Why FinTechs Are Hiring Heads of AI Now – And What Happens If You Wait

Companies that bring in senior AI leaders early can:
    • Shape the AI roadmap before it’s dictated by client demands or tech constraints
    • Embed AI across the stack, not silo it
    • Attract stronger IC talent, who want to work under credible leadership
    • Set the tone in the market, positioning their AI capabilities as a core differentiator

Ryan puts it simply:

“Hiring a Head of AI early is protective. It de-risks your roadmap, your investor conversations, and your hiring pipeline all at once.”

🚀 Want to See What This Role Looks Like in Practice?

Download Why Every FinTech Needs a Head of AI to see real-world job briefs, leadership structures, and salary benchmarks — plus insights from Storm2’s placements across the US FinTech market.

 

 

[/vc_column_text]

Download The Whitepaper

Or, if you’re building your AI team now, get in touch with Ryan Beauchesne for a confidential hiring consultation.

[/vc_column][/vc_row]

Meanwhile, competitors with strong AI leadership will outpace you in shipping AI-native features, winning market share, and raising capital.

4. The Upside of Hiring Early

Companies that bring in senior AI leaders early can:

    • Shape the AI roadmap before it’s dictated by client demands or tech constraints

    • Embed AI across the stack, not silo it

    • Attract stronger IC talent, who want to work under credible leadership

    • Set the tone in the market, positioning their AI capabilities as a core differentiator

Ryan puts it simply:

“Hiring a Head of AI early is protective. It de-risks your roadmap, your investor conversations, and your hiring pipeline all at once.”

🚀 Want to See What This Role Looks Like in Practice?

Download Why Every FinTech Needs a Head of AI to see real-world job briefs, leadership structures, and salary benchmarks — plus insights from Storm2’s placements across the US FinTech market.

 

 

Download The Whitepaper

Or, if you’re building your AI team now, get in touch with Ryan Beauchesne for a confidential hiring consultation.

The post Why FinTechs Are Hiring Heads of AI Now – And What Happens If You Wait appeared first on Storm2.

Delaying this hire doesn’t just slow your AI adoption, it can cascade across your business. Without a Head of AI:

    • Your GTM teams may struggle to position AI features without a credible leader defining the narrative.

    • Product teams may misfire, trying to bolt-on AI without strategic alignment or scalable models.

    • You’ll likely over-hire or mis-hire, spending months bringing in short-term contractors or misaligned engineers.

Meanwhile, competitors with strong AI leadership will outpace you in shipping AI-native features, winning market share, and raising capital.

4. The Upside of Hiring Early

Companies that bring in senior AI leaders early can:

    • Shape the AI roadmap before it’s dictated by client demands or tech constraints

    • Embed AI across the stack, not silo it

    • Attract stronger IC talent, who want to work under credible leadership

    • Set the tone in the market, positioning their AI capabilities as a core differentiator

Ryan puts it simply:

“Hiring a Head of AI early is protective. It de-risks your roadmap, your investor conversations, and your hiring pipeline all at once.”

🚀 Want to See What This Role Looks Like in Practice?

Download Why Every FinTech Needs a Head of AI to see real-world job briefs, leadership structures, and salary benchmarks — plus insights from Storm2’s placements across the US FinTech market.

 

 

Download The Whitepaper

Or, if you’re building your AI team now, get in touch with Ryan Beauchesne for a confidential hiring consultation.

The post Why FinTechs Are Hiring Heads of AI Now – And What Happens If You Wait appeared first on Storm2.

“Demand is exploding but supply isn’t keeping up. Hiring now is not just about capability, it’s about access. FinTechs that wait six months may find the top talent pool has already been scooped up by competitors, especially in high-growth subsectors like lending, embedded payments, and private markets.”

3. The Risk of Waiting: Missed GTM, Slow Product Velocity, and Talent Gaps

Delaying this hire doesn’t just slow your AI adoption, it can cascade across your business. Without a Head of AI:

Meanwhile, competitors with strong AI leadership will outpace you in shipping AI-native features, winning market share, and raising capital.

4. The Upside of Hiring Early

Companies that bring in senior AI leaders early can:

Ryan puts it simply:

“Hiring a Head of AI early is protective. It de-risks your roadmap, your investor conversations, and your hiring pipeline all at once.”

🚀 Want to See What This Role Looks Like in Practice?

Download Why Every FinTech Needs a Head of AI to see real-world job briefs, leadership structures, and salary benchmarks — plus insights from Storm2’s placements across the US FinTech market.

 

 

Download The Whitepaper

Or, if you’re building your AI team now, get in touch with Ryan Beauchesne for a confidential hiring consultation.

The post Why FinTechs Are Hiring Heads of AI Now – And What Happens If You Wait appeared first on Storm2.

 

“Demand is exploding but supply isn’t keeping up. Hiring now is not just about capability, it’s about access. FinTechs that wait six months may find the top talent pool has already been scooped up by competitors, especially in high-growth subsectors like lending, embedded payments, and private markets.”

3. The Risk of Waiting: Missed GTM, Slow Product Velocity, and Talent Gaps

Delaying this hire doesn’t just slow your AI adoption, it can cascade across your business. Without a Head of AI:

Meanwhile, competitors with strong AI leadership will outpace you in shipping AI-native features, winning market share, and raising capital.

4. The Upside of Hiring Early

Companies that bring in senior AI leaders early can:

Ryan puts it simply:

“Hiring a Head of AI early is protective. It de-risks your roadmap, your investor conversations, and your hiring pipeline all at once.”

🚀 Want to See What This Role Looks Like in Practice?

Download Why Every FinTech Needs a Head of AI to see real-world job briefs, leadership structures, and salary benchmarks — plus insights from Storm2’s placements across the US FinTech market.

 

 

Download The Whitepaper

Or, if you’re building your AI team now, get in touch with Ryan Beauchesne for a confidential hiring consultation.

The post Why FinTechs Are Hiring Heads of AI Now – And What Happens If You Wait appeared first on Storm2.

The rise of AI in FinTech is no longer theoretical. It’s operational. And that’s exactly why forward-thinking FinTech companies are hiring Heads of AI right now.

 

These aren’t “nice-to-have” hires. They’re critical strategic decisions that determine whether your business leads the AI transformation or plays catch-up.

 

1. AI Has Moved From Experimentation to Infrastructure

Until recently, most FinTech companies were dabbling in AI: automating workflows, using off-the-shelf APIs, running internal pilots. But the pace has shifted.

According to McKinsey, more than 60% of financial services firms have embedded AI into at least one core function, and GenAI adoption more than doubled from 2023 to 2025. Now, AI is embedded in the very architecture of modern FinTech platforms – powering product features, predictive analytics, fraud prevention, customer support, and investment strategies.

 

In short: AI is the infrastructure. And you need someone to architect it.

 

2. AI Talent Is Rare. AI Leaders Are Rarer.

There are fewer than 10,000 people in the US currently holding a “Head of AI” or “Director of AI” title, according to Storm2’s talent intelligence data. Only 21% are women, and the majority are concentrated in just a few markets (San Francisco, New York, Boston).

As Ryan Beauchesne, Senior Market Specialist at Storm2, notes:

 

“Demand is exploding but supply isn’t keeping up. Hiring now is not just about capability, it’s about access. FinTechs that wait six months may find the top talent pool has already been scooped up by competitors, especially in high-growth subsectors like lending, embedded payments, and private markets.”

