Head of Risk and Banking Operations
Unit
ABOUT UNIT
Unit is a market leader in embedded finance. We offer ready-to-launch financial services - like banking and capital - and serve millions of end-users across ~100 customers, including Wix, Bill.com, Honeybook, Relay, and more.
We’re repeat founders with technical backgrounds, working hard to build a successful company that we’re proud to work at. Our product moves $40b+ annually and processes 12m+ API calls daily. We’ve raised $160m+ from top investors including Insight, Accel, and 60+ angels.
THE ROLE
We are looking for a strategic and execution-focused Head of Risk and Banking Operations to join our team. Reporting to the Head of Risk & Fraud, this role will oversee and lead both the Risk Operations and Banking Operations teams. The ideal candidate is a proven leader with deep industry knowledge, strong analytical and operational capabilities, and the ability to build high-performing teams in a fast-paced environment.
This role is based in New York.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Team Leadership & Execution
Lead and manage the Risk and Banking Operations teams, including full-time and part-time employees.
Oversee hiring, training, development, and performance management of team members.Ensure operational excellence in daily workflows, driving consistent, high-quality service delivery across risk and banking functions.
Identify and execute opportunities for operational automation and scalability through technology and AI.
Policy, Process, and Performance
Define, implement, and continuously improve policies and procedures for onboarding (KYC/KYB/CIP/OFAC) and banking operations (payments and transactions, disputes).
Establish and manage SLAs, KPIs, and other operational metrics to evaluate team efficiency and effectiveness.
Own documentation of internal policies and technical processes, ensuring clarity and compliance.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as the primary point of contact for banking operations matters with Unit’s bank partners, and coordinate operational alignment.
Interface with clients to provide guidance, training, and support on tools and banking operations processes.
Partner closely with internal stakeholders across Risk, Fraud, Product, Customer Success, and Compliance.
Collaborate with Product, Engineering, Fraud Analytics, and Data teams to develop rules, models, and tools that reduce manual work and enhance fraud detection and service efficiency.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
5+ years experience leading large operational teams, ideally across both risk and banking operations.
Experience in a high-growth technology company or financial institution, preferably in embedded finance or fintech.
Deep understanding of the banking ecosystem, regulatory frameworks (e.g. KYC, CIP, OFAC), and fraud risk management.Strong analytical skills, with experience using data to drive decisions and improve operational outcomes.
Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and deliver scalable solutions.
Exceptional communication, client-facing, and stakeholder management skills.Team-oriented mindset with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
LIFE AT UNIT
Working at Unit means joining a global team on a mission to create a more equitable financial ecosystem. We’re a fast-growing team of individuals who are passionate about their work, see the big picture and always seek to empower our clients and their end-customers.