Business Development Lead
About the Role
You will own and operate LayerZero's presence in the UAE and broader Middle East, focusing on market building for stablecoins and real-world assets. You will prospect, manage, and close deals across the full client pipeline while maintaining relationships with institutional clients, financial service firms, and regulators. You will support marketing initiatives, represent the company at conferences, and establish thought leadership through an active offline presence. Expect to work in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment and act as both a relationship builder and a business operator.
Requirements
- 6+ years of professional experience with exposure to financial services, fintech, or digital assets
- Strong understanding of DeFi, stablecoins, and real-world assets
- Proven ability to manage full-cycle business development from origination to deal closure
- Deep experience managing institutional relationships including regulators and financial service companies
- Ability to operate with high agency in ambiguous, fast-moving environments
- Strong sales acumen with operational rigor and strategic thinking
- Exceptional communication and negotiation skills
- Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to operate independently
- Professional proficiency in English
- Experience and a strong network in the region is a plus
Responsibilities
- Lead UAE operations and build regional strategy
- Build and execute go-to-market strategies across verticals
- Manage the full sales pipeline from prospecting to deal closure
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with institutional clients and financial service firms
- Structure, negotiate, and close complex deals
- Represent the company in discussions with regulators and policymakers
- Partner with internal BD, product, and solutions teams
- Identify new market opportunities across stablecoins and real-world assets