Head of Cybersecurity - AI Security - Financial Services

You will define and lead the cybersecurity function from the ground up. The role combines hands on security architecture, AI and agent security, and governance across a portfolio entities. The operating model is lean and delivery is through AI agents, managed services and specialist vendors rather than a large internal team. Client Details A high profile financial services environment operating across multiple jurisdictions and business lines. The organisation has a strong focus on technology, data and AI, with security positioned as a core enabler of its operating model. Description * Define and execute the group cybersecurity strategy aligned to risk and regulatory requirements * Design and implement security architecture across cloud, data, and SAAS/application environments * Own the security of AI and agent based systems, including prompt injection, data exposure, and access controls * Establish governance, standards, and oversight across portfolio companies * Lead incident response and coordinate with managed security providers * Manage third party and vendor security risk * Act as the senior point of contact for executives, regulators, and auditors Job Offer * Opportunity to build a cybersecurity function * Hands on role combining architecture, AI security, and governance * High visibility with senior leadership across the organisation

* 12+ years in cybersecurity with hands on experience designing or implementing controls and not purely oversight * Direct experience securing AI, LLM, or agent based systems, including risks such as prompt injection, data exfiltration, and agent permissioning * Strong understanding of security architecture across cloud, SaaS, and data environments, including identity, secrets management, and incident response * Experience working within regulated environments, with exposure to financial services regulatory expectations (for example CBUAE, ADGM, DFSA, FSRA) and interaction with regulators or auditors * Proven ability to establish cybersecurity frameworks, policies, and governance models across complex or multi entity environments * Experience managing or overseeing third party security, managed SOC providers, and vendor ecosystem. * Strong stakeholder engagement, with the ability to act as a primary point of contact for executives, regulators, and board level discussions