3. The Risk of Waiting: Missed GTM, Slow Product Velocity, and Talent Gaps

Delaying this hire doesn’t just slow your AI adoption, it can cascade across your business. Without a Head of AI:

    • Your GTM teams may struggle to position AI features without a credible leader defining the narrative.

    • Product teams may misfire, trying to bolt-on AI without strategic alignment or scalable models.

    • You’ll likely over-hire or mis-hire, spending months bringing in short-term contractors or misaligned engineers.

Meanwhile, competitors with strong AI leadership will outpace you in shipping AI-native features, winning market share, and raising capital.

4. The Upside of Hiring Early

Companies that bring in senior AI leaders early can:

    • Shape the AI roadmap before it’s dictated by client demands or tech constraints

    • Embed AI across the stack, not silo it

    • Attract stronger IC talent, who want to work under credible leadership

    • Set the tone in the market, positioning their AI capabilities as a core differentiator

Ryan puts it simply:

“Hiring a Head of AI early is protective. It de-risks your roadmap, your investor conversations, and your hiring pipeline all at once.”

🚀 Want to See What This Role Looks Like in Practice?

Download Why Every FinTech Needs a Head of AI to see real-world job briefs, leadership structures, and salary benchmarks — plus insights from Storm2’s placements across the US FinTech market.

 

 

Download The Whitepaper

Or, if you’re building your AI team now, get in touch with Ryan Beauchesne for a confidential hiring consultation.

The post Why FinTechs Are Hiring Heads of AI Now – And What Happens If You Wait appeared first on Storm2.

Meanwhile, competitors with strong AI leadership will outpace you in shipping AI-native features, winning market share, and raising capital.

4. The Upside of Hiring Early

Companies that bring in senior AI leaders early can:

Ryan puts it simply:

“Hiring a Head of AI early is protective. It de-risks your roadmap, your investor conversations, and your hiring pipeline all at once.”

🚀 Want to See What This Role Looks Like in Practice?

Download Why Every FinTech Needs a Head of AI to see real-world job briefs, leadership structures, and salary benchmarks — plus insights from Storm2’s placements across the US FinTech market.

 

 

[/vc_column_text]

Download The Whitepaper

Or, if you’re building your AI team now, get in touch with Ryan Beauchesne for a confidential hiring consultation.

[/vc_column][/vc_row]

The rise of AI in FinTech is no longer theoretical. It’s operational. And that’s exactly why forward-thinking FinTech companies are hiring Heads of AI right now.

 

These aren’t “nice-to-have” hires. They’re critical strategic decisions that determine whether your business leads the AI transformation or plays catch-up.

 

1. AI Has Moved From Experimentation to Infrastructure

Until recently, most FinTech companies were dabbling in AI: automating workflows, using off-the-shelf APIs, running internal pilots. But the pace has shifted.

According to McKinsey, more than 60% of financial services firms have embedded AI into at least one core function, and GenAI adoption more than doubled from 2023 to 2025. Now, AI is embedded in the very architecture of modern FinTech platforms – powering product features, predictive analytics, fraud prevention, customer support, and investment strategies.

 

In short: AI is the infrastructure. And you need someone to architect it.

 

2. AI Talent Is Rare. AI Leaders Are Rarer.

There are fewer than 10,000 people in the US currently holding a “Head of AI” or “Director of AI” title, according to Storm2’s talent intelligence data. Only 21% are women, and the majority are concentrated in just a few markets (San Francisco, New York, Boston).

As Ryan Beauchesne, Senior Market Specialist at Storm2, notes:

 

“Demand is exploding but supply isn’t keeping up. Hiring now is not just about capability, it’s about access. FinTechs that wait six months may find the top talent pool has already been scooped up by competitors, especially in high-growth subsectors like lending, embedded payments, and private markets.”

3. The Risk of Waiting: Missed GTM, Slow Product Velocity, and Talent Gaps

Delaying this hire doesn’t just slow your AI adoption, it can cascade across your business. Without a Head of AI:

    • Your GTM teams may struggle to position AI features without a credible leader defining the narrative.

    • Product teams may misfire, trying to bolt-on AI without strategic alignment or scalable models.

    • You’ll likely over-hire or mis-hire, spending months bringing in short-term contractors or misaligned engineers.

Meanwhile, competitors with strong AI leadership will outpace you in shipping AI-native features, winning market share, and raising capital.

4. The Upside of Hiring Early

Companies that bring in senior AI leaders early can:

    • Shape the AI roadmap before it’s dictated by client demands or tech constraints

    • Embed AI across the stack, not silo it

    • Attract stronger IC talent, who want to work under credible leadership

    • Set the tone in the market, positioning their AI capabilities as a core differentiator

Ryan puts it simply:

“Hiring a Head of AI early is protective. It de-risks your roadmap, your investor conversations, and your hiring pipeline all at once.”

🚀 Want to See What This Role Looks Like in Practice?

Download Why Every FinTech Needs a Head of AI to see real-world job briefs, leadership structures, and salary benchmarks — plus insights from Storm2’s placements across the US FinTech market.

 

 

Download The Whitepaper

Or, if you’re building your AI team now, get in touch with Ryan Beauchesne for a confidential hiring consultation.

The post Why FinTechs Are Hiring Heads of AI Now – And What Happens If You Wait appeared first on Storm2.

Delaying this hire doesn’t just slow your AI adoption, it can cascade across your business. Without a Head of AI:

Meanwhile, competitors with strong AI leadership will outpace you in shipping AI-native features, winning market share, and raising capital.

4. The Upside of Hiring Early

Companies that bring in senior AI leaders early can:

Ryan puts it simply:

“Hiring a Head of AI early is protective. It de-risks your roadmap, your investor conversations, and your hiring pipeline all at once.”

🚀 Want to See What This Role Looks Like in Practice?

Download Why Every FinTech Needs a Head of AI to see real-world job briefs, leadership structures, and salary benchmarks — plus insights from Storm2’s placements across the US FinTech market.

 

 

[/vc_column_text]

Download The Whitepaper

Or, if you’re building your AI team now, get in touch with Ryan Beauchesne for a confidential hiring consultation.

[/vc_column][/vc_row]

The rise of AI in FinTech is no longer theoretical. It’s operational. And that’s exactly why forward-thinking FinTech companies are hiring Heads of AI right now.

 

These aren’t “nice-to-have” hires. They’re critical strategic decisions that determine whether your business leads the AI transformation or plays catch-up.

 

1. AI Has Moved From Experimentation to Infrastructure

Until recently, most FinTech companies were dabbling in AI: automating workflows, using off-the-shelf APIs, running internal pilots. But the pace has shifted.

According to McKinsey, more than 60% of financial services firms have embedded AI into at least one core function, and GenAI adoption more than doubled from 2023 to 2025. Now, AI is embedded in the very architecture of modern FinTech platforms – powering product features, predictive analytics, fraud prevention, customer support, and investment strategies.

 

In short: AI is the infrastructure. And you need someone to architect it.

 

2. AI Talent Is Rare. AI Leaders Are Rarer.

There are fewer than 10,000 people in the US currently holding a “Head of AI” or “Director of AI” title, according to Storm2’s talent intelligence data. Only 21% are women, and the majority are concentrated in just a few markets (San Francisco, New York, Boston).

As Ryan Beauchesne, Senior Market Specialist at Storm2, notes:

 

“Demand is exploding but supply isn’t keeping up. Hiring now is not just about capability, it’s about access. FinTechs that wait six months may find the top talent pool has already been scooped up by competitors, especially in high-growth subsectors like lending, embedded payments, and private markets.”

