First Circle is an SME credit-centric, multi-product NeoBank in SE Asia which is fast-growing (>100%), profitable, and internationalising soon.
We started life as an SME lender in the Philippines in 2016 to solve the SME credit gap by using technology to systemise underwriting, deliver exceptional UX, and automate away delivery costs. We’ve delivered our clients the fastest, cheapest, most flexible credit line available to businesses anywhere in Southeast Asia. We’ve been rewarded with both fast growth and exceptional unit economics, a rare combination in our space.
Over the past two years we’ve expanded our product range to include business bank accounts & payments, e-Invoices, corporate credit cards, rooftop solar, and most recently deposits catalysed by securing a full bank charter in the Philippines. In 2027, we’ll expand our geographical coverage to include at least two new markets in APAC.
Our excellent track record results from our people & culture. We combine high standards & intensity with a collegiate environment. Our barometers of success are the rate of personal growth of our people, how long high performers choose to stay, and ensuring we raise the bar with every hire.
Stage:
- Profitable
- 150% YoY growth
- $25-50m revenue
As VP of Engineering, you will be the most senior technical leader in the business, reporting directly to the CEO. You will own engineering output end-to-end: from system design and domain architecture to delivery velocity, team culture, and the platform decisions that define the next chapters of our journey.
This isn't a role for a detached executive. We are looking for a technically excellent leader who stays hands-on with the hardest problems and raises the bar on engineering quality. You'll build the organisation that makes us the leading SME neobank in Southeast Asia.
What you'll own- Team and hiring. Scale engineering from 25+ to 100+, including org design, hiring bar, career paths and performance frameworks. Hire and develop strong engineering leaders.
- Architecture. Set domain boundaries, data modelling standards and integration patterns across our microservices. Lead design decisions on ledgers, transaction state, reconciliation and authorisation.
- Delivery. Improve velocity and quality, measured by DORA metrics, and balance feature work against technical debt. Co-own the technical roadmap with Product.
- Regulation and security. Own the technical side of regulatory and licensing requirements across our markets, including technology risk, outsourcing and data rules, as well as PCI-DSS.
- Platform and data. Own our Azure platform, cloud cost, data infrastructure and our AI-assisted engineering strategy.
- External relationships. Hold the technical relationship with key partners, such as issuer processors and core banking providers. Represent engineering to the board, investors and regulators.
Requirements
- 7+ years in software engineering, including 4+ leading multiple teams through significant growth
- Deep experience building financial technology such as payments, lending, cards or core banking
- A track record of solving hard technical problems personally, not only through others
- A track record of hiring and retaining excellent engineers
- Able to explain technical complexity clearly to executives, the board and regulators
- Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, or a related discipline
- Deep familiarity with global fintech and/or Southeast Asia tech ecosystem
- Prior experience in a high-growth environment
- Hands-on Azure architecture experience
- Familiarity with card and payments infrastructure (issuer processors, scheme rules, clearing flows)
- Experience within a regulated entity or navigating a licensing process
Benefits
- Competitive base salary with outcome-based bonuses and significant equity participation
- High impact role with meaningful influence over company direction
- Flexibility to work remotely with opportunities for travel
- Macbooks, health insurance, training budget, and more!
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Skills Required
- 7+ years of software engineering experience
- 4+ years leading multiple teams through significant growth
- Deep experience building financial technology, including payments, lending, cards, or core banking
- Track record of personally solving complex technical problems
- Track record of hiring and retaining excellent engineers
- Ability to explain technical complexity clearly to executives, boards, and regulators
- Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, or a related discipline
- Familiarity with global fintech or the Southeast Asia technology ecosystem
- Experience in a high-growth environment
- Hands-on Azure architecture experience
- Familiarity with card and payments infrastructure, issuer processors, scheme rules, and clearing flows
- Experience within a regulated entity or navigating a licensing process
What We Do
Founded in 2016, First Circle is the fastest-growing fintech in the Philippines, led by an ex-Morgan Stanley and ex-Bridgewater Associates management team. We have offices in Manila, London and Hong Kong. First Circle offers SME financing and are building smart banking solutions for businesses. First Circle is a trusted partner of the Philippine government and is the official Finance Partner of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). We are also a pioneer data provider to the Credit Information Corporation (CIC) and the very first FinTech company to ever be licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the Philippines.
