Head of M&A – Financial Services (East Coast - U.S.) 

Our client, a high-growth, investor-backed financial services firm based in the East Coast of the U.S., is seeking a Head of M&A to lead its inorganic growth strategy. With a strong capital base and ambitious plans, the business is poised for significant expansion and is looking for a senior M&A leader to partner closely with the CEO, Board, and investors to drive value creation.

The Role: Strategic Growth Leadership

The Head of M&A will be responsible for shaping and executing the company's acquisition roadmap, driving proactive origination across the financial services landscape (e.g., wealth management, specialty finance, insurance, regional banking, or payments), and leading transactions end-to-end. This is a highly strategic role requiring a balance of vision, execution, and influence. The successful candidate will:

• Define and Evolve M&A Strategy: Develop and continuously refine the M&A strategy to align with corporate objectives and market trends within the financial services sector.

• Originate Opportunities: Proactively source, evaluate, and prioritize acquisition and partnership opportunities.

• Lead Transaction Execution: Drive due diligence, comprehensive financial modeling, valuation, and complex deal negotiations.

• Manage Deal Structuring & Financing: Oversee deal structuring, financing arrangements, and legal documentation in collaboration with internal and external counsel.

• Support Value Creation: Facilitate thorough integration planning and ensure the successful realization of long-term strategic and financial value from acquired businesses.

• Cultivate External Relationships: Build and maintain deep relationships with founders, intermediaries, investment banks, and private equity funds relevant to the financial services industry.

• Present to Leadership: Clearly articulate strategy and present compelling deal cases to the CEO, Board of Directors, and key investors.

Candidate Profile: Commercially Driven M&A Leader

We are seeking a commercially astute, strategically minded M&A professional with a strong understanding of the financial services industry.

Required Experience:

• Significant M&A Experience: Extensive background (8+ years preferred) in corporate development, investment banking, private equity, or strategic consulting, with a focus on financial services deals.

• Proven Deal Track Record: A demonstrable history of successfully sourcing, structuring, and executing transactions from initial contact through to closing. Background in buy and Build roll-ups.

• Financial & Analytical Acumen: Exceptional financial modeling, valuation, and analytical skills, with the ability to critically challenge assumptions and drive strategic alignment across diverse business units.

• Executive Engagement: Experience engaging credibly and effectively with Boards, C-suite executives, and sophisticated external stakeholders.

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, or a related field is required; an MBA or CFA designation is strongly preferred.