3. The Risk of Waiting: Missed GTM, Slow Product Velocity, and Talent Gaps

Delaying this hire doesn’t just slow your AI adoption, it can cascade across your business. Without a Head of AI:

    • Your GTM teams may struggle to position AI features without a credible leader defining the narrative.

    • Product teams may misfire, trying to bolt-on AI without strategic alignment or scalable models.

    • You’ll likely over-hire or mis-hire, spending months bringing in short-term contractors or misaligned engineers.

Meanwhile, competitors with strong AI leadership will outpace you in shipping AI-native features, winning market share, and raising capital.

4. The Upside of Hiring Early

Companies that bring in senior AI leaders early can:

    • Shape the AI roadmap before it’s dictated by client demands or tech constraints

    • Embed AI across the stack, not silo it

    • Attract stronger IC talent, who want to work under credible leadership

    • Set the tone in the market, positioning their AI capabilities as a core differentiator

Ryan puts it simply:

“Hiring a Head of AI early is protective. It de-risks your roadmap, your investor conversations, and your hiring pipeline all at once.”

🚀 Want to See What This Role Looks Like in Practice?

Download Why Every FinTech Needs a Head of AI to see real-world job briefs, leadership structures, and salary benchmarks — plus insights from Storm2’s placements across the US FinTech market.

 

 

Download The Whitepaper

Or, if you’re building your AI team now, get in touch with Ryan Beauchesne for a confidential hiring consultation.

The post Why FinTechs Are Hiring Heads of AI Now – And What Happens If You Wait appeared first on Storm2.

“Demand is exploding but supply isn’t keeping up. Hiring now is not just about capability, it’s about access. FinTechs that wait six months may find the top talent pool has already been scooped up by competitors, especially in high-growth subsectors like lending, embedded payments, and private markets.”

3. The Risk of Waiting: Missed GTM, Slow Product Velocity, and Talent Gaps

Delaying this hire doesn’t just slow your AI adoption, it can cascade across your business. Without a Head of AI:

Meanwhile, competitors with strong AI leadership will outpace you in shipping AI-native features, winning market share, and raising capital.

4. The Upside of Hiring Early

Companies that bring in senior AI leaders early can:

Ryan puts it simply:

“Hiring a Head of AI early is protective. It de-risks your roadmap, your investor conversations, and your hiring pipeline all at once.”

🚀 Want to See What This Role Looks Like in Practice?

Download Why Every FinTech Needs a Head of AI to see real-world job briefs, leadership structures, and salary benchmarks — plus insights from Storm2’s placements across the US FinTech market.

 

 

[/vc_column_text]

Download The Whitepaper

Or, if you’re building your AI team now, get in touch with Ryan Beauchesne for a confidential hiring consultation.

[/vc_column][/vc_row]

The rise of AI in FinTech is no longer theoretical. It’s operational. And that’s exactly why forward-thinking FinTech companies are hiring Heads of AI right now.

 

These aren’t “nice-to-have” hires. They’re critical strategic decisions that determine whether your business leads the AI transformation or plays catch-up.

 

1. AI Has Moved From Experimentation to Infrastructure

Until recently, most FinTech companies were dabbling in AI: automating workflows, using off-the-shelf APIs, running internal pilots. But the pace has shifted.

According to McKinsey, more than 60% of financial services firms have embedded AI into at least one core function, and GenAI adoption more than doubled from 2023 to 2025. Now, AI is embedded in the very architecture of modern FinTech platforms – powering product features, predictive analytics, fraud prevention, customer support, and investment strategies.

 

In short: AI is the infrastructure. And you need someone to architect it.

 

2. AI Talent Is Rare. AI Leaders Are Rarer.

There are fewer than 10,000 people in the US currently holding a “Head of AI” or “Director of AI” title, according to Storm2’s talent intelligence data. Only 21% are women, and the majority are concentrated in just a few markets (San Francisco, New York, Boston).

As Ryan Beauchesne, Senior Market Specialist at Storm2, notes:

 

“Demand is exploding but supply isn’t keeping up. Hiring now is not just about capability, it’s about access. FinTechs that wait six months may find the top talent pool has already been scooped up by competitors, especially in high-growth subsectors like lending, embedded payments, and private markets.”

3. The Risk of Waiting: Missed GTM, Slow Product Velocity, and Talent Gaps

Delaying this hire doesn’t just slow your AI adoption, it can cascade across your business. Without a Head of AI:

    • Your GTM teams may struggle to position AI features without a credible leader defining the narrative.

    • Product teams may misfire, trying to bolt-on AI without strategic alignment or scalable models.

    • You’ll likely over-hire or mis-hire, spending months bringing in short-term contractors or misaligned engineers.

Meanwhile, competitors with strong AI leadership will outpace you in shipping AI-native features, winning market share, and raising capital.

4. The Upside of Hiring Early

Companies that bring in senior AI leaders early can:

    • Shape the AI roadmap before it’s dictated by client demands or tech constraints

    • Embed AI across the stack, not silo it

    • Attract stronger IC talent, who want to work under credible leadership

    • Set the tone in the market, positioning their AI capabilities as a core differentiator

Ryan puts it simply:

“Hiring a Head of AI early is protective. It de-risks your roadmap, your investor conversations, and your hiring pipeline all at once.”

🚀 Want to See What This Role Looks Like in Practice?

Download Why Every FinTech Needs a Head of AI to see real-world job briefs, leadership structures, and salary benchmarks — plus insights from Storm2’s placements across the US FinTech market.

 

 

Download The Whitepaper

Or, if you’re building your AI team now, get in touch with Ryan Beauchesne for a confidential hiring consultation.

The post Why FinTechs Are Hiring Heads of AI Now – And What Happens If You Wait appeared first on Storm2.

 

“Demand is exploding but supply isn’t keeping up. Hiring now is not just about capability, it’s about access. FinTechs that wait six months may find the top talent pool has already been scooped up by competitors, especially in high-growth subsectors like lending, embedded payments, and private markets.”

3. The Risk of Waiting: Missed GTM, Slow Product Velocity, and Talent Gaps

Delaying this hire doesn’t just slow your AI adoption, it can cascade across your business. Without a Head of AI:

Meanwhile, competitors with strong AI leadership will outpace you in shipping AI-native features, winning market share, and raising capital.

4. The Upside of Hiring Early

Companies that bring in senior AI leaders early can:

Ryan puts it simply:

“Hiring a Head of AI early is protective. It de-risks your roadmap, your investor conversations, and your hiring pipeline all at once.”

🚀 Want to See What This Role Looks Like in Practice?

Download Why Every FinTech Needs a Head of AI to see real-world job briefs, leadership structures, and salary benchmarks — plus insights from Storm2’s placements across the US FinTech market.

 

 

[/vc_column_text]

Download The Whitepaper

Or, if you’re building your AI team now, get in touch with Ryan Beauchesne for a confidential hiring consultation.

[/vc_column][/vc_row]

The rise of AI in FinTech is no longer theoretical. It’s operational. And that’s exactly why forward-thinking FinTech companies are hiring Heads of AI right now.

 

These aren’t “nice-to-have” hires. They’re critical strategic decisions that determine whether your business leads the AI transformation or plays catch-up.

 

1. AI Has Moved From Experimentation to Infrastructure

Until recently, most FinTech companies were dabbling in AI: automating workflows, using off-the-shelf APIs, running internal pilots. But the pace has shifted.

