Wesley Rios
Enthusiastic about the Future of Financial Services | Learning about AI, Web3, Digital Assets | Building Products, Partnerships & Teams for Global Impact | Fintech, Financial Inclusion & Market Expansion
24 yrs experience · <10 hrs/week
About
I’m a Financial Services Executive with over 15 years of experience helping technology companies, fintech firms, and global banks innovate and grow. I’ve had the privilege of leading global product strategies, go-to-market planning, and high-performing teams at organizations like Mastercard, J.P. Morgan, and Citi, where I’ve worked to serve consumers, corporations, and governments across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. What I enjoy most about my work is tackling complex challenges and finding ways to create solutions that truly make a difference—for businesses, their customers, and the markets they serve. Whether it’s launching innovative products, driving operational efficiencies, or forging partnerships, I’ve always focused on identifying opportunities that deliver real impact. Over the years, I’ve gained deep expertise in global product strategy, payments innovation, and building cross-functional teams that thrive. Fluent in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, I’m at home in multicultural environments and enjoy collaborating with diverse teams to drive success. If you’re looking for someone who can bring fresh perspectives, practical solutions, and a proven track record of results, I’d love to connect and explore how I can support your organization’s goals in payments and fintech.
Experience
- Vice President, Global Product Management · Mastercard01-01-2013
At Mastercard, I advanced from leading market-level initiatives in Brazil to regional roles in Latin America and North America, ultimately taking on a global leadership position. Key achievements include partnering with the IMF to launch financial literacy programs with a $1M grant, securing the Direct Express deal with the U.S. Treasury to provide benefits access to 3.4M Americans, and restructuring 80+ product activities to free 15% of global talent for strategic priorities. I also spearheaded the development of Fintech Express, streamlining fintech onboarding by 40% and boosting the partnership pipeline by 25% within its first year.
- Vice President, Regional Product Manager · JP Morgan01-01-2010 – 01-01-2013
At J.P. Morgan, I expanded payment capabilities into five new Latin American markets within 18 months, increasing regional coverage and positioning the firm as the payment hub of choice for mid-size corporations. By forging strategic banking partnerships and implementing innovative engagement strategies, I strengthened J.P. Morgan’s footprint and drove a 10% increase in transaction volumes.
- Vice President, Regional Product Manager · Citi01-01-2006 – 01-01-2010
At Citi, I launched prepaid card solutions across Latin America, expanding coverage into new markets and increasing regional product offering, positioning Citi as a trusted payment partner. Additionally, I expanded direct custody services in the Middle East, driving a 20% revenue boost, and secured strategic European partnerships worth $250K–$2M, generating $750K in new revenue and strengthening Citi’s cash management footprint.
- Management Consultant · United Way of America01-01-2003 – 01-01-2005
At United Way, I centralized $400M in annual workplace giving campaigns, streamlining operations to increase efficiency and achieving a 95% satisfaction rate among local franchises. Additionally, I negotiated strategic outsourcing agreements for cash management, reducing operating costs by 25% and saving $500K annually, positioning United Way as a more efficient and impactful nonprofit partner.
- Business Intelligence Consultant · MicroStrategy01-01-2000 – 01-01-2002
At MicroStrategy, I was ahead of the curve, effectively doing data science before it became mainstream. I developed customized business intelligence dashboards, improving data visibility and driving a 30% increase in actionable insights. Additionally, I implemented business intelligence tools for key public sector clients in just nine months, enhancing data-driven decision-making and strategic planning capabilities.
Education
- IESE Business SchoolMaster of Business Administration (MBA), Finance/Entrepreneurship
- Virginia TechBachelor of Science (BS), Computer Engineering
- Harvard Business SchoolHBS-Accion Program on Strategic Leadership in Inclusive Finance
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