Head of Business Development

Banking | South Asia A newly established banking institution based in South Asia is seeking an accomplished banking professional to join its senior leadership team as Head of Business Development. This is a significant opportunity for an experienced banking executive to play a central role in shaping the commercial growth of a new banking institution, building its client base, developing strategic relationships and establishing a strong market presence.

Position Overview The Head of Business Development will be responsible for developing and executing the Bank’s business growth strategy across key customer segments, including Corporate, SME, Institutional and Retail Banking.

The role will lead new business origination, client acquisition, deposit mobilisation, strategic partnerships and revenue growth while working closely with the Bank’s senior leadership, Product, Credit, Risk, Finance, Operations and Compliance functions.

As a senior leadership appointment, the role requires a commercially astute banking professional with a strong network, deep understanding of banking products and markets, and a demonstrated ability to build sustainable and profitable business. Business Growth & Market Development

• Develop and execute the Bank’s overall business development and commercial growth strategy.
• Identify and originate new business opportunities across Corporate, SME, Institutional and Retail Banking segments.
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of prospective clients and convert opportunities into sustainable banking relationships.
• Drive customer acquisition and expansion of the Bank’s deposit and lending portfolios.
• Identify opportunities to grow revenue across lending, deposits, trade finance, foreign exchange, transaction banking and other banking products and services.
• Establish clear business development targets and monitor performance against agreed revenue, portfolio and customer acquisition objectives.

Corporate & Institutional Relationships

• Develop and maintain senior-level relationships with corporates, institutions, government-related entities, investors, entrepreneurs and other strategically important clients.
• Position the Bank as a trusted financial partner by understanding client requirements and coordinating appropriate banking solutions.
• Lead engagement and negotiations for significant new business opportunities and strategic accounts.
• Build strong referral and intermediary networks across the business and financial community.

Strategic Partnerships

• Identify and develop strategic partnerships that support customer acquisition, product expansion and new revenue opportunities.
• Establish relationships with financial institutions, payment providers, fintechs and other relevant strategic partners.
• Evaluate partnership opportunities from commercial, operational and strategic perspectives in collaboration with relevant internal functions.

Product & Market Development

• Identify emerging customer needs, market opportunities and gaps in existing banking services.
• Work closely with Product, Operations and Technology teams to support the development and introduction of commercially viable banking products and services.
• Conduct ongoing analysis of market trends, competitor activity, customer behaviour and industry developments.
• Recommend new products, market segments and commercial initiatives to senior management.

Commercial Performance

• Develop business plans, revenue forecasts and growth targets for key customer segments.
• Monitor portfolio performance, customer acquisition, deposits, lending volumes, revenue and profitability.
• Provide regular business development and market performance reports to the CEO and senior leadership.
• Ensure that business growth is commercially sustainable and aligned with the Bank’s overall strategic objectives and risk appetite.

Risk, Governance & Compliance

• Ensure that all business development and client acquisition activities comply with applicable banking regulations, AML/KYC requirements, credit policies and internal governance standards.
• Work closely with Credit, Risk and Compliance teams to ensure appropriate assessment and onboarding of new business.
• Maintain a strong balance between commercial growth, portfolio quality and prudent banking practices.

Leadership

• Build and lead a high-performing business development function.
• Establish a strong performance culture with clear targets, accountability and customer focus.
• Coach and develop relationship managers and business development professionals as the Bank expands.
• Represent the Bank professionally at business forums, industry events and other relevant external engagements.