Head of Risk & Compliance

HEAD OF RISK AND COMPLIANCE
Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Our client, a Cape Town based business operating in the fintech space, is focused on changing how people access and experience financial services. With ambitious growth plans ahead, they are strengthening their leadership team to ensure the business grows responsibly and sustainably.

Main purpose of the role

Our client is looking for a Head of Risk and Compliance to lead the risk management and regulatory compliance functions of the business. You'll build and maintain a robust risk and compliance framework that protects the business and its customers, supports innovation and ensures the company meets its regulatory obligations as it scales.

Key responsibilities

1. Risk management

• Design, implement and maintain an enterprise risk management framework covering operational, credit, fraud, financial, technology and reputational risk
• Identify, assess and monitor key risks, and ensure appropriate controls and mitigation plans are in place
• Maintain the risk register and report on the company's risk profile to the executive team and board
• Work with the CTO/CTIO on cyber, data and AI related risk, including the governance of AI models and their use

2. Regulatory compliance

• Ensure compliance with applicable legislation and regulation, which may include FAIS, FICA, the National Credit Act, POPIA and the requirements of the FSCA, Prudential Authority and other relevant regulators
• Manage regulatory licences, registrations, submissions and relationships with regulators
• Monitor regulatory developments and assess their impact on the business
• Oversee anti money laundering, KYC and fraud prevention controls

3. Policies, monitoring and assurance

• Develop and maintain risk and compliance policies, procedures and controls
• Run compliance monitoring programmes and internal reviews, and track remediation
• Coordinate with internal and external auditors
• Manage incidents, breaches and regulatory reporting

4. Business partnering and culture

• Partner with product, technology, operations and commercial teams to embed compliance into new products and partnerships from the outset
• Provide practical advice that enables innovation while managing risk
• Build a strong risk and compliance culture through training and awareness

5. Leadership

• Build and lead a high performing risk and compliance team
• Manage the function's budget and external advisors

Required skills and experience

• A degree in Law, Commerce, Finance or Risk Management; a postgraduate qualification will be advantageous
• 10+ years of risk and compliance experience, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role
• Experience in fintech, banking, payments, lending or financial services
• Strong knowledge of the South African financial services regulatory environment
• Experience managing regulatory licences and engaging directly with regulators
• An understanding of technology, cyber and AI related risks and governance
• Registration with the Compliance Institute Southern Africa and relevant regulatory examinations (such as RE1) will be advantageous
• Strong analytical, reporting and stakeholder management skills

Personal characteristics

• Principled: high integrity and sound judgement
• Pragmatic: balances risk management with the need to innovate and grow
• Influential: able to challenge and advise at executive and board level
• Detail oriented: thorough, organised and rigorous
• Forward thinking: anticipates emerging risks and regulatory change

What's on offer

• A competitive salary, commensurate with your experience and skills
• The opportunity to build and shape the risk and compliance function of a growing fintech business
• High impact work, ensuring the business grows responsibly while protecting its customers
• A collaborative, innovation focused environment where new ideas are welcomed, tested and built on

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to each candidate individually. If you have not heard from us within one month of applying, please consider your application unsuccessful.

In line with the company's Employment Equity plan, preference will be given to South African citizens from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.