Operations Director - FinTech, Brazil

At Papel Holdings, we’re not just another Fintech company. We’re on a mission to revolutionize the financial landscape. From innovative banking solutions to cutting-edge digital asset products, we’re transforming how people interact with money.   

Careers at Papel suit those who want to have an impact, who are comfortable getting uncomfortable, willing to take risks and win big. We are brave, laser-focused and have high aptitude, with a little playfulness for good measure.  If you’re someone who thrives on high accountability, possesses a start-up spirit, and flair for industry-savvy solutions, you’ll fit right in.   

If this resonates with you, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real impact and be part of something that’s changing how we interact with money and wealth.

POSITION OBJECTIVE

We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Operations Director to establish, lead, and scale operational functions in São Paulo for a newly licensed Electronic Money Institute (EMI). This is a critical leadership role responsible for ensuring the efficiency, compliance, and excellence of all operational processes, with a specific focus on delivering business setup in line with Banco Central Do Brasil requirements.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with deep expertise in both fintech operations and the specific regulatory landscape of the Brazilian financial sector (BACEN and CVM). You will be responsible for translating the regulatory approval into a fully operational, compliance and commercially successful business. You will build the team, define strategy, establish processes, and launch our services to the market.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategic Operations & Efficiency

• Serving as the key operational leader embedding EMI regulatory standards into operational processes. Ensuring strict adherence to regulations set by the Central Bank of Brazil (BACEN).
• Architect and implement the end-to-end operational framework to establish and scale the company’s presence in the Brazilian market, from initial setup through to full regulatory and commercial readiness.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance process efficiency, reduce operational costs, and improve the overall customer experience.
• Design the internal organizational structure, define roles, and create a company culture grounded in compliance, innovation and customer centricity.
• Define and institutionalize performance metrics (KPIs & SLAs) across all operations ensuring execution discipline, accountability, and measurable impact on business outcomes.

2. Regulatory Compliance & EMI Process Leadership

• Serving as the key operational leader embedding EMI regulatory standards into operational processes. Ensuring strict adherence to regulations set by the Central Bank of Brazil (BACEN).
• Responsible for establishing an independent Risk, Compliance and Internal Audit Function in accordance with BCB regulations.
• Ensure all senior management in the company acts in the best interest of the company and senior management is approved by the regulator before assuming responsibility for the role.
• AML/KYC Operations: Overseeing enhanced Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures to meet regulatory standards.
• Act as the primary operational liaison with regulatory bodies and internal compliance/legal teams during audits and submissions.
• Ensure timely and accurate regulatory reporting related to payment flows and reserves.

3. Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing operations team across various functions.
• Foster a culture of compliance, attention to detail, and operational excellence.
• Manage cross-functional collaboration, particularly between Operations, Product, Engineering, and Finance.
• Act as the primary representative of the company to the Board of Directors, shareholders, and regulatory bodies.

4. Vendor & Risk Management

• Manage critical vendor relationships, including partners for payment rails, banking services, and technology providers.
• Develop robust operational risk frameworks, maintaining and managing risk registers, conducting incident reviews and ensuring sufficient documentation.

• 10+ years of progressive experience in Operations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within the Fintech or Financial Services industry.
• Mandatory experience working with BACEN regulations and a deep understanding of the operational requirements for an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) in Brazil.
• Proven track record of scaling operations in a high-growth environment.
• Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Fluency in both Portuguese and English is required.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or a related field.
• A Masters, MBA or relevant advanced degree in a related field.

• Competitive pay