Head of Compliance

Communicate Ct; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

A fast-growing fintech company is seeking a Head of Compliance Risk & Regulatory Affairs in Cape Town. This pivotal role involves leading the development of compliance and risk strategies, overseeing regulatory activities, and ensuring alignment with legal requirements across multiple jurisdictions. The ideal candidate will possess over 10 years of experience in compliance, particularly in financial services, and hold relevant qualifications.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in compliance, preferably within the financial services sector.
• Proven experience in regulatory risk, AML/KYC, and licensing processes.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and evolve global compliance and risk management frameworks.
• Lead compliance operations across jurisdictions, ensuring alignment with financial regulations.
• Serve as primary contact for regulatory bodies and compliance authorities.

Skills

Regulatory Risk

AML/KYC

Compliance Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, or Compliance

Professional certifications in relevant compliance fields

Job description

Are you a sharp, forward-thinking compliance leader ready to drive regulatory excellence on a global scale? I am currently recruiting for a Head of Compliance Risk & Regulatory Affairs on behalf of a fast-growing player in the fintech industry. This is a pivotal, high-impact role where you'll lead the development of a global compliance and risk strategy, ensuring the business remains agile, aligned, and ahead of the regulatory curve.

You'll be responsible for overseeing all compliance, risk, and regulatory activity across multiple jurisdictions, working closely with senior stakeholders to support product launches, licensing initiatives, and strategic projects. From navigating complex legal landscapes to embedding best-in-class governance across all business units, your leadership will directly influence the company's continued success and international growth.

If you're a proactive, commercially-minded compliance expert who thrives in dynamic, fast-moving environments, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.

As the Head of Compliance, your duties include the following:

1. Design, implement, and continuously evolve the company's global compliance and risk management frameworks.
2. Lead and oversee compliance operations across all jurisdictions, ensuring full alignment with relevant financial and regulatory requirements.
3. Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory bodies and compliance authorities, managing communications and regulatory relationships.
4. Ensure the business remains fully compliant with AML, KYC, data protection, consumer rights, and payments regulations across all markets.
5. Lead the compliance strategy for market expansion and regulatory licensing initiatives, ensuring seamless entry into new jurisdictions.
6. Build and manage comprehensive risk management frameworks to proactively identify, evaluate, and mitigate key business risks.
7. Oversee internal compliance monitoring and reporting systems to support timely risk identification and escalation.
8. Continuously adapt and enhance compliance structures to stay ahead of regulatory developments in fintech, payments, and banking.
9. Ensure timely and accurate regulatory reporting, maintaining full compliance with international standards and jurisdictional requirements.
10. Act as the lead representative in audits, regulatory reviews, and industry engagements.
11. Cultivate strong, proactive relationships with regulators, auditors, and industry bodies to stay ahead of emerging regulatory trends and expectations.

Lead, mentor, and develop the compliance team

Champion a company-wide culture of compliance, integrity, and accountability at every organizational level.

Skills & Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in compliance, preferably within the financial services sector.
• Proven experience in regulatory risk, AML/KYC, and licensing processes.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, or Compliance.
• Professional certifications in relevant compliance fields.

Contact Jenelle Cookson for more details, quoting Ref: CTF020864.

Connect with us to register your CV, view all our financial recruitment vacancies, and explore career opportunities in finance, accounting, and management roles.

Let us assist you with your career development. We offer roles in finance, accounting, and management positions.

Additional Details:

• Required Experience: Director level
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Vacancy: 1

Create a job alert for this search

Head Of Compliance • Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa