Senior Manager : Financial Crime Intelligence Unit

Absa Bank; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution in Johannesburg seeks an experienced professional to enhance its financial crime detection capabilities. This role involves conducting investigations, developing detection models, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Candidates should have a relevant B-degree, a minimum of 8 years in risk management or financial crime, and strong analytical skills. The position emphasizes collaboration with stakeholders to shape financial crime intelligence across Africa.

Benefits

Equal opportunity employer

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years' experience in Risk Management or Financial Crime.
• Experience in internal audit, governance, or data analytics.
• Proven ability to assess complex data and identify trends.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed investigations into Anti-Money Laundering (AML) threats.
• Develop and test detection models using customer and geospatial data.
• Monitor media for reputational and regulatory risks.

Skills

Forensic investigation skills

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

Relevant B-degree in Law or Risk Management

LL.B is advantageous

Job description

About the Company

Empowering Africa's tomorrow, together...one story at a time. With over years of rich history and strongly positioned as a local bank with regional and international expertise, a career with our family offers the opportunity to be part of this exciting growth journey, to reset our future and shape our destiny as a proudly African group.

Job Summary

This role focuses on enhancing the organization's ability to detect and prevent financial crime through advanced analytics and intelligence‑led strategies.

The successful candidate will develop and test detection models based on financial crime archetypes, conduct in‑depth data analysis, and assess emerging threats such as illicit financial flows, terrorist financing, and corruption.

They will build flexible, data‑driven frameworks using customer, transactional, and geospatial data to support early risk detection.

Strategically, the role contributes to shaping financial crime intelligence across Africa, collaborating with technology and stakeholders to embed proactive risk management into business processes.

It also involves producing intelligence products, leading investigations, and ensuring regulatory compliance through continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed investigations into Anti‑Money Laundering (AML) and other financial crime threats, including illicit financial flows, terrorist financing, human trafficking, and corruption.
• Develop and test detection models using customer, transactional, and geospatial data to identify suspicious activity.
• Monitor adverse media and elevate reputational, regulatory, and credit risks to relevant stakeholders.
• Lead intelligence product development and provide strategic guidance to business units.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to embed intelligence‑driven outcomes into business processes.
• Partner with Technology & Change teams to deliver next‑generation analytics capabilities.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal risk frameworks.

Qualifications & Experience

• Relevant B‑degree in Law or Risk Management; LL.B is advantageous.
• Minimum 8 years' experience in Risk Management, Financial Crime (AML / ABC / Sanctions / IFF), Internal Audit, Governance, or Data Analytics.
• Strong forensic investigation skills and experience in intelligence‑led financial crime detection.
• Proven ability to assess complex data, identify trends, and communicate actionable insights.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills. This is a leadership opportunity to shape financial crime intelligence across the continent, influence strategic direction, and contribute to industry‑leading practices.

Education

• Bachelor's Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Law, Military Science and Security (Required)

Equal Opportunity Statement

Absa Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer.

In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of (year). Preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank.

Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised.