Financial AI Engineer

Position: Financial AI EngineerLocation: Abu Dhabi (on-site)Employment Type: Full-timeExperience Level: Senior-level ⸻About the ClientWe are sourcing on behalf of a client who is a well-funded fintech startup backed by institutional investors. They are building innovative technology solutions for the wealth management sector, focusing on enhancing client experiences and operational capabilities for financial services firms. This is an opportunity to join during the early growth phase and contribute to building both the product and the team. They operate with startup agility while benefiting from strong financial backing and industry expertise, creating an environment that values both innovation and execution excellence.About the RoleThe Financial AI Engineer role is a specialized, mid-to-senior level position at the intersection of advanced financial expertise and artificial intelligence. This position focuses on leveraging deep domain knowledge in investment management, portfolio construction, and client advisory to shape the intelligence and contextual frameworks behind next-generation AI-driven financial tools. The role is pivotal in ensuring that AI systems, such as intelligent assistants, recommendation engines, and digital copilots, reflect the nuanced thinking and decision-making processes of experienced financial professionals. The impact of this position is significant, as it directly influences the quality, relevance, and trustworthiness of AI solutions used by financial advisors and clients.Key ResponsibilitiesTranslate complex financial concepts, investment strategies, and market narratives into structured frameworks that inform the development of AI-powered financial tools.Collaborate closely with AI engineers, data scientists, and product managers to design, refine, and validate intelligent assistants, recommendation engines, and digital copilots tailored for financial advisors and end clients.Curate and document real-world investment scenarios, decision logic, and behavioral patterns to train AI models in understanding professional financial reasoning and client interactions.Develop and maintain comprehensive knowledge bases, taxonomies, and ontologies that capture the intricacies of portfolio construction, asset allocation, risk profiling, and product selection.Guide the training of AI systems to recognize and respond to the subtleties of client goals, risk tolerance discussions, regulatory considerations, and market cycles.Evaluate and enhance the contextual accuracy of AI-generated recommendations, ensuring alignment with industry best practices, compliance standards, and ethical guidelines.Communicate complex investment rationales and decision-making processes in clear, structured formats suitable for both human and machine interpretation.Analyze user feedback, system outputs, and market trends to iteratively improve the intelligence and relevance of AI-driven financial solutions.Participate in cross-functional workshops, knowledge-sharing sessions, and continuous learning initiatives to stay abreast of advancements in both finance and AI.Contribute to the development of digital advice models, automation workflows, and client segmentation strategies that enhance the scalability and personalization of financial services.Required Experience & SkillsMinimum of 5 years’ experience in a financial advisory, fund analysis, investment strategy, or closely related role within the wealth management or asset management industry.Deep expertise in portfolio construction methodologies, asset allocation strategies, product selection processes, and client segmentation techniques.Strong understanding of market cycles, investment vehicles, and the regulatory landscape governing financial advice and product recommendations.Exceptional communication skills, with a proven ability to articulate complex investment concepts and rationales to both technical and non-technical audiences.Demonstrated analytical thinking, with comfort in interpreting data, identifying patterns, and applying quantitative reasoning to financial scenarios.Curiosity and enthusiasm for artificial intelligence, automation, and the evolution of digital advice platforms.Experience collaborating in multidisciplinary teams, particularly with AI engineers, data scientists, and product managers.Familiarity with Python or similar scripting languages for data analysis, scenario modeling, or interacting with AI training tools (coding expertise not required, but a foundational understanding is valuable).Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.Commitment to ethical standards, client confidentiality, and compliance with industry regulations.QualificationsBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Economics, Financial Engineering, or a related quantitative discipline.Professional certifications such as CFA, CFP, or equivalent are highly desirable and demonstrate a commitment to industry standards.Documented track record of success in roles involving investment analysis, portfolio management, or financial advisory services.Experience with digital advice models, robo-advisory platforms, or financial technology solutions is an advantage.Ongoing professional development in AI, machine learning, or data science is considered a plus.Tools & TechnologiesFinancial modeling and analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Bloomberg Terminal, FactSet, Morningstar Direct)AI and data annotation platforms for training and validating intelligent systemsPython (basic scripting for data manipulation, scenario creation, or interacting with AI tools)Knowledge management systems and collaborative documentation tools (e.g., Confluence, Notion)Project management and agile collaboration tools (e.g., Jira, Trello, Slack)Familiarity with digital advice platforms, CRM systems, and client onboarding toolsExposure to cloud-based data environments and APIs for financial data integrationThis role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of AI-driven financial advice by embedding real-world expertise into intelligent systems. The Financial AI Engineer will have a direct impact on the development of tools that empower advisors and clients, enhance decision-making, and set new standards for digital financial services. Success in this position is measured by the accuracy, relevance, and adoption of AI-powered solutions that reflect the sophistication and integrity of professional financial advice.By applying to this position, you are granting us permission to process your CV and keep your profile on file for consideration for this and future opportunities.