Senior Financial Crime Specialist

Bidvest Bank Limited; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading bank in South Africa is seeking a Fraud Analyst to enhance fraud prevention efforts. The role involves conducting thorough incident management and oversight of investigations into fraud and financial crimes, contributing to the safety of clients and stakeholders. Ideal candidates will possess a diploma in a relevant field and have a strong background in risk management, possessing the ability to work effectively across various departments to develop and implement fraud mitigation strategies.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years' experience within Fraud Department
• Ability to handle different aspects of fraud and investigations.
• Strong analytical skills to anticipate trends.

Responsibilities

• Conduct incident management and analysis to assist in fraud risk assessments.
• Oversee investigations into suspected financial crimes.
• Enhance relationships with law enforcement and clients.

Skills

Understanding of fraud types

Fraud prevention frameworks and tools

Clear communication of technical findings

Proactive development of mitigation strategies

Inter-departmental collaboration

High standards of confidentiality

Ability to deliver results under deadlines

Education

Diploma in Forensic Investigation, Law, or related field

Job description

PRIMARY PURPOSE

Conduct incident management, incident analysis, gap identification, and enhance information to support investigations, Fraud Risk assessments, prosecutions, and intelligence-driven operations. This will assist clients and stakeholders in preventing, detecting crime, and mitigating business risk.

TECHNICAL COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS

• Strong understanding of fraud types (payment fraud, identity theft, account takeover, etc.) and industry-specific risks.
• Knowledge of fraud prevention frameworks, tools, and regulatory obligations.
• Ability to translate technical findings into clear business insights.
• Ability to anticipate fraud trends and proactively develop mitigation strategies.
• Ability to work effectively across departments (fraud ops, IT, compliance, product, etc.).
• Maintains high standards of confidentiality, data privacy, and compliance.
• Delivers results within deadlines while maintaining quality.

REQUIRED MINIMUM EDUCATION AND TRAINING

• Diploma or equivalent (Forensic Investigation, Law, Crime Analysis, Criminology).
• 3-5 years' experience within Fraud Department handling different aspects of fraud and investigations.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREA (KPA)

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

• Prevent and reduce financial losses by ensuring adherence to processes and procedures.

CUSTOMER CENTRICITY

• Communicate investigation outcomes and emerging risks to management and relevant recipients.
• Liaise with customers regarding financial crime-related concerns, inquiries, or investigations, ensuring professionalism and confidentiality.
• Partner with technology, risk, and operations teams to lead or contribute to financial crime prevention initiatives and system enhancements.
• Maintain and enhance relationships with clients, law enforcement, prosecuting authorities, and other organizations.
• Advise frontline teams, compliance, AML, legal, and operational stakeholders on financial crime matters.
• Assist with FCU queries.
• Provide and track recommendations to reduce client risks identified during reviews.
• Review, evaluate, and recommend on customer escalations.
• Collaborate with the business to define data requirements to address gaps in mitigating financial crime risks.

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

• Conduct and oversee investigations into suspected money laundering, fraud, terrorist financing, sanctions breaches, and other financial crimes.
• Ensure timely escalation and documentation in line with regulatory requirements.
• Identify weaknesses in controls and propose improvements to policies, procedures, and systems.
• Evaluate complex customer profiles and behaviors to assess risks and recommend remediation or exit strategies.
• Utilize analytical tools and data sources for detection and investigation.
• Compile reports, affidavits, and testify in court.
• Mitigate risks through proactive incident analysis and management.
• Perform data testing, mining, and interpretation for reports.
• Support investigations and prosecutions with operational information and analysis.
• Respond to legal proceedings, including testifying in court.
• Research latest fraud syndicates and develop preventative measures.
• Ensure all matters are recorded on the FCU platform/system.
• Contribute to management reports and court submissions.
• Report fraud trends to SABRIC.
• Present executive summaries and findings to management.
• Handle ad-hoc assignments and ensure SLA adherence.
• Support AML initiatives through information collection and profiling.
• Manage workgroups, projects, investigations, and conduct presentations.

LEARNING AND GROWTH

• Support the development of junior team members through training and guidance.
• Take ownership of personal and team development.
• Achieve objectives outlined in development plans.
• Broaden skills for greater marketability and value within the bank.

This position is advertised in line with our commitment to Employment Equity.