Capital & Strategic Finance Lead

Umba is a multi-country digital bank operating in Kenya and Nigeria, offering consumer and SME banking, vehicle finance, payments, and cross-border remittances.

Umba acquired Daraja MFB in 2023 to offer full deposit taking banking services in Kenya. We are entering a high-growth phase and are seeking a Capital & Strategic Finance Lead to drive our fundraising, debt structuring, investor relations, and capital strategy across all markets.

This role is a core part of the leadership team. You will work closely with the Group CEO and country leadership to build and execute a full capital plan, including equity raises, local-currency debt facilities, impact debt, grants, and strategic funding partnerships. You will be responsible for managing the investor pipeline, preparing materials, leading lender conversations, coordinating diligence, maintaining our capital model, and pushing momentum across all capital streams. Your expertise in financial analysis, market intelligence, and strategic planning will be essential in positioning Umba as a leading player in the fintech industry. This role requires a dynamic leader with a proven track record in capital markets, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage Umba’s full capital pipeline (equity, debt, grants, strategic)
• Lead applications and negotiations for KES, NGN, and USD debt facilities
• Lead applications and negotiations for new equity rounds
• Maintain investor CRM, follow-up cadence, and weekly reporting
• Prepare and refine the pitch deck, model, and diligence materials
• Coordinate data room and handle investor/lender Q&A
• Build and maintain the financial model, stress tests, and scenario plans
• Identify and engage new capital partners (VC, PE, impact funds, family offices, banks, DFIs)
• Track capital adequacy, balance sheet strength, and regulatory requirements
• Drive deal processes end-to-end and push to close
• Build long-term capital strategy across loan book, remittances, FX, and new products

Requirements

• 3–7 years experience in one of: VC, PE, investment banking, impact investing, debt funds, fintech strategy/finance
• Deep understanding of African capital markets or emerging-market lending
• Strong financial modeling skills
• Excellent writing, organization, and follow-through
• High ownership, independence, and ability to run multiple deal processes
• Bonus: prior experience in credit, lending, FX, remittances, or digital banking