According to McKinsey, more than 60% of financial services firms have embedded AI into at least one core function, and GenAI adoption more than doubled from 2023 to 2025. Now, AI is embedded in the very architecture of modern FinTech platforms – powering product features, predictive analytics, fraud prevention, customer support, and investment strategies.

 

In short: AI is the infrastructure. And you need someone to architect it.

 

2. AI Talent Is Rare. AI Leaders Are Rarer.

There are fewer than 10,000 people in the US currently holding a “Head of AI” or “Director of AI” title, according to Storm2’s talent intelligence data. Only 21% are women, and the majority are concentrated in just a few markets (San Francisco, New York, Boston).

As Ryan Beauchesne, Senior Market Specialist at Storm2, notes:

 

“Demand is exploding but supply isn’t keeping up. Hiring now is not just about capability, it’s about access. FinTechs that wait six months may find the top talent pool has already been scooped up by competitors, especially in high-growth subsectors like lending, embedded payments, and private markets.”

3. The Risk of Waiting: Missed GTM, Slow Product Velocity, and Talent Gaps

Delaying this hire doesn’t just slow your AI adoption, it can cascade across your business. Without a Head of AI:

    • Your GTM teams may struggle to position AI features without a credible leader defining the narrative.

    • Product teams may misfire, trying to bolt-on AI without strategic alignment or scalable models.

    • You’ll likely over-hire or mis-hire, spending months bringing in short-term contractors or misaligned engineers.

Meanwhile, competitors with strong AI leadership will outpace you in shipping AI-native features, winning market share, and raising capital.

4. The Upside of Hiring Early

Companies that bring in senior AI leaders early can:

    • Shape the AI roadmap before it’s dictated by client demands or tech constraints

    • Embed AI across the stack, not silo it

    • Attract stronger IC talent, who want to work under credible leadership

    • Set the tone in the market, positioning their AI capabilities as a core differentiator

Ryan puts it simply:

“Hiring a Head of AI early is protective. It de-risks your roadmap, your investor conversations, and your hiring pipeline all at once.”

🚀 Want to See What This Role Looks Like in Practice?

Download Why Every FinTech Needs a Head of AI to see real-world job briefs, leadership structures, and salary benchmarks — plus insights from Storm2’s placements across the US FinTech market.

 

 

Download The Whitepaper

Or, if you’re building your AI team now, get in touch with Ryan Beauchesne for a confidential hiring consultation.

The post Why FinTechs Are Hiring Heads of AI Now – And What Happens If You Wait appeared first on Storm2.

Meanwhile, competitors with strong AI leadership will outpace you in shipping AI-native features, winning market share, and raising capital.

4. The Upside of Hiring Early

Companies that bring in senior AI leaders early can:

Ryan puts it simply:

“Hiring a Head of AI early is protective. It de-risks your roadmap, your investor conversations, and your hiring pipeline all at once.”

🚀 Want to See What This Role Looks Like in Practice?

Download Why Every FinTech Needs a Head of AI to see real-world job briefs, leadership structures, and salary benchmarks — plus insights from Storm2’s placements across the US FinTech market.

 

 

[/vc_column_text]

Download The Whitepaper

Or, if you’re building your AI team now, get in touch with Ryan Beauchesne for a confidential hiring consultation.

[/vc_column][/vc_row] 

“Demand is exploding but supply isn’t keeping up. Hiring now is not just about capability, it’s about access. FinTechs that wait six months may find the top talent pool has already been scooped up by competitors, especially in high-growth subsectors like lending, embedded payments, and private markets.”

3. The Risk of Waiting: Missed GTM, Slow Product Velocity, and Talent Gaps

Delaying this hire doesn’t just slow your AI adoption, it can cascade across your business. Without a Head of AI:

Meanwhile, competitors with strong AI leadership will outpace you in shipping AI-native features, winning market share, and raising capital.

4. The Upside of Hiring Early

Companies that bring in senior AI leaders early can:

Ryan puts it simply:

“Hiring a Head of AI early is protective. It de-risks your roadmap, your investor conversations, and your hiring pipeline all at once.”

🚀 Want to See What This Role Looks Like in Practice?

Download Why Every FinTech Needs a Head of AI to see real-world job briefs, leadership structures, and salary benchmarks — plus insights from Storm2’s placements across the US FinTech market.

 

 

[/vc_column_text]

Download The Whitepaper

Or, if you’re building your AI team now, get in touch with Ryan Beauchesne for a confidential hiring consultation.

[/vc_column][/vc_row]

The rise of AI in FinTech is no longer theoretical. It’s operational. And that’s exactly why forward-thinking FinTech companies are hiring Heads of AI right now.

 

These aren’t “nice-to-have” hires. They’re critical strategic decisions that determine whether your business leads the AI transformation or plays catch-up.

 

1. AI Has Moved From Experimentation to Infrastructure

Until recently, most FinTech companies were dabbling in AI: automating workflows, using off-the-shelf APIs, running internal pilots. But the pace has shifted.

According to McKinsey, more than 60% of financial services firms have embedded AI into at least one core function, and GenAI adoption more than doubled from 2023 to 2025. Now, AI is embedded in the very architecture of modern FinTech platforms – powering product features, predictive analytics, fraud prevention, customer support, and investment strategies.

 

In short: AI is the infrastructure. And you need someone to architect it.

 

2. AI Talent Is Rare. AI Leaders Are Rarer.

There are fewer than 10,000 people in the US currently holding a “Head of AI” or “Director of AI” title, according to Storm2’s talent intelligence data. Only 21% are women, and the majority are concentrated in just a few markets (San Francisco, New York, Boston).

As Ryan Beauchesne, Senior Market Specialist at Storm2, notes:

 

“Demand is exploding but supply isn’t keeping up. Hiring now is not just about capability, it’s about access. FinTechs that wait six months may find the top talent pool has already been scooped up by competitors, especially in high-growth subsectors like lending, embedded payments, and private markets.”

3. The Risk of Waiting: Missed GTM, Slow Product Velocity, and Talent Gaps

Delaying this hire doesn’t just slow your AI adoption, it can cascade across your business. Without a Head of AI:

    • Your GTM teams may struggle to position AI features without a credible leader defining the narrative.

    • Product teams may misfire, trying to bolt-on AI without strategic alignment or scalable models.

    • You’ll likely over-hire or mis-hire, spending months bringing in short-term contractors or misaligned engineers.

Meanwhile, competitors with strong AI leadership will outpace you in shipping AI-native features, winning market share, and raising capital.

4. The Upside of Hiring Early

Companies that bring in senior AI leaders early can:

    • Shape the AI roadmap before it’s dictated by client demands or tech constraints

    • Embed AI across the stack, not silo it

    • Attract stronger IC talent, who want to work under credible leadership

    • Set the tone in the market, positioning their AI capabilities as a core differentiator

Ryan puts it simply:

“Hiring a Head of AI early is protective. It de-risks your roadmap, your investor conversations, and your hiring pipeline all at once.”

🚀 Want to See What This Role Looks Like in Practice?

Download Why Every FinTech Needs a Head of AI to see real-world job briefs, leadership structures, and salary benchmarks — plus insights from Storm2’s placements across the US FinTech market.

 

 

Download The Whitepaper

Or, if you’re building your AI team now, get in touch with Ryan Beauchesne for a confidential hiring consultation.

The post Why FinTechs Are Hiring Heads of AI Now – And What Happens If You Wait appeared first on Storm2.

