Business Development Manager - Côte dIvoire

Location: Remote

• Establish Local Operations
  • Support the incorporation of the local entity in Côte d’Ivoire under the OHADA framework, including registration through CEPICI and with the Registre du Commerce et du Crédit Mobilier (RCCM).
  • Open and manage local bank accounts, coordinate engagement with relevant authorities (e.g. BCEAO, Commission Bancaire de l’UMOA, CENTIF-CI), and onboard with FX brokers, blockchain exchanges, and payment service providers.
• Develop FX and Blockchain Trading Business
  • Develop and grow two-way FX and digital asset flows (buy and sell side, e.g. XOF/USD/EUR and stablecoins), sourcing both clients who need to buy and clients who need to sell, so trading volumes are balanced and sustainable.
  • Build and own a revenue-generating client pipeline across local HNWIs, corporates and importers/exporters, merchant networks, diaspora channels, fintech users, and institutional clients.
  • Meet agreed volume, revenue, and client acquisition targets, with regular pipeline and performance reporting to the global team.
  • Position the business as a reliable cross-border payments and digital assets solution for users in Côte d’Ivoire and the wider WAEMU (UEMOA) region.
• Strengthen Market Relationships
  • Act as the local face of the company, cultivating and managing strategic partnerships with banks, brokers, mobile money operators (e.g. Orange Money, MTN MoMo, Moov Money, Wave), blockchain agents, and other ecosystem players.
  • Serve as the point of contact for local government and regulatory engagement when necessary.
• Market Research & Compliance Insight
  • Monitor local and regional developments in FX regulation, blockchain adoption, payment infrastructure, AML/CFT requirements, and BCEAO monetary policy.
  • Share insights and advise on risks, opportunities, and emerging market demand.
• Liaise with Global Teams
  • Work closely with global operations, compliance, legal, and finance teams to align local activities with broader company objectives and compliance requirements.
• Corporate Administration
  • Serve as nominee director for the local entity and oversee ongoing administrative tasks, including statutory filings, tax registrations (DGI), renewals, and internal reporting.

• Proven Sales Track Record: Demonstrable record of meeting or exceeding sales, volume, or revenue targets in FX, payments, banking, or digital assets, with an existing client base or network in Côte d’Ivoire/WAEMU that can be brought on board. Experience generating two-way client flows is essential; candidates whose experience is limited to entity setup, licensing, or bank account opening will not be considered.

• Experience & Industry Knowledge: Minimum 5 years’ experience in banking, FX, blockchain, or fintech, with a clear understanding of Côte d’Ivoire’s financial regulations, market players, and trade lifecycles.
• Local Market Familiarity: Solid understanding of the regulatory environment in Côte d’Ivoire and the WAEMU zone (BCEAO, Commission Bancaire de l’UMOA, WAEMU foreign exchange regulations), and familiarity with regional cross-border trade and payments.
• Business Development Skills: Demonstrated success launching new products or markets; strong commercial negotiation skills and ability to build trust with local clients and partners.
• Communication & Languages: Fluent in French and English (required). Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to engage across cultures and industries.
• Adaptability & Independence: Self-starter comfortable operating in a startup environment with minimal supervision; agile and able to adapt to the evolving blockchain and fintech landscape.
• Detail-Oriented & Organised: Strong project management skills and attention to detail in documentation, compliance, and client onboarding.

• Existing relationships with banks, brokers, or fintechs in Côte d’Ivoire.
• Experience working with mobile money and digital payment providers.
• Familiarity with the WAEMU/UEMOA monetary and regulatory framework (XOF zone).
• Previous involvement in launching FX or blockchain products in an African market.