Head of Technology & Integration (CTO), Payments (Kazakhstan)

About the role

Binance is exploring opportunities to expand its licensed payment business in Kazakhstan and the broader CIS region. We are looking for a senior technology leader to design, build, and own the technical perimeter of the local licensed payment business: its IT architecture, integrations with Kazakhstan state and national payment infrastructure, connectivity with Binance global platforms, and the information security and data residency framework required for the licences to be granted and maintained.

Responsibilities

Design and own the target IT architecture of the local licensed payment business, covering core payment and e-money processing, client accounts and wallets, ledger and reconciliation, reporting, and supporting systems, in line with NBK and AFSA requirements;
Lead integration with the national payment infrastructure, including systems operated by the NBK, the Kazakhstan Center of Interbank Settlements, and the National Payment Corporation (instant payments, open API), directly or through partner banks, as well as the Digital Tenge platform where relevant;
Lead integration with state information systems required for onboarding, identification, and reporting, including eGov services and the Smart Bridge integration platform, state databases of individuals and legal entities, digital signature infrastructure of the National Certification Authority, remote biometric identification, and reporting channels to the Financial Monitoring Agency;
Build and maintain the technical interface between the local licensed entities and Binance global platforms, ensuring clear segregation of data, client funds, and operations between the NBK-licensed entity, its AIFC branch, and other Binance entities;
Deliver automated regulatory and statistical reporting to the NBK and AFSA, including data required for prudential calculations and currency position monitoring;
Establish and oversee the information security function: ISMS, access management, security monitoring, vulnerability and penetration testing, incident response, and compliance with NBK information security requirements and applicable certifications;
Own technology-related regulatory engagement: prepare technical sections of licence applications, sandbox participation materials, and responses to NBK and AFSA inquiries, inspections, and audits;
Oversee technology outsourcing and intragroup service arrangements: vendor due diligence, SLAs, exit plans, and ongoing performance and risk monitoring;
Recruit and lead the local technology team across architecture, integration, engineering, infrastructure, and information security.

Requirements

10+ years in technology roles in banking, payments, or fintech, including 5+ years in a senior technology leadership position (CTO, CIO, Head of IT) at a licensed financial institution or payment organisation in Kazakhstan;
Hands-on experience integrating with the Kazakhstan national payment infrastructure (NBK, KCIS, National Payment Corporation) and state information systems (eGov, Smart Bridge, state databases, digital signature and biometric services, Financial Monitoring Agency);
Proven experience building the IT function of a licensed financial entity from the ground up, including passing regulatory review of IT systems as part of licensing or inspections;
Deep working knowledge of NBK information security and ICT requirements, Kazakhstan legislation on informatization and personal data, and the AIFC/AFSA technology and outsourcing framework;
Strong background in payment system architecture: core processing, ledgers, reconciliation, APIs, messaging standards (ISO 20022, SWIFT), high-availability and disaster recovery design;
Solid expertise in information security management (ISO/IEC 27001 or equivalent); PCI DSS experience is an advantage;
Experience integrating local systems with global or group-level platforms and managing intragroup and third-party technology outsourcing;
Experience in crypto, digital assets, or e-money is a strong advantage;
Eligibility to pass fit-and-proper assessment for a senior regulated appointment where required;
Excellent leadership and team-building skills; ability to work effectively with global cross-functional teams in a fast-moving environment;
Fluent Russian and English required; Kazakh strongly preferred.