Delaying this hire doesn’t just slow your AI adoption, it can cascade across your business. Without a Head of AI:

Meanwhile, competitors with strong AI leadership will outpace you in shipping AI-native features, winning market share, and raising capital.

4. The Upside of Hiring Early

Companies that bring in senior AI leaders early can:

Ryan puts it simply:

“Hiring a Head of AI early is protective. It de-risks your roadmap, your investor conversations, and your hiring pipeline all at once.”

🚀 Want to See What This Role Looks Like in Practice?

Download Why Every FinTech Needs a Head of AI to see real-world job briefs, leadership structures, and salary benchmarks — plus insights from Storm2’s placements across the US FinTech market.

 

 

[/vc_column_text]

Download The Whitepaper

Or, if you’re building your AI team now, get in touch with Ryan Beauchesne for a confidential hiring consultation.

[/vc_column][/vc_row] 

“Demand is exploding but supply isn’t keeping up. Hiring now is not just about capability, it’s about access. FinTechs that wait six months may find the top talent pool has already been scooped up by competitors, especially in high-growth subsectors like lending, embedded payments, and private markets.”

3. The Risk of Waiting: Missed GTM, Slow Product Velocity, and Talent Gaps

Delaying this hire doesn’t just slow your AI adoption, it can cascade across your business. Without a Head of AI:

Meanwhile, competitors with strong AI leadership will outpace you in shipping AI-native features, winning market share, and raising capital.

4. The Upside of Hiring Early

Companies that bring in senior AI leaders early can:

Ryan puts it simply:

“Hiring a Head of AI early is protective. It de-risks your roadmap, your investor conversations, and your hiring pipeline all at once.”

🚀 Want to See What This Role Looks Like in Practice?

Download Why Every FinTech Needs a Head of AI to see real-world job briefs, leadership structures, and salary benchmarks — plus insights from Storm2’s placements across the US FinTech market.

 

 

[/vc_column_text]

Download The Whitepaper

Or, if you’re building your AI team now, get in touch with Ryan Beauchesne for a confidential hiring consultation.

[/vc_column][/vc_row]

The rise of AI in FinTech is no longer theoretical. It’s operational. And that’s exactly why forward-thinking FinTech companies are hiring Heads of AI right now.

 

These aren’t “nice-to-have” hires. They’re critical strategic decisions that determine whether your business leads the AI transformation or plays catch-up.

 

1. AI Has Moved From Experimentation to Infrastructure

Until recently, most FinTech companies were dabbling in AI: automating workflows, using off-the-shelf APIs, running internal pilots. But the pace has shifted.

According to McKinsey, more than 60% of financial services firms have embedded AI into at least one core function, and GenAI adoption more than doubled from 2023 to 2025. Now, AI is embedded in the very architecture of modern FinTech platforms – powering product features, predictive analytics, fraud prevention, customer support, and investment strategies.

 

In short: AI is the infrastructure. And you need someone to architect it.

 

2. AI Talent Is Rare. AI Leaders Are Rarer.

There are fewer than 10,000 people in the US currently holding a “Head of AI” or “Director of AI” title, according to Storm2’s talent intelligence data. Only 21% are women, and the majority are concentrated in just a few markets (San Francisco, New York, Boston).

As Ryan Beauchesne, Senior Market Specialist at Storm2, notes:

 

“Demand is exploding but supply isn’t keeping up. Hiring now is not just about capability, it’s about access. FinTechs that wait six months may find the top talent pool has already been scooped up by competitors, especially in high-growth subsectors like lending, embedded payments, and private markets.”

3. The Risk of Waiting: Missed GTM, Slow Product Velocity, and Talent Gaps

Delaying this hire doesn’t just slow your AI adoption, it can cascade across your business. Without a Head of AI:

    • Your GTM teams may struggle to position AI features without a credible leader defining the narrative.

    • Product teams may misfire, trying to bolt-on AI without strategic alignment or scalable models.

    • You’ll likely over-hire or mis-hire, spending months bringing in short-term contractors or misaligned engineers.

Meanwhile, competitors with strong AI leadership will outpace you in shipping AI-native features, winning market share, and raising capital.

4. The Upside of Hiring Early

Companies that bring in senior AI leaders early can:

    • Shape the AI roadmap before it’s dictated by client demands or tech constraints

    • Embed AI across the stack, not silo it

    • Attract stronger IC talent, who want to work under credible leadership

    • Set the tone in the market, positioning their AI capabilities as a core differentiator

Ryan puts it simply:

“Hiring a Head of AI early is protective. It de-risks your roadmap, your investor conversations, and your hiring pipeline all at once.”

🚀 Want to See What This Role Looks Like in Practice?

Download Why Every FinTech Needs a Head of AI to see real-world job briefs, leadership structures, and salary benchmarks — plus insights from Storm2’s placements across the US FinTech market.

 

 

Download The Whitepaper

Or, if you’re building your AI team now, get in touch with Ryan Beauchesne for a confidential hiring consultation.

The post Why FinTechs Are Hiring Heads of AI Now – And What Happens If You Wait appeared first on Storm2.

“Demand is exploding but supply isn’t keeping up. Hiring now is not just about capability, it’s about access. FinTechs that wait six months may find the top talent pool has already been scooped up by competitors, especially in high-growth subsectors like lending, embedded payments, and private markets.”

3. The Risk of Waiting: Missed GTM, Slow Product Velocity, and Talent Gaps

Delaying this hire doesn’t just slow your AI adoption, it can cascade across your business. Without a Head of AI:

Meanwhile, competitors with strong AI leadership will outpace you in shipping AI-native features, winning market share, and raising capital.

4. The Upside of Hiring Early

Companies that bring in senior AI leaders early can:

Ryan puts it simply:

“Hiring a Head of AI early is protective. It de-risks your roadmap, your investor conversations, and your hiring pipeline all at once.”

🚀 Want to See What This Role Looks Like in Practice?

Download Why Every FinTech Needs a Head of AI to see real-world job briefs, leadership structures, and salary benchmarks — plus insights from Storm2’s placements across the US FinTech market.

 

 

[/vc_column_text]

Download The Whitepaper

Or, if you’re building your AI team now, get in touch with Ryan Beauchesne for a confidential hiring consultation.

[/vc_column][/vc_row] 

“Demand is exploding but supply isn’t keeping up. Hiring now is not just about capability, it’s about access. FinTechs that wait six months may find the top talent pool has already been scooped up by competitors, especially in high-growth subsectors like lending, embedded payments, and private markets.”

3. The Risk of Waiting: Missed GTM, Slow Product Velocity, and Talent Gaps

Delaying this hire doesn’t just slow your AI adoption, it can cascade across your business. Without a Head of AI:

Meanwhile, competitors with strong AI leadership will outpace you in shipping AI-native features, winning market share, and raising capital.

4. The Upside of Hiring Early

Companies that bring in senior AI leaders early can:

Ryan puts it simply:

“Hiring a Head of AI early is protective. It de-risks your roadmap, your investor conversations, and your hiring pipeline all at once.”

🚀 Want to See What This Role Looks Like in Practice?

Download Why Every FinTech Needs a Head of AI to see real-world job briefs, leadership structures, and salary benchmarks — plus insights from Storm2’s placements across the US FinTech market.

 

 

[/vc_column_text]

Download The Whitepaper

Or, if you’re building your AI team now, get in touch with Ryan Beauchesne for a confidential hiring consultation.

