We are seeking a qualified and experienced Internal Compliance Officer (ICO) to ensure ongoing compliance with the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services (FAIS) Act, Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA), Financial Sector Regulation Act, Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), and associated legislation and subordinate regulatory instruments.
The ICO will act as the in-house legal and compliance resource, overseeing all aspects of regulatory compliance, coordinating FSCA and FIC inspections, and supporting risk management, reporting, and governance functions.
Key Responsibilities
Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure the company meets all obligations as a licensed FSP under the FAIS Act, including ongoing compliance with Conduct Standards and Board Notices.
- Maintain, implement, and monitor the Risk Management and Compliance Programme (RMCP).
- Liaise with the FSCA, FIC, and other regulators on inspections, reporting, and queries.
- Monitor legislative changes and communicate the impact to executive and operational teams.
FICA & AML
- Serve as the appointed FICA Compliance Officer.
- Oversee onboarding procedures, client due diligence (CDD), enhanced due diligence (EDD), and suspicious transaction reporting (STRs).
- Implement and test systems in line with anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorist financing (CTF), and sanctions compliance.
Corporate Governance
- Maintain internal policies aligned with regulatory frameworks (conflict of interest, complaint handling, data protection, etc.).
- Conduct periodic internal compliance reviews and report findings to the board or executive committee.
- Provide regulatory training to staff and ensure company-wide awareness of obligations.
Crypto Asset Compliance (where applicable)
- Oversee compliance with Crypto Asset FSP licensing conditions.
- Monitor adherence to the Travel Rule and other sector-specific standards.
- Ensure internal systems meet FSCA guidance on crypto-related disclosures and risk mitigation.
Recordkeeping & Reporting
- Maintain up-to-date compliance documentation, records of advice, intermediary disclosures, and fit-and-proper registers.
- Compile regular compliance reports for submission to the FSCA and internal stakeholders.
- Manage and track all regulatory submissions, licenses, and certificates.
Minimum Qualifications & Experience
- LLB Degree or equivalent legal qualification from an accredited institution.
- Admitted Attorney (preferred) or demonstrable legal and regulatory experience.
- FAIS Regulatory Examination (RE1) or RE5 (if applicable).
- At least 5 years of compliance experience in a financial services environment.
- Proven track record working with FSPs, banks, asset managers, or fintechs in a compliance or legal role.
- Solid working knowledge of FAIS, FICA, POPIA, FSRA, and related legislation.
- Experience working with the FSCA, FIC, and other regulatory authorities.
- Understanding of crypto asset regulations in South Africa is a strong advantage.
Skills and Competencies
- Strong analytical and legal interpretation skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving capabilities.
- High ethical standards and professional integrity.
- Clear and confident communicator, both written and verbal.
- Ability to work independently and proactively in a fast-paced environment.
- Familiarity with compliance software, KYC tools, and regulatory technologies.
Benefits
- Opportunity to shape regulatory compliance within a fast-growing, licensed fintech.
- Competitive salary and benefits based on experience.
- Strategic involvement in digital asset frameworks.
Job Type: Full-time
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Cape Town, Western Cape (City of Cape Town): Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)
Education:
- Diploma (Preferred)
Experience:
- legal compliance: 2 years (Preferred)
Language:
- English (Required)
Location:
- Cape Town, Western Cape (City of Cape Town) (Required)
Work Location: In person
Expected Start Date: 2025/07/01
