fintech companies, and payment networks Proven commercial operator capable of direct sales, deal closure, and team building Additional advantage if you possess hands-on experience with stablecoin technology, cryptocurrency, or blockchain-based payment systems WHY THIS MOMENT Kenya has become the first African nation to authorize licensed banks to operate with stablecoins. As the only licensed bank with this infrastructure currently operational, Umba enjoys a multi-year competitive advantage. As other African markets follow Kenya's regulatory lead, the opportunity to establish the category-defining player exists right now. The timing is exceptional.