FICA Remediation Team Leader at Prescient

Purpose of role:

• The FICA Remediation Team Leader is responsible for leading and managing a dedicated remediation team to ensure that all existing client records meet current FICA, AML, and internal compliance standards.
• This role will drive remediation initiatives across investor books, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and regulatory compliance of client data, while maintaining strong stakeholder engagement and operational efficiency. The successful candidate will play a key role in managing regulatory risk, improving processes, and embedding a strong compliance culture within the team.

Duties and responsibilities:

Team Leadership & Delivery:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team responsible for FICA/KYC remediation activities.
• Manage daily workflow, capacity planning, and prioritisation of remediation cases.
• Monitor team performance against SLAs, quality standards, and regulatory deadlines.
• Provide ongoing coaching, training, and performance feedback to team members.
• Foster a high-performance, compliance-driven culture within the team.

FICA Remediation & Compliance: 

• Oversee the end-to-end remediation of client records to ensure full compliance with FICA, AML, FATCA, and CRS requirements.
• Ensure all required documentation is obtained, validated, and accurately recorded.
• Manage risk-based reviews, including high-risk and complex client cases.
• Ensure adherence to internal policies, procedures, and regulatory frameworks.
• Maintain audit-ready records and support internal and external audit processes.

Operational Oversight:

• Ensure remediation activities are completed accurately and within defined timelines.
• Monitor and improve operational processes to enhance efficiency and reduce risk.
• Identify trends, gaps, and risks within remediation activities and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure appropriate controls and workflows are in place to mitigate operational and compliance risk.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Work closely with Compliance, Risk, and Client Service teams to drive remediation outcomes.
• Engage with internal stakeholders to resolve complex remediation queries.
• Provide regular updates and reporting on remediation progress, risks, and key metrics.
• Support client-facing teams in addressing investor queries related to FICA requirements.

Reporting & Governance:

• Track and report on remediation progress against targets and regulatory requirements.
• Compile management and regulatory reports as required.
• Support governance forums, audits, and regulatory engagements.
• Ensure escalation of risks, issues, and non-compliance matters in a timely manner.

Required experience:

• Minimum 5–7 years’ experience in FICA/AML/KYC, client onboarding, or remediation within a financial services or fund services environment.
• Proven experience in a team leadership or supervisory role.
• Strong understanding of South African regulatory frameworks, including FICA and AML requirements.
• Experience in remediation projects, onboarding, or compliance operations within asset management, LISP, or fund administration environments.

Required Qualifications:

• Relevant tertiary qualification (e.g. BCom, Finance, Law, Risk, or similar).
• Strong working knowledge of FICA/KYC documentation requirements for individual and juristic clients.
• Experience working with client data systems, workflow tools, and remediation platforms.
• Advanced Excel skills advantageous.

Key competencies:

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and high level of accuracy.
• Strong understanding of compliance and regulatory frameworks.
• Analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Process-driven with a focus on continuous improvement.
• High level of integrity and accountability.