Senior Legal Officer - Compliance & Risk

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration package

Hybrid work model

Exposure to regulatory challenges in金融

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Legal Officer for a leading financial services institution in Vereeniging, Gauteng. The role focuses on compliance and risk management, developing and overseeing programs to ensure adherence to regulations such as FICA and POPIA, with a hybrid work model balancing in-office sessions in Vereeniging and remote work.

The successful candidate will provide legal guidance, manage regulatory inquiries, and train staff, contributing to risk mitigation and regulatory standing

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney or Advocate with a minimum of 7 years of relevant legal experience, with a significant focus on compliance and risk management in financial services.
• Deep understanding of South African financial services legislation and regulatory frameworks.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing compliance programs.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and risk assessment skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex regulations clearly.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in managing regulatory investigations is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in legal research and compliance management software.
• Must be comfortable working in a hybrid model, requiring regular presence in Vereeniging, Gauteng office.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement robust compliance frameworks and policies relevant to the financial services industry.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and audits to identify potential areas of non-compliance or legal exposure.
• Provide expert legal advice on regulatory requirements, including FICA, POPIA, and other relevant legislation.
• Oversee the company's response to regulatory inquiries and investigations.
• Manage and mitigate legal risks associated with the company's operations and product offerings.
• Stay abreast of changes in financial services regulations and advise stakeholders on necessary adjustments.
• Train staff on compliance procedures and legal obligations.
• Assist in the development and review of commercial contracts from a compliance perspective.
• Manage relationships with regulatory bodies and external legal counsel.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading financial services institution located in Vereeniging, Gauteng , is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Legal Officer with a strong focus on compliance and risk management. This role is essential for ensuring the organization adheres to the complex regulatory landscape governing the financial sector. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing compliance programs, conducting risk assessments, and providing expert legal advice on regulatory matters. This position offers a dynamic hybrid work environment, allowing for a balance between essential in-office collaboration in Vereeniging, Gauteng , and remote flexibility, promoting efficiency and a modern work-life integration.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement robust compliance frameworks and policies relevant to the financial services industry.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and audits to identify potential areas of non-compliance or legal exposure.
• Provide expert legal advice on regulatory requirements, including FICA, POPIA, and other relevant legislation.
• Oversee the company's response to regulatory inquiries and investigations.
• Manage and mitigate legal risks associated with the company's operations and product offerings.
• Stay abreast of changes in financial services regulations and advise stakeholders on necessary adjustments.
• Train staff on compliance procedures and legal obligations.
• Assist in the development and review of commercial contracts from a compliance perspective.
• Manage relationships with regulatory bodies and external legal counsel.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney or Advocate with a minimum of 7 years of relevant legal experience, with a significant focus on compliance and risk management in financial services.
• Deep understanding of South African financial services legislation and regulatory frameworks.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing compliance programs.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and risk assessment skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex regulations clearly.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in managing regulatory investigations is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in legal research and compliance management software.
• Must be comfortable working in a hybrid model, requiring regular presence in our Vereeniging, Gauteng office.

Benefits

• Competitive remuneration package and comprehensive benefits.
• Opportunity to play a key role in a prominent financial institution.
• Exposure to cutting-edge regulatory challenges within the financial sector.
• Professional development and continuous learning opportunities.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Direct impact on the company's risk mitigation and regulatory standing.
• Flexible working arrangements afforded by the hybrid model.
• Work in a key economic center within Gauteng.