Senior Quantitative Analyst - Financial Risk Modeling

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses

Medical and retirement benefits

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting on behalf of a leading Johannesburg financial institution for a Senior Quantitative Analyst in the Financial Risk department. You will lead development of advanced models for credit, market, and operational risk and play a key role in regulatory compliance.

The role requires a Masters/PhD in a quantitative field, 6+ years of experience, and strong programming in Python/R/C++/Java, plus SQL.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in a quantitative field with 6+ years in banking/finance.
• Proven ability to develop and validate risk models (credit/market/operational).
• Strong programming skills in Python, R, C++, or Java; SQL proficiency.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and presentation abilities; eligible to work in SA.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and implement quantitative models for financial risk assessment (credit, market, operational).
• Perform complex statistical analysis and back-testing of models.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (Basel III/IV, IFRS 9).
• Collaborate with business units to translate risk needs into quantitative solutions.
• Prepare detailed documentation of models, methodologies, and assumptions.
• Present complex analytical findings to senior management and regulatory bodies.
• Mentor junior analysts and contribute to team development.
• Monitor model performance and implement necessary adjustments or re-calibrations.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging quantitative techniques.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the risk management function.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Python

R

C++

Java

SQL

Derivatives

Regulatory frameworks

Communication skills

Education

Master's or PhD in Quantitative Finance/Math/Statistics/Physics

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading financial institution in Johannesburg, Gauteng , is seeking a highly accomplished Senior Quantitative Analyst to join their sophisticated Financial Risk department. This role is central to developing and implementing advanced mathematical models for credit risk, market risk, and operational risk assessment. You will be instrumental in enhancing the firm's risk management framework, ensuring regulatory compliance and supporting strategic decision-making through rigorous quantitative analysis. The ideal candidate possesses a profound understanding of financial markets, advanced statistical techniques, and programming expertise. This is a challenging opportunity to make a significant impact within a dynamic and globally recognized financial services organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and implement quantitative models for financial risk assessment (credit, market, operational).
• Perform complex statistical analysis and back-testing of models.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (e.g., Basel III/IV, IFRS 9).
• Collaborate with business units to understand their risk management needs and translate them into quantitative solutions.
• Prepare detailed documentation of models, methodologies, and assumptions.
• Present complex analytical findings to senior management and regulatory bodies.
• Mentor junior analysts and contribute to team development.
• Monitor model performance and implement necessary adjustments or re-calibrations.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging quantitative techniques.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the risk management function.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Quantitative Finance, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in quantitative analysis within the banking or financial services sector.
• Proven expertise in developing and validating credit risk, market risk, or operational risk models.
• Strong programming skills in languages such as Python, R, C++, or Java.
• Proficiency with data manipulation and database querying (SQL).
• Deep understanding of financial instruments, derivatives, and market dynamics.
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks and their impact on risk modeling.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts clearly.
• Must be eligible to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Our client offers an exceptional remuneration package, including a highly competitive salary, significant performance bonuses, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and other executive perks.
• This role provides unparalleled opportunities for professional growth, exposure to cutting-edge quantitative techniques, and career advancement within a leading financial institution based in Johannesburg, Gauteng .
• Continuous learning and development are strongly supported.
• Be at the forefront of financial risk management innovation.