[/vc_column][/vc_row]

The rise of AI in FinTech is no longer theoretical. It’s operational. And that’s exactly why forward-thinking FinTech companies are hiring Heads of AI right now.

 

These aren’t “nice-to-have” hires. They’re critical strategic decisions that determine whether your business leads the AI transformation or plays catch-up.

 

1. AI Has Moved From Experimentation to Infrastructure

Until recently, most FinTech companies were dabbling in AI: automating workflows, using off-the-shelf APIs, running internal pilots. But the pace has shifted.

According to McKinsey, more than 60% of financial services firms have embedded AI into at least one core function, and GenAI adoption more than doubled from 2023 to 2025. Now, AI is embedded in the very architecture of modern FinTech platforms – powering product features, predictive analytics, fraud prevention, customer support, and investment strategies.

 

In short: AI is the infrastructure. And you need someone to architect it.

 

2. AI Talent Is Rare. AI Leaders Are Rarer.

There are fewer than 10,000 people in the US currently holding a “Head of AI” or “Director of AI” title, according to Storm2’s talent intelligence data. Only 21% are women, and the majority are concentrated in just a few markets (San Francisco, New York, Boston).

As Ryan Beauchesne, Senior Market Specialist at Storm2, notes:

 

“Demand is exploding but supply isn’t keeping up. Hiring now is not just about capability, it’s about access. FinTechs that wait six months may find the top talent pool has already been scooped up by competitors, especially in high-growth subsectors like lending, embedded payments, and private markets.”

3. The Risk of Waiting: Missed GTM, Slow Product Velocity, and Talent Gaps

Delaying this hire doesn’t just slow your AI adoption, it can cascade across your business. Without a Head of AI:

    • Your GTM teams may struggle to position AI features without a credible leader defining the narrative.

    • Product teams may misfire, trying to bolt-on AI without strategic alignment or scalable models.

    • You’ll likely over-hire or mis-hire, spending months bringing in short-term contractors or misaligned engineers.

Meanwhile, competitors with strong AI leadership will outpace you in shipping AI-native features, winning market share, and raising capital.

4. The Upside of Hiring Early

Companies that bring in senior AI leaders early can:

    • Shape the AI roadmap before it’s dictated by client demands or tech constraints

    • Embed AI across the stack, not silo it

    • Attract stronger IC talent, who want to work under credible leadership

    • Set the tone in the market, positioning their AI capabilities as a core differentiator

Ryan puts it simply:

“Hiring a Head of AI early is protective. It de-risks your roadmap, your investor conversations, and your hiring pipeline all at once.”

🚀 Want to See What This Role Looks Like in Practice?

Download Why Every FinTech Needs a Head of AI to see real-world job briefs, leadership structures, and salary benchmarks — plus insights from Storm2’s placements across the US FinTech market.

 

 

Download The Whitepaper

Or, if you’re building your AI team now, get in touch with Ryan Beauchesne for a confidential hiring consultation.

The post Why FinTechs Are Hiring Heads of AI Now – And What Happens If You Wait appeared first on Storm2.

Meanwhile, competitors with strong AI leadership will outpace you in shipping AI-native features, winning market share, and raising capital.

4. The Upside of Hiring Early

Companies that bring in senior AI leaders early can:

Ryan puts it simply:

“Hiring a Head of AI early is protective. It de-risks your roadmap, your investor conversations, and your hiring pipeline all at once.”

🚀 Want to See What This Role Looks Like in Practice?

Download Why Every FinTech Needs a Head of AI to see real-world job briefs, leadership structures, and salary benchmarks — plus insights from Storm2’s placements across the US FinTech market.

 

 

[/vc_column_text]

Download The Whitepaper

Or, if you’re building your AI team now, get in touch with Ryan Beauchesne for a confidential hiring consultation.

[/vc_column][/vc_row]

“Demand is exploding but supply isn’t keeping up. Hiring now is not just about capability, it’s about access. FinTechs that wait six months may find the top talent pool has already been scooped up by competitors, especially in high-growth subsectors like lending, embedded payments, and private markets.”

3. The Risk of Waiting: Missed GTM, Slow Product Velocity, and Talent Gaps

Delaying this hire doesn’t just slow your AI adoption, it can cascade across your business. Without a Head of AI:

Meanwhile, competitors with strong AI leadership will outpace you in shipping AI-native features, winning market share, and raising capital.

4. The Upside of Hiring Early

Companies that bring in senior AI leaders early can:

Ryan puts it simply:

“Hiring a Head of AI early is protective. It de-risks your roadmap, your investor conversations, and your hiring pipeline all at once.”

🚀 Want to See What This Role Looks Like in Practice?

Download Why Every FinTech Needs a Head of AI to see real-world job briefs, leadership structures, and salary benchmarks — plus insights from Storm2’s placements across the US FinTech market.

 

 

[/vc_column_text]

Download The Whitepaper

Or, if you’re building your AI team now, get in touch with Ryan Beauchesne for a confidential hiring consultation.

[/vc_column][/vc_row] 

“Demand is exploding but supply isn’t keeping up. Hiring now is not just about capability, it’s about access. FinTechs that wait six months may find the top talent pool has already been scooped up by competitors, especially in high-growth subsectors like lending, embedded payments, and private markets.”

3. The Risk of Waiting: Missed GTM, Slow Product Velocity, and Talent Gaps

Delaying this hire doesn’t just slow your AI adoption, it can cascade across your business. Without a Head of AI:

Meanwhile, competitors with strong AI leadership will outpace you in shipping AI-native features, winning market share, and raising capital.

4. The Upside of Hiring Early

Companies that bring in senior AI leaders early can:

Ryan puts it simply:

“Hiring a Head of AI early is protective. It de-risks your roadmap, your investor conversations, and your hiring pipeline all at once.”

🚀 Want to See What This Role Looks Like in Practice?

Download Why Every FinTech Needs a Head of AI to see real-world job briefs, leadership structures, and salary benchmarks — plus insights from Storm2’s placements across the US FinTech market.

 

 

[/vc_column_text]

Download The Whitepaper

Or, if you’re building your AI team now, get in touch with Ryan Beauchesne for a confidential hiring consultation.

[/vc_column][/vc_row]

The rise of AI in FinTech is no longer theoretical. It’s operational. And that’s exactly why forward-thinking FinTech companies are hiring Heads of AI right now.

 

These aren’t “nice-to-have” hires. They’re critical strategic decisions that determine whether your business leads the AI transformation or plays catch-up.

 

1. AI Has Moved From Experimentation to Infrastructure

Until recently, most FinTech companies were dabbling in AI: automating workflows, using off-the-shelf APIs, running internal pilots. But the pace has shifted.

According to McKinsey, more than 60% of financial services firms have embedded AI into at least one core function, and GenAI adoption more than doubled from 2023 to 2025. Now, AI is embedded in the very architecture of modern FinTech platforms – powering product features, predictive analytics, fraud prevention, customer support, and investment strategies.

 

In short: AI is the infrastructure. And you need someone to architect it.

 

2. AI Talent Is Rare. AI Leaders Are Rarer.

There are fewer than 10,000 people in the US currently holding a “Head of AI” or “Director of AI” title, according to Storm2’s talent intelligence data. Only 21% are women, and the majority are concentrated in just a few markets (San Francisco, New York, Boston).

As Ryan Beauchesne, Senior Market Specialist at Storm2, notes:

 

“Demand is exploding but supply isn’t keeping up. Hiring now is not just about capability, it’s about access. FinTechs that wait six months may find the top talent pool has already been scooped up by competitors, especially in high-growth subsectors like lending, embedded payments, and private markets.”

