Risk and Compliance Officer

At Verto, we're on a mission to democratise global finance and empower businesses in Emerging Markets to reach the world. Founded by British-Nigerian entrepreneurs Ola Oyetayo and Anthony Oduu, our roots in Africa provided a firsthand understanding of the significant challenges businesses face with cross-border payments, ranging from illiquid currencies and high fees to slow transactions. This deep-rooted insight is why Africa remains a core focus, as we're committed to bridging the gap between emerging and developed markets and fostering global economic growth.

What started as an FX solution for the Nigerian Naira has evolved into a market-leading platform, enabling thousands of businesses to seamlessly transfer billions of dollars annually.
We believe that where you do business shouldn't determine your success or ability to scale.
We're creating equal access to the easy payment and liquidity solutions that are already a given in developed markets.

We're not alone in realising this crucial need; we're backed by world-class investors including Y-Combinator, Quona, and MEVP. With Verto receiving the Milken-Motsepe Prize, appearing on CNBCs list of fastest growing UK companies, the Deloitte Fast 50 and Sifted's fastest-growing UK tech companies, we are building a seamless cross-border payment future.

Join us as we continue to grow and transform global finance.

We are seeking a talented and motivated
Risk and Compliance Officer
- South Africa (FSP)
to join our growing team.

Role Overview:
This is a
high-impact, sole in-country compliance lead
role focused on building, managing, and assuring the local regulatory framework following the receipt of our FSP license. Reporting to the MLCO, you will be the foundational subject matter expert ensuring Verto's adherence to all relevant South African regulations (FAIS, FICA, Exchange Control).

What You'll Be Doing:
Regulatory Framework & Governance

• Design and Build: Work closely with the Group Head of Compliance to design, develop, and implement the local Compliance Framework, including establishing and maintaining all company policies and procedures.
• Oversight and Assurance: Ensure and regularly monitor that the company is adhering to its policies and procedures, and report findings directly to the MLCO and Group Head of Compliance.
• Risk Management: Help design, develop, and implement a robust risk management compliance program.
• Financial Crime: Manage the entity's compliance with the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA), including the reporting of any suspicious activity to the relevant parties.
• Regulatory Assurance & Liaison: Act as the point of contact for all regulatory matters and communications.
• Expert Guidance: Act as the local subject matter expert on all applicable South African regulations, with a strong emphasis on FAIS and FICA requirements.
• Regulatory Intelligence: Stay up to date with all regulatory requirements from the relevant authorities, including SARB, FIC, and FSCA.
• External Management: Manage all regulator submissions, inspections, and audits conducted by regulatory bodies.
• Compliance Testing: Oversee and manage compliance testing and assurance exercises across the business.

Business Enablement

• Training & Development: Train operational specialists and maintain procedure documents to ensure the business adheres to regulatory standards.
• Project Management: Support and lead projects to enhance and automate compliance processes.
• SARB Knowledge: Utilise expertise in SARB related regulations and reporting (such as BOP reporting) to guide the business.

What We'd Like To See:

• Education: Completed tertiary education (e.g., BCom Accounting, Economics, Law).
• Experience: 5+ years' experience in a Compliance role, ideally within a B2B cross-border payments, regulated fintech or financial services environment.
• Regulatory Expertise: Extensive knowledge and practical expertise in Exchange Control, FICA, and FAIS regulations applicable to an FSP entity.
• Background: Prior experience working for one of the major banks, Non-bank FIs and/or the regulatory bodies in South Africa is highly advantageous.
• Attributes: A self-starter who is ambitious and able to operate effectively in a fast-paced Fintech/Startup environment.
• RE1 and/or RE5 Certified: Completion of the required FAIS Regulatory Examination (RE1 and/or RE5) for FSPs.
• 1LOD Support: Support the onboarding process for new local business clients, ensuring adherence to internal processes with respect to KYC, CDD and EDD.

• Bonus Skills/Achievements:

• Transaction Monitoring (TM): Demonstrable experience or strong understanding of Transaction Monitoring systems and controls.

• Crypto Landscape Knowledge: Understanding of the regulatory requirements, frameworks, and associated risks within the South African crypto-asset and digital finance landscape.

Life at Verto (Benefits):

• Competitive salary and equity package (reflecting the seniority and critical nature of this role).
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Generous paid time off and flexible working arrangements.
• Opportunities for professional development and direct mentorship from global compliance leaders.
• Dynamic, innovative, and inclusive company culture driving financial inclusion in emerging markets.