Head of Licensing (Relocation toDubai / Malta / Thailand / iGaming / Crypto)

Black Pen Recruitment; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 500 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a Compliance Lead for the gaming industry in South Africa. This role involves executing licensing strategies, ensuring audit readiness, and influencing regulators. Candidates should be licensed lawyers in South Africa with 8+ years in gaming compliance and experience in leadership roles. The position offers a hybrid work model and requires strong communication skills in English, with additional South African languages being an asset.

Benefits

Relocation package for overseas options

Hybrid working model

Qualifications

• 8+ years in gaming licensing/compliance, especially in South Africa.
• 5+ years in leadership roles in a regulated environment.
• Proven track record in securing licenses and passing audits.

Responsibilities

• Set and execute the licensing strategy for South Africa.
• Lead audits and ensure compliance with regulator standards.
• Build and mentor a compliance team focused on South Africa.

Skills

Licensed lawyer with gaming compliance experience

Leadership in regulated gaming

Fluent English communication

Knowledge of South African gaming laws

Ability to influence regulators

Education

License to practice law in South Africa

Job description

Our client believes in the power of Virtual Advancement leveraging digital innovation and strategic foresight to help businesses excel in a rapidly evolving world. With a focus on agility and adaptability, they work alongside organisations to simplify complexity, enhance operations, and implement strategies that foster long‑term success.

Their team partners with startups, SMEs, and large enterprises across various industries, enabling clients to harness technology, data, and strategic insight to gain sustainable competitive advantage. From expanding into new markets to building resilient financial roadmaps, our client serves as a trusted advisor committed to creating meaningful impact Whether the goal is operational optimisation or future‑focused growth, our client delivers the clarity and capability needed to navigate change and lead with confidence.

Role Overview

Lead the company’s licensing and compliance function specifically for the South African market. Own regulatory strategy, secure new licenses, protect existing approvals, and ensure audit‑ready operations across all relevant jurisdictions within South Africa. Report directly to the executive team and act as primary liaison with South African regulators, gaming laboratories, and industry bodies.

Job Type

Full‑time / Permanent

Location

Either South Africa, Dubai, Malta or Thailand

Workplace

Hybrid

Relocation Package

(For Dubai, Malta or Thailand: Full accommodation, Flight tickets + Other expenses)

Requirements

• Licensed lawyer in South Africa with 8+ years dedicated to gaming licensing / compliance, with a strong focus on the South African market.
• 5+ years leading teams and budgets in a regulated gaming environment, with proven experience in South Africa.
• 8+ years in gaming regulation, including 5+ years in a senior‑leadership capacity, with significant experience in the South African market.
• Demonstrated success securing licenses and passing regulator audits within South Africa.
• Deep knowledge of South African gaming technical standards, AML / CTF rules, responsible‑gaming frameworks, and data‑protection laws.
• Proven ability to influence senior regulators and industry associations in South Africa.
• Clear, concise communicator; fluent English mandatory; additional South African official languages (e.g., Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa) an asset.

Responsibilities

• Set and execute licensing strategy for the South African market; secure, renew, or expand all gaming licenses in South Africa.
• Own the regulatory roadmap for South Africa: track legislative changes, assess risk, and brief executives on impact and mitigation within the South African context.
• Lead audits within South African jurisdictions; ensure zero‑finding outcomes and timely remediation.
• Direct regulator relations in South Africa: negotiate license conditions, respond to enquiries, and represent the company in hearings with South African authorities.
• Oversee technical certification with gaming labs for South African market requirements; sign off on system releases and change controls.
• Design and enforce company‑wide policies (AML, KYC, RG, data, advertising) specifically tailored to South African legal and regulatory frameworks.
• Build and mentor a high‑performing compliance team focused on South Africa; set KPIs, coach managers, and control headcount and budget.
• Provide board‑level reporting on compliance posture, emerging risks, and corrective actions relevant to South Africa.
• Deliver internal training on regulatory obligations for product, operations, and marketing staff operating in South Africa.