Malaysia Country Manager

About the role

Wise is seeking a hands-on leader to oversee our business operations in Malaysia. You will drive local growth, manage regulatory relationships, and ensure our financial services meet the needs of customers moving money across borders. You will serve as the primary architect of our strategic vision in the country, translating global objectives into actionable local plans. The position requires a high level of ownership over both commercial and compliance functions to safeguard the company's interests. You will be instrumental in building a high-performance culture that delivers exceptional results. Success in this role will be defined by your ability to execute in a fast-paced environment while maintaining rigorous standards. You will act as the key link between the local market and the global leadership team.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Serve as the CEO and Board Director for Wise's licensed entities in Malaysia, managing local board materials and governance standards.
• Own risk, compliance, and legal oversight, ensuring all products align with local regulations.
• Manage relationships with Bank Negara Malaysia, the Securities Commission, and other government bodies.
• Direct the end-to-end strategy for acquiring new local licenses to support market expansion.
• Lead commercial negotiations with national payment networks and financial partners.
• Collaborate with global product and engineering teams to launch features and optimize the customer experience.
• Act as the primary spokesperson for the company in local media, public forums, and industry events.
• Oversee daily operations and foster a strong office culture while guiding cross-functional teams.
• Analyze market trends and competitor activity to identify opportunities for product differentiation and growth.
• Develop and execute marketing and partnership initiatives that increase brand awareness and user acquisition.
• Establish financial controls and reporting mechanisms to ensure profitability and operational efficiency.
• Drive the implementation of Wise's policies and procedures within the Malaysian jurisdiction.

Requirements

• Significant experience in the Malaysian fintech or payments sector, specifically in revenue growth and product ownership.
• Proven history of working directly with Bank Negara Malaysia or equivalent regulators on license applications, audits, or feature approvals.
• Deep knowledge of the local payment ecosystem, including DuitNow, card networks, clearing rails, and FX regulations.
• Professional fluency in English with the ability to explain complex technical topics to regulators and internal stakeholders.
• A hands-on, low-ego approach to problem-solving, from writing business proposals to investigating technical bugs.
• Strong analytical skills, using data to define metrics and identify growth opportunities.
• Experience in team leadership and the ability to influence cross-functional partners without direct authority.
• A demonstrated commitment to compliance and ethical business practices in all professional engagements.

Nice to have

• An established professional network within the Malaysian payment industry.

Skills & tools

• Regulatory compliance and entity governance
• Go-to-market strategy
• Financial partner and SLA management
• Public relations and brand advocacy
• Data-driven product prioritization

Practical notes

• Benefits include flexible working arrangements and standard leave policies.
• Employees are eligible for a 6-week paid sabbatical after 4 years of service.
• The role involves international travel to the regional headquarters in Singapore or offices in Europe as required.

This role is based in Kuala Lumpur and is a critical part of Wise's global expansion strategy. The Malaysia Country Manager will be responsible for establishing a robust operational foundation that supports scalable growth. You will work closely with regional hubs to ensure best practices are shared and implemented effectively. The position demands a proactive mindset and the resilience to navigate complex regulatory landscapes. You will be expected to hit the ground running and make immediate contributions to the business. Leadership in this context means setting the tone for excellence and integrity. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of building sustainable businesses in highly regulated environments. This is an opportunity to shape the future of money movement in Malaysia. If you are passionate about driving impact and thriving in a dynamic setting, this is the role for you.