At Verto, we're on a mission to democratise global finance and empower businesses in Emerging Markets to reach the world. Founded by British-Nigerian entrepreneurs Ola Oyetayo and Anthony Oduu, our roots in Africa provided a firsthand understanding of the significant challenges businesses face with cross-border payments, from illiquid currencies and high fees to slow transactions. This deep-rooted insight is why Africa remains a core focus, as we're committed to bridging the gap between emerging and developed markets and fostering global economic growth.
What started as an FX solution for the Nigerian Naira has evolved into a market-leading platform, enabling thousands of businesses to seamlessly transfer billions of dollars annually. We believe that where you do business shouldn’t determine your success or ability to scale. We're creating equal access to the easy payment and liquidity solutions that are already a given in developed markets.
We're not alone in realising this crucial need; we're backed by world-class investors including Y-Combinator, Quona, and MEVP. Our impact has been recognised with accolades such as 'Fintech Start-Up of the Year' and the Milken-Motsepe Prize, a testament to our role in powering payments for some of the world's most disruptive startups. Join us as we continue to grow and transform global finance.
Role OverviewThis role is central to our global expansion, acting as the on-the-ground founder for our entry into Francophone Africa. You will build our presence from the ground up—from securing licenses and banking partnerships to acquiring our first key clients and generating initial revenue.
About the RoleWe are seeking an entrepreneurial and results-driven Market Launcher to spearhead our expansion into key markets across Francophone Africa, including Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon, and Senegal.
What You’ll Be DoingLead Market Entry & Licensing: Drive all regulatory engagements, manage license applications, and build strong relationships with central banks and regulators.
Establish Key Partnerships: Secure local banking partners and negotiate commercial agreements to gain access to essential payment rails (mobile money, local switches, FX).
Drive Business Development: Identify, onboard, and manage relationships with anchor clients such as fintechs, corporates, and marketplaces.
Execute Go-To-Market Strategy: Build the initial sales pipeline and execute a GTM plan to generate revenue within the first 6-12 months.
Ensure Governance & Compliance: Uphold strict adherence to local regulations and international standards (AML/CFT, FATF).
Coordinate Globally: Act as the primary liaison between the local market and our global product, compliance, and operations teams in London, India, and Kenya.
Proven experience in market expansion, strategic partnerships, or a similar role within the fintech or payments industry.
Deep understanding of the financial regulatory landscape and licensing processes, preferably in African markets.
Strong negotiation skills with a track record of securing partnerships with banks, MNOs, or large enterprises.
A hands-on, "builder" mindset with exceptional execution and project management skills.
Ability to operate autonomously and coordinate effectively with cross-functional, globally distributed teams.
Professional fluency in both French and English is essential for this role.
Direct experience launching or operating in Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon, or Senegal.
An existing network of senior contacts within the banking, regulatory, or fintech communities in Francophone Africa.
Experience working in a high-growth startup environment.
Familiarity with international frameworks like FATF and MiCA.
We’re building more than just a team, we’re building a community of people who care deeply about their craft, collaborate with purpose, and enjoy the journey together.
PerksFlexible work schedules, generous leave policy and a professional development budget
Love asking “why?”
Value solving problems over just completing tasks
Understand sync vs. async communication practices
Thrive in ambiguity and change
Actively seek feedback
Prioritise impact over activity
Are fun to work with - we love good humour!
The interview process will have a chat with the talent team, round with the hiring manager/co-founder and a case study round with a panel
Top Skills
What We Do
Verto is a global B2B payments solution that helps businesses send money to anyone, anywhere. Using a purposefully built tech infrastructure and payment rails, you can instantly send and receive money in over 200 countries. Today, Verto helps 1000+ customers from startups, SMEs to large corporate companies convert millions of dollars per year.
Using our liquidity and price discovery marketplace solution, new customers can convert between 49 currencies, open bank account or wallets in seconds and make payments on a single platform.
