Hi, I'm Cliff
van Tonder.
I've spent over 25 years in fintech and financial services — not as a recruiter, but as a builder. I've been in the founder chair. I've built global teams. I've scaled platforms from startup to multinational. I've navigated the regulatory complexity, the cultural nuance, and the breakneck pace of fintech.
I held senior and C-level roles at companies like Finastra, Zafin, BNP Paribas, Temenos, and FINCAD. As President APAC at Zafin and General Manager at Finastra, I led teams across Asia-Pacific, EMEA, and the Americas.
Now I do it differently. I founded Fintech HI.RE to bring genuine operator insight to executive search — helping fintech companies find the leaders who'll actually move the needle, not just fill a seat.
The Africa and Middle East expansion is personal. I've seen the extraordinary opportunity this continent and region represents for fintech — and the critical need for exceptional leadership to realise it.
Book a Call with Cliff25+ Years in Fintech & Financial Services
From core banking transformation to SaaS scaleups, digital payments to AI-era banking — Cliff has navigated every inflection point in modern finance.
C-Level Experience at Global Fintech Leaders
Including Finastra, Zafin, BNP Paribas, Temenos, FIS and FINCAD — giving Cliff unparalleled insight into what great executive leadership looks like.
Named Best Global Fintech Exec Search CEO
Recognised for two consecutive years for outstanding results in executive search within the global fintech industry.
Deep Africa & Middle East Network
Established relationships with senior fintech talent and hiring organisations from Gansbaai to Nairobi, from Cairo to Dubai.
Global Reach from a South African Base
Operating from the Western Cape with sister entities in Australia, the USA and the UK — meaning we bring global best practice to every Africa-focused mandate.
