Compliance & Exchange Control Specialist (Fintech/Payments)

Our client is an international financial services and technology provider specializing in secure, efficient cross-border payments across Africa and global corridors. By combining trusted payout networks, strong compliance standards, and modern digital transfer solutions, the company enables individuals, businesses, and financial partners to send and receive money with ease. Focused on accessibility, transparency, and reliability, the team works to create seamless financial connectivity between regions, empower communities, and support economic inclusion through faster, more affordable global money movement.

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 Bank's (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:

• A minimum of 5 years of direct, hands-on experience in Risk and Compliance and in a role focused on South African exchange controls.
• Must be comfortable working in a scale up environment
• Agile, adaptable and strategic thinker.
• Strong potential to build and lead a team in the future
• Will serve as Head of Compliance's second in command (2IC) on some aspects
• Familiarity with LexisNexis or similar compliance tools
• Demonstrable expertise with SARB regulations and practical experience processing BoP reporting.

Beneficial:

• Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
• 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).
• Experience in Crypto would be nice to have.

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.