Head of Capital Markets

Introduction

First Circle is a fast-growing, profitable, credit-led SME NeoBank in the Philippines whose shareholders include the World Bank Group (IFC). Today, our Business Credit Line and Business Bank Accounts are used by thousands of SMEs to grow and run their business. Our product velocity has accelerated — in the next few months we’ll release SME Corporate Cards, Payroll, Invoices, and Solar Financing — redefining the SME NeoBank category through software, financial products, and exceptional risk models.

Our culture emphasises building, problem solving, ownership / responsibility, and personal & professional growth. We balance a collegiate atmosphere with free & direct communication which enables us to move very quickly and avoid politics or toxicity. Our team continues to level up quickly, necessary for business to compound more than 100% per year, which we achieve through individual growth and bar-raiser hiring.

Our ambition is to build Southeast Asia’s leading SME NeoBank and reach $1B in revenue by 2030. Achieving this won’t be easy - and that’s what makes it exciting. Toward this objective, we’re hiring a Head of Capital Markets to architect and execute our global funding strategy, partnering closely with the CEO to raise debt and equity on outstanding terms while building a durable, scalable capital structure.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end debt fundraising process, building and managing a competitive, multi-party pipeline of banks and credit investors to achieve funding targets on optimal terms.
• Negotiate pricing, size, tenor, and covenants to maximise Return on Equity, preserve operating flexibility, and minimise downside and technical default risk.
• Design and execute funding and securitisation structures, working closely with legal counsel to deliver borrower-friendly documentation that performs in both benign and stressed environments.
• Own investor due diligence, producing high-quality DD materials, maintaining rapid response times, and maximising investor conversion.
• Build and maintain deep, trust-based relationships with lenders and investors in a relationship-driven capital markets environment.
• Lead scenario planning and downside analysis across funding structures and liquidity profiles.
• Partner with the CEO to lead equity fundraising, from initial investor engagement through term-sheet negotiation, diligence, and execution.

Requirements

• Deep expertise in debt capital markets and asset-backed financing/securitisation with a strong track record of negotiating term sheets, covenants, and long-form documentation.
• Strong understanding of legal structuring and operational/treasury setups, including securitisation concepts.
• Demonstrated ability to structure and execute complex financings while protecting flexibility and managing downside risk.
• Excellent commercial judgement and negotiation skills, with a focus on reducing cost of funds over time.
• Proven ability to build and manage investor relationships in less developed, trust-based capital markets.
• Highly capable in scenario analysis and downside planning.
• Comfortable operating with high ownership and autonomy, working closely with senior leadership in a fast-growing environment.

Benefits

• We don't have a fixed budget for the role. When we find the right person, we will pay them competitively vs their market rate.
• Macbooks, health insurance, training budget, and more!
• Flexibility to work remotely with opportunities for travel.