Legal Counsel - Compliance & Regulatory Affairs

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Annual leave

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Soweto, Gauteng, seeks a Legal Counsel specializing in Compliance and Regulatory Affairs to ensure adherence to FAIS, FICA, POPIA and other financial services laws. The role collaborates with compliance teams and regulators.

The ideal candidate has an LLB, admission as Attorney or Advocate, 5+ years in financial services regulation, strong analytical skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• LLB degree or equivalent legal qualification.
• Admitted as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of South Africa.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant legal experience focusing on financial services regulation and compliance.
• In-depth knowledge of FAIS Act, FICA, POPIA and related regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on regulatory and compliance matters in financial services.
• Interpret and apply financial services laws, regulations, and guidelines.
• Develop, implement and maintain compliance policies and procedures.
• Monitor regulatory changes and assess impact on operations.
• Liaise with FSCA, FIC and other regulators.
• Support internal investigations and audits.
• Advise business units on regulatory risks of new products and initiatives.
• Assist in regulatory inquiries, inspections and reporting.
• Deliver training on compliance and regulatory topics.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Legal advisory

Financial services law

Policy development

Risk management

Regulatory liaison

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

LLB degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the financial services sector, is seeking a detail-oriented and knowledgeable Legal Counsel specializing in Compliance and Regulatory Affairs. This role, based in Soweto , Gauteng, is critical for ensuring the company adheres to all relevant financial regulations and industry standards. You will work closely with the compliance team, business units, and external regulators to navigate complex regulatory landscapes. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of financial services legislation, a proactive approach to risk management, and excellent analytical skills. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the integrity and stability of a key financial institution while developing your career in a challenging and dynamic field. Our client is committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and regulatory adherence. Soweto's vibrant community offers a unique context for this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on a broad range of regulatory and compliance matters affecting the financial services industry.
• Interpret and advise on the application of financial services laws, regulations, and guidelines (e.g., FAIS Act, FICA, POPIA).
• Assist in the development, implementation, and maintenance of compliance policies and procedures.
• Monitor regulatory changes and assess their impact on the company's operations.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies such as the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) and the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC).
• Support the compliance team in conducting internal investigations and audits.
• Advise business units on compliance risks associated with new products, services, and initiatives.
• Assist in managing regulatory inquiries, inspections, and reporting requirements.
• Develop and deliver training on compliance and regulatory matters to relevant staff.
• Contribute to the company's risk management framework from a legal perspective.

Requirements

• LLB degree or equivalent legal qualification.
• Admitted as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of South Africa.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant legal experience, with a strong focus on financial services regulation and compliance.
• In-depth knowledge of key South African financial services legislation and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience in advising on compliance matters, risk management, and regulatory liaison.
• Excellent analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• High level of integrity and professionalism.
• Experience in data protection regulations (e.g., POPIA) is advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with expertise in regulatory law.
• Opportunities for professional development and specialization in financial regulation.
• Work within a reputable financial services organization.
• Contribution towards medical aid and a provident fund.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment in Soweto .
• Exposure to complex regulatory challenges and strategic initiatives.