Chief Risk Officer

Absa Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is on the lookout for a seasoned Risk Specialist to join their dynamic team. This role offers the opportunity to shape risk management practices across the Investment Banking Division, ensuring alignment with regulatory standards and internal policies. The ideal candidate will lead initiatives to develop robust processes and controls while fostering relationships with various stakeholders. This is a chance to make a significant impact in a forward-thinking organization committed to empowering its employees and driving growth across the continent.

Qualifications

• Experience in implementing risk frameworks and governance structures.
• Ability to manage stakeholder relationships effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of risk frameworks and manage governance activities.
• Develop relationships with key stakeholders to enhance risk management.

Skills

Risk Management

Governance Frameworks

Stakeholder Management

Performance Monitoring

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business

Advanced Diplomas in Commerce

Job description

Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together…one story at a time.

With over 100 years of rich history and a strong position as a local bank with regional and international expertise, a career with our family offers the opportunity to be part of this exciting growth journey, to reset our future, and shape our destiny as a proudly African group.

My Career Development Portal: Wherever you are in your career, we are here for you. Design your future. Discover leading-edge guidance, tools, and support to unlock your potential. You are Absa. You are possibility.

Job Summary

We are seeking a seasoned Risk Specialist who will be accountable to the IBD COO. The role involves implementing and embedding the Risk, Governance, and Control Framework and related policies to ensure effective management, review, and reporting of all risk items across Pan Africa for the Investment Banking Division. The key purpose is to provide leadership, develop, and monitor robust processes and controls across IBD, ensuring alignment with continental regulators and existing Absa policies, standards, and procedures. It also involves managing the risk profile and performance in an integrated manner across various businesses.

Job Description

Accountability: Strategic and Change Agenda

• Participate with the IBD Manco team in defining the Change agenda, focusing on IBD’s risk appetite.
• Ensure that the risk profile aligns with the broader Change agenda.
• Identify key strategic drivers for the Business Unit's risk function annually.
• Review and guide the Business Unit Risk Appetite and risk strategy.

Accountability: Manage Risk Activities

• Lead the implementation of various Risk Frameworks and Target Operating Models.
• Manage risk and related governance and reporting activities within the Business Unit.
• Support executives in resolving, remediating, and closing risk items.
• Assist Desk Heads in their supervisory and risk management responsibilities.
• Provide proactive support on assurance requirements and directives.
• Oversee cross-functional risk programs and initiatives.
• Enhance risk management practices through tools, guides, and awareness programs.

Accountability: Stakeholder and Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders such as Audit, TM, TA, Trading, Compliance, COO, and Desk Heads.

Accountability: Performance Monitoring and Reporting

• Represent the Business Unit in risk reporting and management information requirements.
• Coordinate standardized submissions and verify data accuracy.
• Implement tracking frameworks and dashboards for risk metrics and action plans.
• Host regular scorecard sessions for transparency and prioritization.

Accountability: IBD Control Environment

• Develop and embed the overall control environment to manage operational and conduct risks.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and internal standards.
• Forge strategic alliances with key independent parties to ensure robust processes.
• Manage ad hoc projects related to risk and control enhancements.

Accountability: Strategy Formulation and Execution

• Ensure an integrated risk management framework across all presence countries.
• Implement effective governance of significant risks and opportunities.
• Collaborate strategically across regions and influence risk culture within the first line.

Education

Bachelor's Degrees and Advanced Diplomas in Business, Commerce, and Management Studies (Required)