Optasia is a real-time financial intelligence company. We build precision intelligence that unlocks financial opportunity at scale, running millions of automated credit decisions every day across high-growth markets where formal credit data is limited. Our AI-powered platform turns permitted behavioural data and real-time signals into precise, responsible credit decisions. Embedded within the systems of telcos, banks, digital wallets and other partners, it helps them extend relevant financial services to more people while maintaining strong portfolio control and opens profitable new segments that were previously out of reach. This is how Optasia turns potential into financial progress, responsibly and at scale.
About the role
We are seeking for enthusiastic professionals, with energy, who are results driven and have can-do attitude, who want to be part of a team of likeminded individuals who are delivering solutions in an innovative and exciting environment.
The Quantitative Risk Management Director joins a department of 50 members that is responsible for Credit Risk optimization. The primary role of this role is to research, build, implement and operate a framework for the quantification of model and market risk. The manager must be results-oriented, self-motivated and have the ability to thrive in dynamic and fast-pace environments. The role requires frequent interaction with Credit Traders and Quantitative Risk Data Scientists.
What you wiill do
- Measurement, monitoring and control of credit risk.
- Creation of a framework for the validation of risk models and strategies
- Review and validate existing and new risk models to establish their accuracy and suitability.
- Review and validate credit risk policies
- Conceptualize and define credit risk management reports
- Provide expert support and guidance to all risk stakeholders on risk taking.
- Validate and support risk optimization systems.
- Provide detailed analysis and documentation of methods, techniques, and findings.
- Engage in innovative research tasks for risk quantification and model validation.
What you will bring
- Masters or PhD in a numerate subject
- Minimum 5 years of direct experience on quantifying risk developing and enhancing financial and credit models
- Minimum 5 years of experience using Python, R or Matlab
- Minimum 5 years of experience using and retrieving data from structured datasets (SQL)
- Advanced understanding of market and credit risk quantification methods
- Advanced understanding of model validation techniques for both credit and market risk models
- Experienced in managing and developing a team of quantitative risk analysts and validation specialists
- Excellent analytical skills, evidence of statistical/machine learning models and algorithms development.
- Excellent ability to work under pressure, formulate and articulate solutions and defend assumptions
- Excellent ability to solve real world business problems using quantitative and computational techniques
- Excellent interpersonal, analytical, verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent ability to communicate technical ideas to colleagues outside the domain
- Excellent analytical and organizational skills with acute attention to details
- Experience in working with secure code development guidelines and coding practices (i.e. OWASP, NIST)
Why Optasia?
Optasia is a high-growth, AI-powered financial infrastructure platform serving over 432 million users in emerging markets across Africa and Asia. By harnessing the power of AI and real-time data we unlock financial opportunities for customers. We have been recognized as a top fintech by Forbes Middle East, culminating in a successful JSE listing in 2025.
At Optasia, our global team builds the tech, products and services which will change the game for the world's unbanked population. We empower our people by offering unique employee experiences and support individual careers by prioritizing well-being and embracing flexibility.
Benefits include:
- Work from anywhere policy (90-day per year)
- Competitive remuneration package
- Extra day off on your birthday
- Performance-based bonus scheme
- Comprehensive private healthcare insurance
- All the tech gear you need to work smart
Skills Required
- Master’s or PhD in a numerate subject
- At least 5 years of experience quantifying risk and developing or enhancing financial and credit models
- At least 5 years of experience using Python, R, or MATLAB
- At least 5 years of experience using and retrieving data from structured datasets with SQL
- Advanced understanding of market and credit risk quantification methods
- Advanced understanding of model validation techniques for credit and market risk models
- Experience managing and developing quantitative risk analysts and validation specialists
- Experience developing statistical or machine learning models and algorithms
- Ability to solve business problems using quantitative and computational techniques
- Strong analytical, organizational, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
- Ability to communicate technical ideas to non-domain colleagues
- Experience with secure code development guidelines and practices, including OWASP and NIST
What We Do
We deliver Optasia, the AI Platform enabling financial access for the next billion customers. We are changing the world our way. Α versatile, data-driven B2B2X (business-to-business-to-customers and SMEs) financial technology platform for MNOs, mobile wallet operators and financial institutions, which provides them with accurate credit scoring for responsible financing decision-making. We support intelligent credit decisions, enable a broad range of financial services development and drive successful business models. All with ease, through our AI-led fully-automated decisioning algorithm, which allows us to efficiently make millions of decisions on financing, based on sophisticated data analysis. Thanks to our technology and network we provide powerful flywheel effects with repeatable and scalable growth levers, to help our partners grow and enable financial access to retail & SME customers across numerous markets. Operating since 2012 as Channel VAS and expanded in more than 35 countries in Africa, Middle East, Asia and LATAM with focus in emerging markets, Optasia Enabling credit decisions for an average of 116 million customers a month and had more than 980 million addressable subscribers in 2023, continuing to expand to new markets globally. Optasia has been chosen as an investment opportunity by top firms such as Abu Dhabi's Waha Capital in 2017, and Ethos, a leading South African investment company in late 2018. The company also obtained ISO 27001 Certification in late 2021. Founded as Channel VAS in 2012, we became Optasia in 2022, incorporating a brand identity that more broadly reflects our capabilities.
