Compliance Lead

Wise; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A global technology company is seeking a Compliance Lead in Johannesburg. The role involves building and managing compliance programs, overseeing regulatory relationships, and ensuring adherence to South African regulations. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication skills, regulatory knowledge, and a proven track record in team leadership. This is a full-time position offering significant opportunities for impact.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing compliance programs and regulatory reporting.
• Ability to manage high-risk customer relationships effectively.
• Proven track record of building effective teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee regulatory developments relevant to operations in South Africa.
• Build and improve compliance programs aligned with regulations.
• Act as a regulatory liaison for all compliance reporting.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Team leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Negotiation skills

Education

Solid background in South African regulatory framework

Job description

Overview

Join to apply for the Compliance Lead role at Wise. Wise is a global technology company, building the best way to move and manage the world's money.

Wise are looking for an experienced Compliance Lead to join our Compliance team, based in our Johannesburg office.

We're looking for a customer minded and goal-oriented leader to help us on our way to achieving our mission. As a compliance lead, you'll have a significant opportunity for impact from owning the build and maintenance of the compliance programme to defining the compliance strategy that protects our customers and helps our products scale.

You will work with a growing team of multidisciplinary specialists (Product, Treasury, Bank Product, Security, Privacy and operations) to help build world class products in South Africa.

You will also manage and strengthen the teams' relationships with regulators by being the Regulator's first point of contact, keeping everybody informed and protecting our most valuable asset – our customers.

Responsibilities

Oversight of all regulatory developments in scope of Wise's operations in South Africa, working with internal teams for awareness and implementation of South African regulatory framework requirements.

Build / Improve the Compliance Programme in line with regulations and Wise's mission to be instant, convenient, transparent and eventually free.

Maintain our regulatory licence and applications in South Africa and act as the Regulatory liaison owning all regulatory reporting processes, regulatory queries and feedback.

Ensure appropriate training to the company senior management and the board of directors on the AML / CFT and other regulatory matters as applicable.

Setup and maintain Compliance monthly review reports to ensure appropriate challenge of first line processes.

Governance

Localising the compliance policies including AML policy and KYC / CDD guidelines and update as required pursuant to new developments in regulations.

Verify and monitor the existence of relevant controls related to the integrity and quality of the information transmitted to the FIU within the framework of the SAR reports.

Report to the Board of Directors or equivalent on the health of financial crime and regulatory compliance, and advise the board with any emerging issue within the compliance program.

Monitoring & Testing

Ensure the effectiveness of the compliance programme through regular testing and monitoring.

Regularly assess the money laundering and terrorist financing risk management and corresponding controls as well as the effectiveness and design of these measures to reduce these risks.

Review & authorise relationships with high-risk customers as required.

Develop systems to track and monitor regulatory and financial crime risks, compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies.

Build trust with our regulator: manage and coordinate meaningful reporting internally and externally, respond to information requests, and proactively communicate product changes and notifiable events.

This Role Will Give You The Opportunity To

Develop an in-depth knowledge of Wise's business and liaise with many teams to help them understand the regulatory framework and provide the information regulators need.

Help keep compliance at the heart of product developments by horizon-scanning for new regulatory developments and sharing these with the teams.

Requirements

Solid background and knowledge in the South African regulatory framework, including all related Financial crime and regulatory obligations.

Growth mindset; you are passionate about expanding and growing Wise, in a compliant, solutions-driven manner.

Proven track record of leading and building effective teams with diverse skill sets and broad functional expertise.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including teams outside of the compliance function.

Excellent negotiation skills to bring teams and people with diverse ways of thinking together.

Ability to work in a fast-paced and time-sensitive environment, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

Willingness and ability to travel to London and / or other operational hubs as required.

Additional Information

For everyone, everywhere.

We're people building money without borders — without judgement or prejudice, too.

We believe teams are strongest when they are diverse, equitable and inclusive.

We're proud to have a truly international team, and we celebrate our differences.

Inclusive teams help us live our values and make sure every Wiseer feels respected, empowered to contribute towards our mission and able to progress in their careers.

If you want to find out more about what it's like to work at Wise visit Wise.Jobs.

Keep up to date with life at Wise by following us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Job Details

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Finance and Sales