Chief Executive Officer

**Location**: Sandton
**Type**: Full-time
**Seniority Level**: CEO/Director/Partner
**Reports to**: Board of Directors

The CEO of StudyAll will lead a pioneering fintech company focused on democratizing access to quality education through innovative student lending solutions. As the head of this alternative lending platform, you will build and scale a technology-driven financial services business that provides flexible payment options specifically designed for underprivileged students who lack traditional funding options. This role requires a leader with deep fintech expertise, regulatory knowledge, and a passion for financial inclusion in the education sector.

**Key Responsibilities**
Business Strategy & Growth
- Define and execute the strategic roadmap for StudyAll’s lending platform, positioning it as a leader in the education fintech space
- Develop and scale alternative credit assessment models that evaluate student creditworthiness beyond traditional metrics
- Drive product innovation in flexible repayment structures, income-share agreements, and BNPL education financing
- Establish strategic partnerships with educational institutions, EdTech platforms, and financial partners to expand market reach

**Financial Services & Risk Management**
- Build and oversee a robust NBFC operation compliant with regulatory requirements and industry standards
- Implement sophisticated risk assessment algorithms and credit scoring models tailored to student demographics
- Develop sustainable unit economics and pricing strategies that balance accessibility with profitability
- Establish comprehensive loan portfolio management, including collections, restructuring, and recovery processes
- Monitor key lending metrics: default rates, loan-to-value ratios, customer acquisition costs, and lifetime value

**Technology & Operations**
- Oversee the development of a cutting-edge lending platform with seamless user experience for loan origination, underwriting, and servicing
- Implement advanced data analytics, machine learning, and AI capabilities for credit decisioning and risk management
- Ensure robust cybersecurity, data protection, and fraud prevention measures across all operations
- Build scalable operational infrastructure to support rapid growth and high transaction volumes

**Regulatory & Compliance**
- Navigate and ensure compliance with NBFC regulations, consumer protection laws, and financial services legislation
- Establish relationships with regulatory bodies, rating agencies, and industry associations
- Implement comprehensive KYC, AML, and credit reporting procedures
- Maintain adherence to fair lending practices and responsible lending guidelines Fundraising & Capital Markets
- Develop relationships with venture capital firms, private equity investors, and strategic financial partners
- Explore debt financing options, securitization opportunities, and alternative capital sources
- Present compelling investment propositions highlighting market opportunity, unit economics, and growth potential

**Leadership & Team Building**
- Build and lead a high-performing team across technology, marketing, risk, operations, compliance, and business development
- Foster a culture of innovation, customer-centricity, and responsible lending practices
- Establish clear performance metrics, accountability structures, and incentive programs

**Required Qualifications**

**Core Experience**
- 10+ years of senior leadership experience in fintech, NBFC, digital lending, or financial services
- Proven track record of scaling lending businesses, with experience in consumer credit, marketplace lending, or alternative finance
- Deep understanding of credit risk management, underwriting processes, and loan portfolio optimization
- Regulatory expertise in NBFC operations, consumer lending laws, and financial services compliance
- Technology leadership experience with fintech platforms, digital lending solutions and data-driven decision making

**Industry Knowledge**
- Alternative lending experience: BNPL, peer-to-peer lending, marketplace lending, or similar models
- Credit assessment expertise: Alternative credit scoring, machine learning models, and non-traditional data sources
- EdTech familiarity: Understanding of education financing, student demographics, and academic institution partnerships
- Capital markets knowledge: Experience with debt funding, securitization, and investor relations

**Leadership Capabilities**
- Entrepreneurial mindset with experience building fintech companies from early to growth stage
- Strategic thinking with ability to identify market opportunities and competitive advantages
- Stakeholder management skills for engaging with regulators, investors, partners, and team members
- Data-driven approach to business decisions, risk management, and performance optimization

**Educational Background**
- Advanced degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Engineering, or related quantitative field
- Reg