Head of Strategy (Alternative Credit Scoring Platform)
Leading strategic direction and business model development for fintechs expanding credit access via alternative data.
Overview
The daily reality of this career involves balancing high-level market analysis with granular operational oversight. A typical week includes evaluating the efficacy of non-traditional data points—such as utility payments or mobile usage—against traditional lending metrics to ensure both financial inclusion and portfolio stability. The role requires navigating complex negotiations with banking partners and regulatory bodies to validate the platform's methodology and secure capital for lending.
Success in this position depends on a rigorous analytical mindset and the ability to project future trends in a volatile global financial landscape. The environment is fast-paced and data-driven, requiring constant iteration on business strategies as new machine learning techniques and data privacy laws emerge. Those who excel are typically comfortable with ambiguity and possess the technical literacy to communicate effectively with both quantitative researchers and executive boards.
Responsibilities
- Define the long-term commercial roadmap for the platform to drive user acquisition and revenue growth.
- Analyze global regulatory trends to ensure credit scoring models remain compliant across multiple jurisdictions.
- Forge strategic partnerships with traditional financial institutions to integrate alternative scoring models into their lending stacks.
- Lead cross-functional teams to align product features with identified market gaps in underserved populations.
- Monitor competitive landscapes to identify potential acquisitions or technological shifts that impact market positioning.
- Present comprehensive performance reports and growth forecasts to the board of directors and venture capital investors.
- Oversee the development of go-to-market strategies for new credit products or geographic expansions.
Qualifications
- Extensive experience in corporate strategy, investment banking, or fintech management.
- In-depth knowledge of credit risk management, financial modeling, and consumer lending regulations.
- Proven track record of leading high-stakes negotiations and institutional partnership development.
- Strong understanding of data science principles and how machine learning applies to credit underwriting.
- Advanced degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or a related quantitative field.
- Experience managing multi-disciplinary teams in a high-growth technology environment.
Nice to have
- Prior experience working specifically within emerging markets or with unbanked populations.
- Familiarity with global data privacy frameworks such as GDPR or CCPA.
- Existing network of contacts within top-tier venture capital firms or retail banking executives.
Work environment
- The role typically operates out of major financial or tech hubs with a mix of office and remote work.
- High-pressure environment driven by performance targets and fundraising milestones.
- Frequent collaboration with legal, engineering, and data science departments is standard.
- Work hours often extend to accommodate global partners and international market operating times.
- Heavy reliance on digital collaboration tools, financial modeling software, and data visualization platforms.
Benefits & growth
- Compensation packages usually include significant equity or stock options in addition to base salary.
- Performance-based bonuses are tied to company growth and capital efficiency metrics.
- Career progression often leads to Chief Operating Officer or Chief Executive Officer positions within the fintech sector.
- Opportunities for professional visibility through industry conferences and thought leadership in financial inclusion.
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