RegulatoryEnterprise
FCA Authorisation in Regulated Markets
Navigating the path to E-Money Institution licensing: operational readiness, governance frameworks, and regulatory engagement strategies.
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EXECUTIVE / 2025
Ricardo
Abreu
FinTech Executive orchestrating digital payment transformation and regulatory excellence. Building compliant, scalable financial infrastructure from concept to scale.
Available for work
Canary Wharf, London
CURRENTLY
Available for Opportunities
Board-Ready Executive & Advisor
Contract Completed: Oct 2025
KEY EXPERTISE
FCA AuthorisationPayment SystemsBankingRegulatoryFinTechBlockchainLeadership
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Bring your idea, challenge, or decision. I'll help you unpack it, simplify it, and find the clearest next step. These sessions are ideal when you want experienced guidance, a different angle, or a quick push in the right direction.
IN ACTION
Fully energised, inspired by great mentors, motivated and ready to lead and overcome challenges.
Embracing Dubai's fast business rhythm, with productive meetings at DIFC/DFSA and DMCC.
At the 2024 Fintech Awards, surrounded by outstanding industry peers.
A memorable moment with Group CEO & MLRO after a successful EMI licence application with the FCA, license granted in 2025.
A cherished keepsake from leading as CPO a WEB3 team that raised twenty million dollars in a 2018 IDO.
Executive Experience
2009 — 2025
2024
Managing Director, UK & UAE
Globus Payments
FCA EMI authorisation in 12 months. Led banking partnerships (Visa, Mastercard), regulatory frameworks, and international expansion. Contract completed October 2025.
→ Delivered FCA E-Money Institution licensing & platform architecture
FCABankingComplianceStrategy
2022
Chief Product Officer
Altery Payments
Transformed dormant company into global EMI challenger with 40+ country presence. Forged Tier 1 bank & card network partnerships.
→ Rebranding, re-licensing, multi-jurisdiction regulatory roadmap
EMIPartnershipsBlockchainGTM
2021
Chief Product Officer
ePayments
Led remediation of 60,000+ customers under FCA oversight. Overhauled AML/KYC processes, restored regulatory confidence.
→ Crisis management & regulatory remediation programme success
ComplianceCrisisRemediationFCA
2019
Chief Product Officer
Bank Account Based Blockchain
Built blockchain-powered banking platform with biometrics and AI. Scaled product teams 50+ across Europe, MENA, CIS.
→ Launched one of first blockchain banking solutions with Class B licence applications
BlockchainBankingAILeadership
2018
Programme & Innovation Director
Fjord / Accenture Interactive
Led global digital transformation for Fortune 500 clients on €1bn+ multi-year programmes. Scaled PM teams and innovation projects across financial services and public sectors.
→ Directed €1bn+ ENGIE innovation programme across 5 global regions
Digital TransformationLeadershipInnovationStrategy
Strategic Insights
InfrastructureStrategic
Building Resilient Payment Infrastructure
Lessons from scaling banking partnerships with Visa, Mastercard, and tier-1 banks across fragmented regulatory landscapes.
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RiskMission-Critical
Crisis Management in FinTech
Remediating 60,000+ customers under FCA oversight: risk frameworks, stakeholder management, and operational recovery.
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InnovationEmerging
Web3 and Embedded Finance
The convergence of blockchain, open banking, and behavioural finance: positioning products for the next generation of users.
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Let's Connect
Always keen to connect with founders, fintech leaders, and Web3 innovators who are shaping the future of finance, regulation, and digital ecosystems.