Head of Compliance- Group Monitoring & Assurance at Investec

Description of the role 

• This role leads both Compliance Monitoring and Compliance Assurance functions, with a strategic focus on designing and executing a robust assurance framework. The Head of Compliance Assurance and Monitoring plays a critical role in evaluating the effectiveness of compliance controls, policies, and procedures across the organisation.
• As the key representative for Compliance in the Combined Assurance model, this role integrates perspectives from Compliance, Operational Risk, and Internal Audit to deliver meaningful assurance to the Board. The incumbent will collaborate across functions to ensure alignment, consistency, and strategic insights supporting informed decision-making through high-quality assurance outputs.
• We're looking for a dynamic, energetic individual with integrity, tenacity, and a mindset that challenges convention. Someone who brings fresh thinking to the Compliance Monitoring community and embodies our culture of ownership, curiosity, and excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategy

• Develop and implement a risk-based monitoring strategy aligned with regulatory requirements and business objectives.
• Lead and grow a high-performing team, fostering independence, critical thinking, and continuous learning.
• Oversee the execution of monitoring plans across jurisdictions and business lines, ensuring timely delivery of actionable insights.

Combined Assurance

• Actively support the Group's Combined Assurance framework by aligning compliance monitoring with Internal Audit, Operational Risk, and first-line control functions.
• Participate in assurance forums and contribute to the development of the Group assurance universe.
• Provide input into assurance planning to optimise coverage, reduce duplication, and enhance overall assurance outcomes.
• Leverage assurance outputs to strengthen risk insights and drive a cohesive compliance oversight model.

Monitoring Framework

• Design and maintain a robust monitoring framework incorporating risk assessment, data collection, and reporting mechanisms.
• Continuously enhance monitoring tools and techniques to improve efficiency and impact.
• Ensure monitoring activities meet regulatory standards and industry best practices.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Analyse monitoring data to identify trends, anomalies, and areas for improvement.
• Deliver clear, concise reports to senior management and relevant stakeholders.
• Support Group Compliance in providing assurance to the Board, Audit & Risk Committees, and regulators.

Collaboration and Communication

• Partner with other divisions to ensure a unified approach to compliance and monitoring.
• Facilitate training and awareness sessions to embed monitoring practices and compliance understanding across the organisation.

Continuous Improvement

• Drive innovation in monitoring practices through technology and data analytics.
• Stay abreast of regulatory developments, industry trends, and emerging risks to ensure relevance and responsiveness.

Qualifications, Experience and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in finance, Business, Risk Management, or a related field.
• Master's degree or professional certifications (e.g., ACAMS, ICA) are advantageous.
• 8+ years' experience in compliance, monitoring, internal audit, or risk management within financial services.
• Proven leadership in managing teams and delivering compliance-related projects.
• Experience in thematic compliance monitoring initiatives and exposure to combined assurance frameworks are considered advantageous.
• Deep understanding of financial regulations and legislation, including:
• Financial Crime Compliance
• POPIA/GDPR
• Conduct (FAIS, TCF)
• Conflicts of Interest
• Banks Act, Customs and Excise Act, FATCA/CRS
• Proficiency in data analysis tools, compliance software, and assurance systems.
• Strategic thinking and planning
• Cultural leadership and collaboration
• Strong analytical and report-writing skills
• High ethical standards and sound judgment
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills