CTO (EMI,Riga)

Our client, an emerging FinTech preparing to obtain an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license in Latvia, is seeking an experienced Chief Technical Officer (CTO) to lead the technological vision, infrastructure design, and product architecture through the company's regulatory application and initial setup.

This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned technology leader to define the core systems of a new financial institution, ensure alignment with regulatory and operational requirements, and guide the technical roadmap from licensing to launch, with the option of full-time engagement upon obtaining EMI license.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the end-to-end technology strategy for a FinTech undergoing the EMI licensing process in Latvia.

• Build the technical foundations required for regulatory approval, including core banking systems, transaction processing, KYC/AML integrations, and payment infrastructure.

• Oversee vendor selection, API integrations, and security frameworks to ensure compliance with Bank of Latvia and EU requirements.

• Collaborate closely with compliance, legal, and operations teams to align all technology components with the EMI licensing documentation and regulatory expectations.

• Define system scalability, data protection, and cybersecurity protocols to meet both current and future operational needs.

• Provide technical documentation and architectural support during the regulator's evaluation and audits.

• Post-licensing, lead the development and expansion of digital products, payment solutions, and user-facing platforms.

Requirements:

• 5+ years of experience in software architecture, infrastructure, or product engineering within a regulated FinTech, PSP, or EMI.

• Proven experience leading the technology setup or integration for financial institutions, especially during licensing or launch stages.

• Strong understanding of payment systems, electronic money frameworks, and security standards (PCI DSS, ISO 27001, GDPR).

• Hands-on experience with core banking platforms, API orchestration, and cloud-based infrastructure (AWS, GCP, or Azure).

• Solid grasp of data governance, encryption, and systems monitoring best practices.

• University degree in computer science, information systems, or a related technical field.

• Fluency in English; Latvian or Russian proficiency considered an advantage.

• Must meet the "fit and proper" requirements of the Bank of Latvia, including demonstrable competence, integrity, and professional reputation.

What's Offered:

• Flexible, part-time engagement during the licensing and setup phase.

• Competitive compensation: €2,000–€4,000/month, depending on profile and involvement level.

• B2B contract with a clear path to full-time CTO appointment upon successful license approval.

• A rare opportunity to shape a FinTech's technology stack, define its operational backbone, and drive innovation from the ground up.