Virtual Chief Technology Officer (vCTO)

🚨 ITSEC is Hiring: Virtual Chief Technology Officer (vCTO) 📍 Dubai / UAE Preferred 🌍 Exceptional international candidates may also be considered 🤝 Full-time, fractional & specialist engagements may be available As ITSEC expands its work with regulated financial institutions, FinTechs, Virtual Asset businesses, and other high-compliance organizations, we are building our Virtual Executive Services practice. We are looking for an experienced Virtual Chief Technology Officer (vCTO) to provide strategic technology leadership to clients operating in highly regulated environments, including VARA, DFSA/DIFC, ADGM/FSRA, and CBUAE-related engagements. The Role The vCTO will act as a strategic technology leader for clients that require experienced technical governance and leadership without necessarily maintaining a full-time CTO internally. This is a senior, client-facing role requiring someone who can confidently work with CEOs, Boards, Compliance Officers, regulators, auditors, engineering teams, vendors, and other technology stakeholders. Key Responsibilities • Develop and oversee clients' technology strategies and technology roadmaps aligned with business and regulatory objectives. • Define and oversee technology architecture and governance frameworks. • Establish appropriate technology governance structures and operating models. • Provide strategic oversight of cloud and infrastructure architecture. • Provide governance and oversight of application and platform architecture. • Identify, assess, and oversee the management of technology risks. • Establish and oversee Secure SDLC and DevSecOps governance. • Provide oversight of API, integration, and third-party architecture. • Develop and oversee business continuity, technology resilience, and availability strategies. • Evaluate technology vendors and provide governance and oversight of external technology providers. • Develop and maintain technology policies, standards, and procedures. • Lead and support technical due diligence activities. • Support technology readiness for regulatory requirements, licensing, inspections, and related engagements. • Develop technology roadmaps, priorities, and budgeting requirements. • Provide strategic oversight of engineering teams and external technology providers. • Prepare and deliver technology reporting to Boards, executives, and senior management. Required Experience & Qualifications ✅ 10+ years of relevant technology / IT experience ✅ Previous experience as a CTO, Head of Technology, Head of Engineering, or equivalent senior technology leadership role ✅ Strong experience in technology strategy, architecture, governance, cloud, infrastructure, applications, and technology risk ✅ Experience with Secure SDLC and/or DevSecOps governance ✅ Experience working with regulated organizations ✅ Experience within financial services, FinTech, payments, digital assets, banking, or other regulated technology environments is highly valued ✅ Strong technology governance, documentation, policy, and standards capabilities ✅ Experience interacting with senior executives, Boards, Compliance Officers, auditors, engineering teams, vendors, and other senior stakeholders ✅ Ability to manage multiple client engagements and technology priorities ✅ Strong executive communication and presentation skills ✅ Commercial awareness and a solution-oriented mindset ✅ UAE/GCC regulatory exposure is a major advantage Advantageous Certifications Relevant certifications may include: • TOGAF • AWS Architecture certifications • Microsoft Azure Architecture certifications • Other relevant cloud, architecture, technology, or governance certifications Cybersecurity and governance certifications may also be advantageous depending on the candidate's background. Engagement Model 📍 Dubai / UAE preferred 🌍 Exceptional international candidates may also be considered 🤝 Full-time, fractional, and specialist engagement models may be available depending on experience and client requirements. At ITSEC, this is not an internal-title-only position. The successful candidate will work directly with regulated businesses where technology leadership is a critical component of their licensing, operational readiness, governance, technology resilience, and long-term growth. 📩 Apply to [email protected] Show more Show less