Compliance & Exchange Control Specialist

Our client is committed to building a financial system that works for all this includes consumers merchants banks regulators and law enforcement. Fraud and identity are unfortunately still significant challenges for everyone involved in payments and commerce. Our client is committed to combatting this and is building both tools and capabilities to improve its abilities in this space. The Law Enforcement Community (LEC) does a great deal to support the victims of crime and seek out the perpetrators so our client is looking to build a strong connection with LEC.

Role Overview

Our client is seeking a meticulous and highly motivated Compliance & Exchange Control Specialist to join their South African team. This is a unique role designed to ensure their business operates in full compliance with the South African Reserve Banks (SARB) exchange control regulations while also supporting their broader international compliance function.

The ideal candidate will be a subject matter expert in Balance of Payments (BoP) reporting and SARB approvals for fiat payment rails with proven experience in international compliance frameworks. You will also be a key player in their day-to-day compliance operations including customer onboarding and other critical workstreams across multiple jurisdictions.

Job Type: Full Time/Permanent

Location: Johannesburg

Work Place: Remote

Requirements

Must-Have:

• Bachelors degree in Law Finance Economics or a related field.
• A minimum of 3-5 years of direct hands-on experience in a role focused on South African exchange controls.
• Demonstrable expertise with SARB regulations and practical experience processing BoP reporting.

Beneficial:

• Experience within the financial services industry particularly in cross-border operations. (i.e. payments Crypto fintech) or a consultancy.
• A strong understanding of the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA) and other relevant compliance frameworks.
• Emerging market compliance frameworks across Africa (e.g. Kenya Nigeria Ghana Rwanda).
• Experience with regulatory technology (RegTech) solutions for KYC/KYB processes.
• Working knowledge of FATF recommendations and their application in emerging markets.
• Relevant professional certifications (e.g. CCEP CAMS).

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to liaise effectively with regulatory bodies.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• A proactive and collaborative team player.

Responsibilities

Exchange Control

• Manage and execute all Balance of Payments (BoP) reporting accurately and on time.
• Act as the primary liaison with authorized dealers and the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) to manage and secure all necessary approvals for our fiat rails.
• Provide expert guidance to the business on all matters related to South African exchange control regulations.
• Develop and maintain robust internal processes to ensure all cross-border transactions are fully compliant.

General Compliance & KYC/KYB

• Lead and manage KYC (Know Your Customer) and KYB (Know Your Business) processes across multiple jurisdictions ensuring compliance with the relevant regulations across UK EU and African markets.
• Implement and maintain compliance frameworks that meet international standards including UK MLRs EU 6AMLD and emerging market regulations across Africa.
• Stay current with evolving KYC/KYB regulations in key markets particularly UK FCA requirements EU AML directives and African regulatory developments.
• Coordinate with international teams to ensure consistent application of global compliance standards while addressing local regulatory nuances.
• Develop and maintain country-specific compliance procedures for our operations in UK EU and African markets.
• Contribute to various ad hoc compliance workstreams such as risk assessments policy updates internal audits and compliance training.
• Assist the Head of Compliance with monitoring regulatory changes and implementing necessary updates to our internal frameworks.