Group Head of Compliance

Lesaka Technologies; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fintech firm in Johannesburg is looking for a Group Head of Compliance to provide strategic leadership and oversee compliance across all business units. The successful candidate will ensure full adherence to regulatory requirements and foster a strong compliance culture. With over ten years in compliance, particularly in financial services, the role involves advising management, overseeing the compliance framework, and implementing compliance initiatives. This executive position demands high integrity and effective stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Minimum of ten years’ experience in a compliance function.
• Substantial leadership experience in financial services.
• Expertise in AML, data privacy standards, and compliance risk management.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead the Group compliance strategy.
• Advise Executive Management on compliance matters.
• Oversee internal compliance investigations.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

LLB, BCom Honours, or equivalent in Risk Management

Job description

Lesaka Technologies is seeking an accomplished compliance leader to assume the position of Group Head of Compliance. This executive role is responsible for providing strategic leadership, direction, and oversight of the Group’s compliance function across all business units and jurisdictions. The successful candidate will ensure that the organisation operates in full adherence to applicable legislative and regulatory requirements and will play a central role in shaping and embedding a strong compliance and ethics culture within the Group.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and lead the Group compliance strategy, ensuring alignment with Lesaka’s business objectives, risk appetite, and operating environment
• Provide authoritative counsel to Executive Management on compliance matters, including emerging regulatory developments in fintech, banking, digital onboarding, AML, data privacy, and related domains
• Oversee the design, implementation, and continuous enhancement of the Group compliance framework, policies, and control environment
• Lead and develop the first line compliance team, establishing a culture of professionalism, accountability, and ethical conduct
• Serve as the primary liaison with key regulators and industry bodies including the NCR, FIC, BASA, and other relevant authorities
• Oversee the Group Risk Management and Compliance Program, ensuring effective monitoring, reporting, and escalation of compliance risks
• Drive the development and delivery of compliance education, training, and awareness initiatives across the organisation
• Oversee internal compliance investigations and ensure timely resolution and implementation of corrective actions
• Lead the Group’s whistleblowing and ethics programmes, ensuring credibility, confidentiality, and organisational trust
• Promote effective compliance-related communication across the Group and reinforce adherence to regulatory standards
• Assess, recommend, and implement RegTech solutions that strengthen compliance monitoring and reporting capabilities
• Monitor the regulatory landscape and advise Executive Management on regulatory changes, impacts, and required actions

Qualifications and Experience

• LLB, BCom Honours, or an equivalent or higher qualification in Risk Management, Compliance, or a related field
• Affiliation with a recognised compliance professional body is advantageous
• A minimum of ten years’ experience within a compliance function, with substantial leadership experience in financial services, preferably within banking or fintech
• Demonstrated expertise in relevant legislation, regulatory frameworks, AML requirements, data privacy standards, and compliance risk management
• Strong organisational, leadership, analytical, and communication skills
• Proven ability to operate effectively at both strategic and operational levels
• High levels of integrity, sound judgement, and a strong ethical orientation
• Demonstrated capability in stakeholder engagement and building effective relationships with regulators and executive leaders