Chief Open Banking Officer (COBO)

Role Summary

The Chief Open Banking Officer is responsible for leading the organization's Open Banking and API ecosystem strategy, driving innovation, partnerships, regulatory compliance, and digital financial services growth. This executive role oversees the development and commercialization of Open Banking capabilities, ensuring secure data sharing, API-driven innovation, and strategic collaboration with fintechs, regulators, and ecosystem partners.

Key Responsibilities

1. Open Banking Strategy & Leadership

• Define and execute the organization's Open Banking strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Drive API-led transformation and ecosystem growth initiatives.
• Identify new revenue streams through Open Banking and Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) models.
• Advise executive leadership on Open Banking trends, opportunities, and risks.

2. API Ecosystem & Platform Management

• Oversee the development, governance, and scalability of Open Banking APIs.
• Ensure API platforms meet performance, security, and reliability standards.
• Establish API lifecycle management, developer portals, and partner onboarding processes.
• Promote API adoption across internal and external stakeholders.

3. Regulatory Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with Open Banking regulations and standards.
• Manage adherence to frameworks such as PSD2, Open Banking UK, consumer data-sharing regulations, and local banking requirements.
• Establish governance frameworks for customer consent, data privacy, and third-party access.
• Liaise with regulators on Open Banking compliance matters.

4. Fintech & Strategic Partnerships

• Build and manage partnerships with fintechs, technology providers, and ecosystem participants.
• Identify opportunities for embedded finance, Banking-as-a-Service, and platform banking.
• Negotiate strategic partnership agreements and commercial models.
• Drive ecosystem expansion and innovation initiatives.

5. Product Innovation & Commercialization

• Lead the development of Open Banking-enabled products and services.
• Collaborate with product, technology, and business teams to launch innovative financial solutions.
• Enhance customer experiences through personalized and data-driven offerings.
• Develop monetization strategies for API products and data services.

6. Data Sharing, Security & Risk Management

• Ensure secure customer data sharing and consent management.
• Partner with cybersecurity, risk, and compliance teams to manage third-party risks.
• Establish controls for API security, fraud prevention, and operational resilience.
• Oversee data governance practices within the Open Banking ecosystem.

7. Digital Transformation & Innovation

• Drive adoption of emerging technologies supporting Open Finance and Open Data initiatives.
• Promote innovation through API-first architecture and digital platforms.
• Support modernization of banking infrastructure and integration capabilities.
• Lead industry engagement on future Open Banking developments.

8. Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Build and lead high-performing Open Banking, API, and partnership teams.
• Collaborate with CIO, CTO, Chief Digital Officer, and business leaders.
• Manage vendor relationships and ecosystem stakeholders.
• Report Open Banking performance, adoption metrics, and strategic outcomes to executive leadership.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Technology, Business, Computer Science, or related field.
• MBA or Master's degree preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in banking, payments, digital banking, fintech, API platforms, or financial services technology.
• Minimum 5+ years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience leading Open Banking, API strategy, digital banking, or fintech partnership initiatives.
• Strong understanding of banking regulations, API architecture, digital ecosystems, and financial services innovation.

Key Competencies

• Open Banking & Open Finance
• API Strategy & Ecosystem Development
• Digital Banking Transformation
• Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS)
• Fintech Partnerships & Innovation
• Regulatory Compliance & Governance
• API Product Management
• Data Privacy & Consent Management
• Commercial Strategy & Revenue Growth
• Stakeholder Management
• Strategic Leadership
• Risk & Security Management