Chief Executive Officer – StudyAll

Location: Sandton
Type: Full-time
Seniority Level: CEO/Director/Partner
Reports to: Board of Directors

Job Description

The CEO of StudyAll will lead a pioneering fintech company focused on democratizing access to quality education through innovative student lending solutions. As the head of this alternative lending platform, you will build and scale a technology-driven financial services business that provides flexible funding options designed for students of all strata, who lack access to formal financing options. This role requires a leader with deep understanding of fintech domain, regulatory knowledge, and a passion for financial inclusion in the education sector.

Key Responsibilities

Business Strategy & Growth

• Develop, define and execute the strategic roadmap for StudyAll’s lending platform, positioning it as a leader in the education fintech space
• Develop and scale alternative data-based credit assessment models that evaluate student creditworthiness beyond traditional metrics
• Drive product innovation in flexible repayment structures, income-share agreements, and Study Now Pay Later education financing
• Establish strategic partnerships with educational institutions, EdTech platforms, and financial partners to expand market reach

Risk Management

• Build and oversee a robust Non-Banking Financial Institution (NBFI) operation compliant with regulatory requirements and industry standards
• Implement sophisticated risk assessment algorithms and credit scoring models tailored to student demographics
• Develop sustainable unit economics implementing risk-based pricing strategies that balance accessibility with profitability
• Establish comprehensive loan portfolio management including collections, restructuring, and recovery processes
• Monitor key lending metrics: Bounce rates, portfolio aging movements, Delinquency management and lifetime value

Technology & Operations

• Oversee the development of a cutting-edge lending platform with seamless user experience for loan origination, underwriting, and servicing
• Implement advanced data analytics, machine learning, and AI capabilities for credit decisioning and risk management
• Ensure robust cybersecurity, data protection, and fraud prevention measures across all operations
• Build scalable operational infrastructure to support rapid growth and high transaction volumes

Regulatory & Compliance

• Ensure obtaining regulatory licenses in the jurisdictions where operations are proposed to be launched
• Navigate and ensure compliance with Non-Banking Financial Institution regulations in multiple jurisdictions, consumer protection laws, and financial services legislation
• Establish relationships with regulatory bodies, rating agencies, and industry associations
• Implement comprehensive KYC, AML, and credit reporting procedures
• Maintain adherence to fair lending practices and responsible lending guidelines

Fundraising & Capital Markets

• Develop relationships with venture capital firms, private equity investors, and strategic financial partners
• Explore debt financing options, securitization opportunities, and alternative capital sources
• Present compelling investment propositions highlighting market opportunity, unit economics, and growth potential

Leadership & Team Building

• Build and lead a high-performing team across technology, marketing, risk, operations, compliance, and business development
• Foster a culture of innovation, customer-centricity, and responsible lending practices
• Establish clear performance metrics, accountability structures, and incentive programs

Required Qualifications

Core Experience

• 10+ years of senior leadership experience in fintech, Banking / Non Banking Financial Institutions, or financial services
• Proven track record of scaling lending businesses, with experience in consumer credit, marketplace lending, or alternative finance
• Deep understanding of credit risk management, underwriting processes, and loan portfolio optimization
• Regulatory expertise in Non Banking Financial Institution operations, consumer lending laws, and financial services compliance
• Technology leadership experience with fintech platforms, digital lending solutions, and data-driven decision making

Industry Knowledge

• Alternative lending experience: Consumer financing, BNPL, digital lending, marketplace lending, Student loans or similar models
• Credit assessment expertise: Alternative credit scoring, machine learning models, and non-traditional data sources
• EdTech familiarity: Understanding of education financing, student demographics, and academic institution partnerships
• Capital markets knowledge: Experience with debt funding, securitization, and investor relations

Leadership Capabilities

• Entrepreneurial mindset with experience building fintech companies from early to growth stage
• Strategic thinking with ability to identify market opportunities and competitive advantages
• Stakeholder management skills for engaging with regulators, investors, partners, and team members
• Data-driven approach to business decisions, risk management, and performance optimization

Educational Background

• Advanced degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Engineering, or related quantitative field
• Regulatory training in NBFC operations and consumer lending compliance

What We Offer

• Highly competitive executive compensation
• Equity stake with potential for substantial value creation as the company scales
• Lead a high-impact fintech that democratizes access to quality education
• Shape the future of education financing and student lending in emerging markets
• Build a category-defining company with potential for regional expansion and market leadership