Head of Global Merchant Risk

About the role

Adyen is on the lookout for a strategic leader to take charge of credit risk management as the organization broadens its range of financial offerings. This pivotal position involves overseeing the implementation of risk management strategies, ensuring a balance between commercial expansion and financial security. You will lead the Merchant Risk Committee and shape the approach to managing counterparty and chargeback risks.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead and develop a global team that spans across key locations including Amsterdam, Chicago, and Singapore, ensuring cohesive operations and effective communication.
• Supervise the daily assessment and manual evaluations of high-risk merchants under the Merchant Potential Liability and Credit Risk frameworks to mitigate potential losses.
• Act as the ultimate escalation point for intricate merchant approval cases, delivering comprehensive proposals to the Merchant Risk Committee for review and decision-making.
• Conduct thorough analyses of operational data to provide insights and feedback on credit models, risk management policies, and the organization's overall risk appetite.
• Direct the global collections strategy to optimize recovery efforts when risks materialize, ensuring that best practices are followed.
• Collaborate closely with Product and Second Line Risk teams to ensure that risk management tools and governance structures are effectively aligned with business objectives.
• Develop and implement risk assessment frameworks that can adapt to the evolving landscape of the financial services industry.
• Foster a culture of risk awareness throughout the organization by providing training and support to other teams on risk-related matters.
• Monitor industry trends and regulatory changes to ensure that the company remains compliant and competitive in its risk management practices.
• Prepare and present regular reports to senior management, highlighting key risk indicators and the overall health of the merchant risk portfolio.
• Engage with external stakeholders, including regulators and partners, to communicate the company's risk management strategies and practices.

Requirements

• A minimum of 8 years of experience in a leadership role focused on credit risk within banking, high-volume payments, or fintech environments.
• Strong practical knowledge of credit risk management principles as they apply to financial products and services.
• Familiarity with the merchant lifecycle, including insights into bankruptcy risks and underwriting processes.
• Proven ability to distill complex risk-related data into clear, actionable proposals for executive-level discussions.
• Excellent analytical skills with a track record of using data to drive decision-making and improve risk management outcomes.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, capable of engaging with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

Nice to have

• Experience in managing teams across multiple international regions, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and adaptability.
• A background in capital lending, commercial loans, or charge card products would be advantageous.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and compliance standards relevant to credit risk in the financial sector.

Skills & tools

• Proficiency in credit risk modeling and the development of risk management policies.
• Expertise in Merchant Potential Liability frameworks and their application in risk assessment.
• Strong capabilities in managing collections strategies and optimizing recovery processes.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with a focus on effective executive communication.

Practical notes

Adyen follows an office-first approach and does not accommodate remote-only work arrangements. The company aims to provide feedback on applications within five business days, and the typical interview process spans around four weeks. Adyen is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging candidates from underrepresented backgrounds to apply even if they do not meet every single qualification listed. This role offers a competitive salary, and the opportunity to work in a dynamic and innovative environment in Amsterdam.

About the company

Adyen is a financial technology platform providing end-to-end payments infrastructure, data analytics, and financial products. Founded by Pieter van der Does and Arnout Schuijff in 2006, Adyen went public on Euronext Amsterdam in 2018. Its clients include Meta, Uber, Spotify, and Microsoft.