Group Head of Risk & Compliance

Arvo; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

ARVO in Cape Town (or Johannesburg) is seeking a Group Head of Risk & Compliance to provide group-wide leadership of risk, compliance and governance. Reporting to executive leadership, you will shape strategy, oversee regulatory submissions, and build an in-house function over time.

With 7-10 years of financial services compliance experience and a strong FAIS/FICA/POPIA knowledge base, you will engage with boards and senior leaders to set standards, manage external partners, and drive a

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Law, Compliance, Risk Management, Financial Services, or a related field.
• RE1 and RE5 completed.
• Registered, or eligible for registration, as a Compliance Officer under the FAIS Act.
• A recognised compliance practitioner designation will be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Risk & Compliance Function across the group.
• Provide second-line risk and compliance oversight and regulatory reporting.
• Deliver compliance services to portfolio firms, including policies and reviews.
• Coordinate resources and manage external providers and stakeholder relationships.

Education

RE1 and RE5 completed

Registered as Compliance Officer under FAIS Act

Compliance practitioner designation advantageous

Job description

Group Head of Risk & Compliance

Location: Cape Town or Johannesburg
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent.

The Role

Reporting into executive leadership, you will provide group-wide oversight of risk and compliance while delivering tailored compliance support to portfolio businesses. You will operate as both a strategic advisor and hands‑on subject matter expert, ensuring strong governance, regulatory compliance, and risk management across the group. Initially, the function will be delivered through shared resources and specialist partners. Over time, as the group grows, there will be an opportunity to build and lead an in-house risk and compliance team.

Key ResponsibilitiesLead the Risk & Compliance Function

• Develop and manage the group’s risk and compliance service offering.
• Engage with portfolio firms to assess compliance needs and define appropriate solutions.
• Prepare proposals, scope engagements, and support service‑level agreements.
• Manage the delivery of compliance services, projects, and ongoing mandates.

Group Risk & Compliance Oversight

• Provide second‑line risk and compliance oversight across the group.
• Ensure timely regulatory submissions and reporting.
• Maintain and monitor the group risk register.
• Prepare board‑level risk and compliance reports.
• Promote consistent governance, conduct, and compliance standards across all businesses.

Compliance Support to Portfolio Firms

• Provide guidance across FAIS, FICA, POPIA, and other applicable regulatory frameworks.
• Draft and maintain compliance programmes, policies, and regulatory documentation.
• Conduct monitoring activities, file reviews, due diligence assessments, and compliance reviews.
• Support firms with regulatory inspections and audit readiness.
• Provide oversight of data governance and privacy compliance initiatives.

Resource & Stakeholder Management

• Coordinate and direct shared resources allocated from portfolio firms.
• Manage external compliance service providers and specialist partners.
• Monitor capacity requirements and proactively identify resource needs.
• Build trusted relationships with managing directors, boards, and leadership teams across multiple businesses.

Why Join?

This role offers a unique opportunity to:

• Take ownership of a group‑wide risk and compliance function.
• Work closely with executive leadership and portfolio company boards.
• Shape governance and compliance practices across multiple leading wealth management businesses.
• Enjoy significant autonomy and influence within a fast‑growing organisation.
• Build a team and function from the ground up as the group continues its expansion.

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Law, Compliance, Risk Management, Financial Services, or a related field.
• RE1 and RE5 completed.
• Registered, or eligible for registration, as a Compliance Officer under the FAIS Act.
• A recognised compliance practitioner designation will be advantageous.

Experience

• 7-10 years’ experience within financial services compliance.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a senior compliance leadership or function management role.
• Experience serving as an AMLCO and/or Statutory Compliance Officer for a Financial Services Provider.
• Strong working knowledge of FAIS, FICA, and POPIA.
• Experience supporting Category I and Category II/IIA licensed businesses would be highly advantageous.
• Proven experience presenting risk and compliance matters at board level.

The ideal candidate will bring:

• A commercial mindset and the ability to deliver compliance as a value‑added business service.
• Excellent drafting and reporting skills.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship‑building abilities.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• A collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence without formal authority.
• Strong regulatory insight and the ability to anticipate emerging regulatory developments.
• The ambition to build and lead a growing function as the business expands.