Corporate Governance Manager

Who Are We

HALA is a leading fintech player in the MENAP region that aims to redefine financial services and build the future bank of SMEs. HALA aims at empowering SMEs to start, run, and grow their businesses by providing them with cutting-edge financial and technological tools.

HALA currently holds multiple entities in UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt (including HALA Payments, HALA Cashier and HALA Logistics) and offers solutions that enable merchants to digitize their payments as well as manage their sales and operations.

Founded in 2017, HALA is currently duly licensed by the Saudi Arabian Central Bank as well as the Financials Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in Abu Dhabi Global Market.

The Job in a Nutshell💡

The Corporate Governance Manager will be responsible for overseeing and enhancing the corporate governance framework within the Hala organization, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, maintaining high governance standards, and advising senior management and the board on governance matters. The individual will play a critical role in ensuring that the company meets its obligations under relevant financial, legal, and regulatory frameworks.

What You Will Do❓

The corporate governance manager will join the Corporate Development team and have the following responsibilities:

Corporate Governance Strategy:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive corporate governance framework that aligns with regulatory requirements and best practices within the fintech industry.
• Ensure continuous improvement in governance practices, policies, and procedures to mitigate risk and support business growth.

Board and Committee Support:

• Act as Secretary to the Board of Directors and its committees, managing board meetings, preparing agendas, recording minutes, and maintaining accurate records.
• Provide advice and guidance to the Board on governance matters, ensuring they meet fiduciary, legal, and regulatory responsibilities.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure the company complies with all relevant financial and regulatory requirements for the group, including those from financial authorities and regulators specific to the fintech sector.
• Lead the filing of statutory and regulatory documentation for the group in a timely manner (e.g., annual reports, financial statements, shareholder communications).
• Liaise with regulatory bodies (e.g., Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), or other relevant fintech regulators) to maintain compliance and manage regulatory relationships for the group.

Risk Management and Internal Controls:

• Oversee the company's risk management framework, ensuring that governance-related risks are effectively identified, assessed, and mitigated.
• Work closely with internal audit, risk, legal, and compliance teams to maintain strong internal control environments.
• Corporate Policies and Procedures:
• Draft, review, and maintain corporate governance policies, including the Code of Conduct, whistleblowing policies, and conflict of interest policies.
• Ensure alignment between corporate policies and the company’s culture, business objectives, and external obligations.
• Monitor compliance with internal policies and take corrective action when necessary.

Shareholder and Stakeholder Relations:

• Act as a key point of contact for shareholders on governance issues, managing shareholder communications and ensuring that shareholder rights are protected.
• Engage with key external stakeholders, including regulators, investors, and external auditors, on governance matters.

What Are We Looking For❓

Key Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Law, Business, Finance, or a related field. A Master’s degree or professional qualification (e.g., ICSA, Chartered Secretary, or equivalent) is preferred.
• 4+ years of experience in corporate governance, compliance, legal, or risk management, preferably within the fintech or financial services sector.
• Strong understanding of fintech regulations, compliance frameworks, and risk management practices.
• Experience in working with board members, executives, and regulators preferred.
• Prior experience in handling governance issues related to digital finance or other emerging financial technologies is a strong plus.Fluent in English and Arabic.

Skills & Competencies:

• Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of corporate governance standards, regulatory compliance, and financial services regulation, particularly in fintech.
• Leadership: Ability to lead, influence, and manage corporate governance processes across all levels of the company.
• Communication: Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex governance issues clearly to a diverse audience, including senior executives and board members.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail.
• Project Management: Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic fintech environment.
• Ethics & Integrity: High degree of professional integrity, ethics, and discretion in handling sensitive information.

• We have an inclusive and diverse culture that encourages innovation and flexibility in remote, in-office, and hybrid work setups.
• We offer highly competitive compensation packages, including the potential for shares.
• We prioritize personal development and offer regular training and an annual learning stipend to tackle new challenges and grow your career in a hyper-growth environment.
• Join a talented team of over 30 nationalities working in 7 countries and gain valuable experience in an exciting industry.
• We offer autonomy, mentoring, and challenging goals that create incredible opportunities for both you and the company.
• You will be given a lot of responsibility and trust We believe that the best results come when the people responsible for a function are given the freedom to do what they think is best