Exchange Control Consultant

Currency Partners; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A financial services firm in Cape Town is seeking an Exchange Control Specialist to ensure compliance with South African regulatory standards. The role includes advising clients, managing SARB applications, and delivering internal training on Exchange Control matters. The ideal candidate will have strong problem-solving skills and excellent communication abilities to simplify complex regulations. This position offers opportunities for continuous improvement in operational effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Proactive ownership of the Exchange Control function.
• Attention to detail and high standards for compliance.
• Strong problem-solving skills with innovative approaches.

Responsibilities

• Stay up to date with SARB Exchange Control rulings.
• Provide guidance on Exchange Control matters to clients.
• Prepare and track SARB applications.
• Design and deliver training on Exchange Control.
• Document standard operating procedures for processes.

Skills

Regulatory interpretation

Client engagement

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Process documentation

Stakeholder relationship management

Job description

Job Overview
To ensure that all client related forex transactions comply with the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Exchange Control regulations, and to act as the internal and external point of reference for Exchange Control matters.

The role encompasses regulatory interpretation, client SARB application facilitation, internal training and client engagement. In addition to technical responsibilities, the role also includes maintaining the continuity and operational effectiveness of the Exchange Control function.

This involves proactively documenting processes, standardising recurring workflows, and ensuring that appropriate knowledge-sharing or handover mechanisms are in place.

Duties And Responsibilities

Regulatory Compliance & Oversight

• Stay up to date with all changes to SARB Exchange Control rulings, circulars and banking partner interpretations
• Interpret and communicate regulatory updates clearly and promptly to all affected teams
• Ensure all foreign exchange transactions are reviewed and executed in line with applicable Exchange Control regulations

Client and Internal Advisory

• Provide clear, accurate guidance to clients and internal teams on Exchange Control matters
• Handle complex or uncommon queries with a solutions driven approach, escalating where necessary while maintaining ownership
• Attend client meetings where Exchange Control expertise is required

SARB Applications and Partner Bank Liaison

• Prepare, submit, and track SARB applications and renewals via our authorised banking partners
• Maintain a log of applications, outcomes and timelines to monitor processing efficiency
• Liaise with bank Exchange Control desks to resolve queries and negotiate interpretation differences

Internal Training

• Design and deliver regular training on Exchange Control for Dealing, Payments, Compliance and other support teams
• Ensure updated materials and process checklists are available and understood by relevant staff
• Promote consistency in how common transactions are treated across the business (e.g. FDI, foreign allowances, BOP codes)

Process Management & Continuity

• Document standard operating procedures (SOPs) and checklists for recurring processes and transactions
• Identify and address gaps in coverage or controls to minimise reliance on a single point of failure
• Set up workflows and automation tools (where feasible) to ensure continuity during planned or unplanned absence

Reporting & Oversight

• Assist in compiling audit trails and reports related to our Exchange Control requirement
• Flag regulatory risks or repeated transaction issues to leadership, with recommendations for resolution or escalation

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Exchange Control function
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align Exchange Control processes with evolving business goals
• Champion a culture of compliance, knowledge-sharing, and client-centric service

Core competencies and Personal Attributes

Proactive ownership of the Exchange Control function, ensuring consistent performance through process documentation, planning and collaboration.

Attention to detail and high standards for compliance, documentation and execution.

Process-driven mindset with the ability to systematise repeatable workflows and embed best practices across the business.

Strong problem solving skills with a practical yet innovative approach to complex or novel Exchange Control scenarios.

Effective communicator, able to simplify complex regulatory concepts for both clients and internal teams through written and verbal communication.

Business awareness, with an understanding of how Exchange Control considerations impact broader client outcomes and operational priorities.

Training and enablement orientation, with a focus on uplifting team knowledge and confidence through structured learning and informal support.

Stakeholder relationship management, including meeting with external SARB and banking partners, and internal departments.

Resilient under pressure, able to juggle multiple priorities, respond to urgent queries and maintain professionalism in client facing settings.

Continuous learner, staying up to date with regulatory changes and looking for opportunities to improve how the Exchange Control function adds value to the business.