Head of Regulatory Compliance and Reporting

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level remuneration

Private healthcare

Retirement benefits

Generous annual leave

Company car or travel allowance

Professional development

International exposure

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an accomplished Head of Regulatory Compliance and Reporting for its Cape Town headquarters. This leadership role oversees the compliance framework, regulatory filings, and reporting to authorities, partnering with legal, audit, and executive teams to embed a culture of ethical conduct and regulatory excellence.

The ideal candidate will bring 10+ years in financial services compliance with strong leadership, and deep knowledge of SA regulations, including SARB, FSCA, FICA, and

Qualifications

• Law degree and a master’s in finance, business, or a related field.
• 10+ years in financial services compliance with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• In-depth knowledge of South African financial regulations (Banks Act, FICA, POPIA, Companies Act).

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive regulatory compliance program aligned with regulatory requirements.
• Oversee all regulatory filings and submissions, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Act as primary contact for SARB and FSCA.
• Monitor regulatory changes and adjust policies accordingly.
• Conduct regular compliance audits and risk assessments with mitigation plans.
• Lead and develop the compliance team and mentor staff.
• Advise senior management and the board on compliance matters and emerging risks.
• Maintain relationships with legal counsel, auditors, and external stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Decision making

Education

Law degree

Master's in Finance/BA or related field

Compliance certifications (e.g., CCO)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent and expanding financial institution based in the heart of **Cape Town, Western Cape**, is seeking a distinguished and highly experienced professional to assume the role of Head of Regulatory Compliance and Reporting. This senior leadership position is critical for ensuring the firm adheres to all applicable financial regulations, laws, and internal policies, both locally and internationally. You will be responsible for overseeing the compliance framework, managing regulatory relationships, and ensuring timely and accurate reporting to all relevant authorities. This is a full-time, office-based role, emphasizing the importance of collaborative engagement and direct oversight within our vibrant **Cape Town** headquarters. The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of the South African financial regulatory landscape and a proven track record of leading compliance functions within complex organizations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive regulatory compliance program aligned with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee all regulatory filings and submissions, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.
• Act as the primary point of contact for regulatory bodies, including the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA).
• Monitor changes in regulations and legislation, assessing their impact on the organization and implementing necessary adjustments.
• Conduct regular compliance audits and risk assessments, identifying potential areas of non-compliance and developing mitigation strategies.
• Develop and deliver compliance training programs for all staff members.
• Manage investigations into potential compliance breaches and implement corrective actions.
• Lead and mentor the compliance team, fostering a culture of ethical conduct and regulatory awareness.
• Advise senior management and the board of directors on compliance matters and emerging risks.
• Maintain strong relationships with legal counsel, auditors, and other external stakeholders.

Requirements

• Law degree, Master's in Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. Professional compliance certifications (e.g., CCO) are highly desirable.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in financial services compliance, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership or management role.
• In-depth knowledge of South African financial regulations (e.g., Banks Act, FICA, POPIA, Companies Act).
• Proven experience in developing and implementing robust compliance frameworks and policies.
• Demonstrated experience in managing regulatory relationships and handling audits/examinations.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• High ethical standards and integrity.
• This is a mandatory office-based role at our **Cape Town** location.

Benefits

• Executive-level remuneration package, including substantial performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive private healthcare and retirement benefits.
• Generous annual leave and executive leave policies.
• Company car or travel allowance.
• Opportunity to shape the compliance strategy of a leading financial institution.
• Dynamic and professional working environment in **Cape Town**.
• Professional development and continuous learning support.
• Potential for international exposure within the group.