Compliance Manager - Lesaka (FinTech) at Lesaka Technologies

Role Purpose

• The Compliance Manager is responsible for driving and overseeing compliance within the Merchant business to ensure that all financial and operational procedures — as well as personal conduct — comply with relevant legislation, regulatory frameworks, and contractual obligations.
• Embedded within the business, this role delivers on the compliance strategy while ensuring strong operational execution, supporting risk‑based decision‑making, and strengthening the internal control environment.
• It offers an opportunity to play a key role in safeguarding the Merchant business while shaping a strong risk and compliance culture.

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

• Take full responsibility for the compliance programme within the Merchant Division
• Ensure compliance with NPS, FAIS, FICA, POPIA, and all relevant legislation
• Develop, roll out, and monitor the Risk Management and Compliance Programme (RMCP)
• Review new and existing processes and products to identify and mitigate compliance risks
• Provide practical compliance advice and guidance to business partners
• Support regulatory inspections and participate in combined assurance activities

Compliance Operations & Framework Execution

• Coordinate and deliver daily compliance operational activities
• Manage and maintain compliance dashboards
• Compile, review, and maintain business‑specific compliance policies and procedures
• Assist in designing and implementing adequate and effective processes and internal controls
• Ensure timely compilation and submission of regulatory reports and returns
• Escalate and investigate material risks or breaches

Stakeholder Engagement & Training

• Communicate and embed compliance frameworks and policies within the business
• Build strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Support business teams through compliance awareness and training interventions
• Represent compliance during audits and engagements with relevant regulators
• Produce periodic compliance reports to track progress on compliance initiatives

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Knowledge

• Relevant laws and regulations (NPS, FAIS, FICA, POPIA)
• Risk management principles
• Compliance frameworks and policies

Skills

• Organisational and leadership skills
• Analytical thinking and detail orientation
• Strong verbal and written communication
• Stakeholder management and problem‑solving
• Time management and ability to work under pressure

Personal Characteristics

• Operates effectively at both strategic and operational levels
• Proactive, practical, and business‑oriented
• Strong relationship‑builder
• Passionate about compliance and adding value
• Strong communicator with the ability to influence at all levels

Experience & Qualifications

Required

• Legal, Risk, or Compliance‑related degree (CISA advantageous)
• 5+ years’ experience in a compliance role within Financial Services
• Strong understanding of FICA, payments regulations, and risk management
• Experience managing multiple stakeholders and complex compliance operations