3. The Risk of Waiting: Missed GTM, Slow Product Velocity, and Talent Gaps

Delaying this hire doesn’t just slow your AI adoption, it can cascade across your business. Without a Head of AI:

    • Your GTM teams may struggle to position AI features without a credible leader defining the narrative.

    • Product teams may misfire, trying to bolt-on AI without strategic alignment or scalable models.

    • You’ll likely over-hire or mis-hire, spending months bringing in short-term contractors or misaligned engineers.

Meanwhile, competitors with strong AI leadership will outpace you in shipping AI-native features, winning market share, and raising capital.

4. The Upside of Hiring Early

Companies that bring in senior AI leaders early can:

    • Shape the AI roadmap before it’s dictated by client demands or tech constraints

    • Embed AI across the stack, not silo it

    • Attract stronger IC talent, who want to work under credible leadership

    • Set the tone in the market, positioning their AI capabilities as a core differentiator

Ryan puts it simply:

“Hiring a Head of AI early is protective. It de-risks your roadmap, your investor conversations, and your hiring pipeline all at once.”

🚀 Want to See What This Role Looks Like in Practice?

Download Why Every FinTech Needs a Head of AI to see real-world job briefs, leadership structures, and salary benchmarks — plus insights from Storm2’s placements across the US FinTech market.

 

 

Download The Whitepaper

Or, if you’re building your AI team now, get in touch with Ryan Beauchesne for a confidential hiring consultation.

The post Why FinTechs Are Hiring Heads of AI Now – And What Happens If You Wait appeared first on Storm2.

Delaying this hire doesn’t just slow your AI adoption, it can cascade across your business. Without a Head of AI:

Meanwhile, competitors with strong AI leadership will outpace you in shipping AI-native features, winning market share, and raising capital.

4. The Upside of Hiring Early

Companies that bring in senior AI leaders early can:

Ryan puts it simply:

“Hiring a Head of AI early is protective. It de-risks your roadmap, your investor conversations, and your hiring pipeline all at once.”

🚀 Want to See What This Role Looks Like in Practice?

Download Why Every FinTech Needs a Head of AI to see real-world job briefs, leadership structures, and salary benchmarks — plus insights from Storm2’s placements across the US FinTech market.

 

 

[/vc_column_text]

Download The Whitepaper

Or, if you’re building your AI team now, get in touch with Ryan Beauchesne for a confidential hiring consultation.

[/vc_column][/vc_row]

“Demand is exploding but supply isn’t keeping up. Hiring now is not just about capability, it’s about access. FinTechs that wait six months may find the top talent pool has already been scooped up by competitors, especially in high-growth subsectors like lending, embedded payments, and private markets.”

3. The Risk of Waiting: Missed GTM, Slow Product Velocity, and Talent Gaps

Delaying this hire doesn’t just slow your AI adoption, it can cascade across your business. Without a Head of AI:

Meanwhile, competitors with strong AI leadership will outpace you in shipping AI-native features, winning market share, and raising capital.

4. The Upside of Hiring Early

Companies that bring in senior AI leaders early can:

Ryan puts it simply:

“Hiring a Head of AI early is protective. It de-risks your roadmap, your investor conversations, and your hiring pipeline all at once.”

🚀 Want to See What This Role Looks Like in Practice?

Download Why Every FinTech Needs a Head of AI to see real-world job briefs, leadership structures, and salary benchmarks — plus insights from Storm2’s placements across the US FinTech market.

 

 

[/vc_column_text]

Download The Whitepaper

Or, if you’re building your AI team now, get in touch with Ryan Beauchesne for a confidential hiring consultation.

[/vc_column][/vc_row] 

“Demand is exploding but supply isn’t keeping up. Hiring now is not just about capability, it’s about access. FinTechs that wait six months may find the top talent pool has already been scooped up by competitors, especially in high-growth subsectors like lending, embedded payments, and private markets.”

3. The Risk of Waiting: Missed GTM, Slow Product Velocity, and Talent Gaps

Delaying this hire doesn’t just slow your AI adoption, it can cascade across your business. Without a Head of AI:

Meanwhile, competitors with strong AI leadership will outpace you in shipping AI-native features, winning market share, and raising capital.

4. The Upside of Hiring Early

Companies that bring in senior AI leaders early can:

Ryan puts it simply:

“Hiring a Head of AI early is protective. It de-risks your roadmap, your investor conversations, and your hiring pipeline all at once.”

🚀 Want to See What This Role Looks Like in Practice?

Download Why Every FinTech Needs a Head of AI to see real-world job briefs, leadership structures, and salary benchmarks — plus insights from Storm2’s placements across the US FinTech market.

 

 

[/vc_column_text]

Download The Whitepaper

Or, if you’re building your AI team now, get in touch with Ryan Beauchesne for a confidential hiring consultation.

[/vc_column][/vc_row]

The rise of AI in FinTech is no longer theoretical. It’s operational. And that’s exactly why forward-thinking FinTech companies are hiring Heads of AI right now.

 

These aren’t “nice-to-have” hires. They’re critical strategic decisions that determine whether your business leads the AI transformation or plays catch-up.

 

1. AI Has Moved From Experimentation to Infrastructure

Until recently, most FinTech companies were dabbling in AI: automating workflows, using off-the-shelf APIs, running internal pilots. But the pace has shifted.

According to McKinsey, more than 60% of financial services firms have embedded AI into at least one core function, and GenAI adoption more than doubled from 2023 to 2025. Now, AI is embedded in the very architecture of modern FinTech platforms – powering product features, predictive analytics, fraud prevention, customer support, and investment strategies.

 

In short: AI is the infrastructure. And you need someone to architect it.

 

2. AI Talent Is Rare. AI Leaders Are Rarer.

There are fewer than 10,000 people in the US currently holding a “Head of AI” or “Director of AI” title, according to Storm2’s talent intelligence data. Only 21% are women, and the majority are concentrated in just a few markets (San Francisco, New York, Boston).

As Ryan Beauchesne, Senior Market Specialist at Storm2, notes:

 

“Demand is exploding but supply isn’t keeping up. Hiring now is not just about capability, it’s about access. FinTechs that wait six months may find the top talent pool has already been scooped up by competitors, especially in high-growth subsectors like lending, embedded payments, and private markets.”

3. The Risk of Waiting: Missed GTM, Slow Product Velocity, and Talent Gaps

Delaying this hire doesn’t just slow your AI adoption, it can cascade across your business. Without a Head of AI:

    • Your GTM teams may struggle to position AI features without a credible leader defining the narrative.

    • Product teams may misfire, trying to bolt-on AI without strategic alignment or scalable models.

    • You’ll likely over-hire or mis-hire, spending months bringing in short-term contractors or misaligned engineers.

Meanwhile, competitors with strong AI leadership will outpace you in shipping AI-native features, winning market share, and raising capital.

4. The Upside of Hiring Early

Companies that bring in senior AI leaders early can:

    • Shape the AI roadmap before it’s dictated by client demands or tech constraints

    • Embed AI across the stack, not silo it

    • Attract stronger IC talent, who want to work under credible leadership

    • Set the tone in the market, positioning their AI capabilities as a core differentiator

Ryan puts it simply:

“Hiring a Head of AI early is protective. It de-risks your roadmap, your investor conversations, and your hiring pipeline all at once.”

🚀 Want to See What This Role Looks Like in Practice?

Download Why Every FinTech Needs a Head of AI to see real-world job briefs, leadership structures, and salary benchmarks — plus insights from Storm2’s placements across the US FinTech market.

 

 

Download The Whitepaper

Or, if you’re building your AI team now, get in touch with Ryan Beauchesne for a confidential hiring consultation.

The post Why FinTechs Are Hiring Heads of AI Now – And What Happens If You Wait appeared first on Storm2.

Meanwhile, competitors with strong AI leadership will outpace you in shipping AI-native features, winning market share, and raising capital.

4. The Upside of Hiring Early

Companies that bring in senior AI leaders early can:

Ryan puts it simply:

“Hiring a Head of AI early is protective. It de-risks your roadmap, your investor conversations, and your hiring pipeline all at once.”

🚀 Want to See What This Role Looks Like in Practice?

Download Why Every FinTech Needs a Head of AI to see real-world job briefs, leadership structures, and salary benchmarks — plus insights from Storm2’s placements across the US FinTech market.

 

 

[/vc_column_text]

Download The Whitepaper

Or, if you’re building your AI team now, get in touch with Ryan Beauchesne for a confidential hiring consultation.

[/vc_column][/vc_row]

Delaying this hire doesn’t just slow your AI adoption, it can cascade across your business. Without a Head of AI:

Meanwhile, competitors with strong AI leadership will outpace you in shipping AI-native features, winning market share, and raising capital.

4. The Upside of Hiring Early

Companies that bring in senior AI leaders early can:

Ryan puts it simply:

“Hiring a Head of AI early is protective. It de-risks your roadmap, your investor conversations, and your hiring pipeline all at once.”

🚀 Want to See What This Role Looks Like in Practice?

Download Why Every FinTech Needs a Head of AI to see real-world job briefs, leadership structures, and salary benchmarks — plus insights from Storm2’s placements across the US FinTech market.

 

 

[/vc_column_text]

Download The Whitepaper

Or, if you’re building your AI team now, get in touch with Ryan Beauchesne for a confidential hiring consultation.

[/vc_column][/vc_row]

“Demand is exploding but supply isn’t keeping up. Hiring now is not just about capability, it’s about access. FinTechs that wait six months may find the top talent pool has already been scooped up by competitors, especially in high-growth subsectors like lending, embedded payments, and private markets.”

3. The Risk of Waiting: Missed GTM, Slow Product Velocity, and Talent Gaps

Delaying this hire doesn’t just slow your AI adoption, it can cascade across your business. Without a Head of AI:

Meanwhile, competitors with strong AI leadership will outpace you in shipping AI-native features, winning market share, and raising capital.

4. The Upside of Hiring Early

Companies that bring in senior AI leaders early can:

Ryan puts it simply:

“Hiring a Head of AI early is protective. It de-risks your roadmap, your investor conversations, and your hiring pipeline all at once.”

🚀 Want to See What This Role Looks Like in Practice?

Download Why Every FinTech Needs a Head of AI to see real-world job briefs, leadership structures, and salary benchmarks — plus insights from Storm2’s placements across the US FinTech market.

 

 

[/vc_column_text]

Download The Whitepaper

Or, if you’re building your AI team now, get in touch with Ryan Beauchesne for a confidential hiring consultation.

[/vc_column][/vc_row] 

“Demand is exploding but supply isn’t keeping up. Hiring now is not just about capability, it’s about access. FinTechs that wait six months may find the top talent pool has already been scooped up by competitors, especially in high-growth subsectors like lending, embedded payments, and private markets.”

3. The Risk of Waiting: Missed GTM, Slow Product Velocity, and Talent Gaps

Delaying this hire doesn’t just slow your AI adoption, it can cascade across your business. Without a Head of AI:

Meanwhile, competitors with strong AI leadership will outpace you in shipping AI-native features, winning market share, and raising capital.

4. The Upside of Hiring Early

Companies that bring in senior AI leaders early can:

Ryan puts it simply:

“Hiring a Head of AI early is protective. It de-risks your roadmap, your investor conversations, and your hiring pipeline all at once.”

🚀 Want to See What This Role Looks Like in Practice?

Download Why Every FinTech Needs a Head of AI to see real-world job briefs, leadership structures, and salary benchmarks — plus insights from Storm2’s placements across the US FinTech market.

 

 

[/vc_column_text]

Download The Whitepaper

Or, if you’re building your AI team now, get in touch with Ryan Beauchesne for a confidential hiring consultation.

[/vc_column][/vc_row]

The rise of AI in FinTech is no longer theoretical. It’s operational. And that’s exactly why forward-thinking FinTech companies are hiring Heads of AI right now.

 

These aren’t “nice-to-have” hires. They’re critical strategic decisions that determine whether your business leads the AI transformation or plays catch-up.

 

1. AI Has Moved From Experimentation to Infrastructure

Until recently, most FinTech companies were dabbling in AI: automating workflows, using off-the-shelf APIs, running internal pilots. But the pace has shifted.

According to McKinsey, more than 60% of financial services firms have embedded AI into at least one core function, and GenAI adoption more than doubled from 2023 to 2025. Now, AI is embedded in the very architecture of modern FinTech platforms – powering product features, predictive analytics, fraud prevention, customer support, and investment strategies.

 

In short: AI is the infrastructure. And you need someone to architect it.

 

2. AI Talent Is Rare. AI Leaders Are Rarer.

There are fewer than 10,000 people in the US currently holding a “Head of AI” or “Director of AI” title, according to Storm2’s talent intelligence data. Only 21% are women, and the majority are concentrated in just a few markets (San Francisco, New York, Boston).

As Ryan Beauchesne, Senior Market Specialist at Storm2, notes:

 

“Demand is exploding but supply isn’t keeping up. Hiring now is not just about capability, it’s about access. FinTechs that wait six months may find the top talent pool has already been scooped up by competitors, especially in high-growth subsectors like lending, embedded payments, and private markets.”

3. The Risk of Waiting: Missed GTM, Slow Product Velocity, and Talent Gaps

Delaying this hire doesn’t just slow your AI adoption, it can cascade across your business. Without a Head of AI:

    • Your GTM teams may struggle to position AI features without a credible leader defining the narrative.

    • Product teams may misfire, trying to bolt-on AI without strategic alignment or scalable models.

    • You’ll likely over-hire or mis-hire, spending months bringing in short-term contractors or misaligned engineers.

Meanwhile, competitors with strong AI leadership will outpace you in shipping AI-native features, winning market share, and raising capital.

4. The Upside of Hiring Early

Companies that bring in senior AI leaders early can:

    • Shape the AI roadmap before it’s dictated by client demands or tech constraints

    • Embed AI across the stack, not silo it

    • Attract stronger IC talent, who want to work under credible leadership

    • Set the tone in the market, positioning their AI capabilities as a core differentiator

Ryan puts it simply:

“Hiring a Head of AI early is protective. It de-risks your roadmap, your investor conversations, and your hiring pipeline all at once.”

🚀 Want to See What This Role Looks Like in Practice?

Download Why Every FinTech Needs a Head of AI to see real-world job briefs, leadership structures, and salary benchmarks — plus insights from Storm2’s placements across the US FinTech market.

 

 

Download The Whitepaper

Or, if you’re building your AI team now, get in touch with Ryan Beauchesne for a confidential hiring consultation.

The post Why FinTechs Are Hiring Heads of AI Now – And What Happens If You Wait appeared first on Storm2.

Share