Senior Financial Crime Risk Manager: BB, PPB AFS & Special Operations at Absa Group Limited (Absa)

Job Summary

• We are currently seeking a seasoned Financial Crime Risk Manager to support the function in our journey as we embark on our risk management evolution.  
• The incumbent will be a driver and enabler of our efforts in the identification and mitigation of risks across all our vertical lines of business (BB, PPB and AFS & Spec Ops).

Job Description

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Reports directly into Head of Financial Crime Compliance (BB, PPB & AFS).
• Will support the Financial Crime Compliance Risk Management Team which includes Financial Crime Risk Managers and Specialised Operations function.
• Acts as a central pivot coordinating all efforts to identify and mitigate financial crime risks in the Business.
• Supports and drives actions emanating from the Risk and Effectiveness Committee.
• Ensures that control framework across the business remain relevant and commensurate to appropriately mitigate the risks faced by the business.
• Ensures that a robust control framework is embedded to mitigate risks posed by Business third parties and agency relationships
• Ensures comprehensive coverage and mapping across business products and services in response to regulatory reporting obligations.
• Drives a comprehensive strategy in response to regulatory inspections and audits by various Assurance providers.
• Assists with the timely identification of opportunities to enhance the management and oversight of Financial Crime risk, and ensuring appropriate action is taken by relevant parties to continuously strengthen and improve the effectiveness of the risk management capabilities.
• Supports Financial Crime Risk Managers in setting their overall AML, Sanctions, and Bribery and Corruption strategy within their respective areas.
• Drives key projects that may be allocated by Head of Financial Crime Compliance. Collaborates with key FCC stakeholders within Change and IT to drive constant efficiencies through the use of automation and data within the department. Where needed, engages with Business allocated representatives to partner on key projects.
• Creates a continuous relationship with business in order to be aware of any new strategies that could potentially affect the risk profile of the business, and to understand and guide on any risk concerns identified
• Ensures that all key FC initiatives affecting the business are delivered in a coordinated and efficient manner, thus not introducing news risks or adversely impacting business operations.
• Compiles and submits comprehensive financial crime compliance related reports to various regulators, internal and external stakeholders as and required.
• Ensures that skills and capabilities of the area aligns with the strategic direction of financial crime risk compliance in support of the Risk Management evolution of the function.
• Develops and implements strategies to broaden internal and external networks and keeps up to date with regulatory requirements and industry best practice.
• Understands the business priorities and challenges in order to be able to provide optimisation guidance and advise; and working with local regulatory authorities to develop solutions that are of relevance to the Bank.

Experience required: 

• Should be a professional financial crime compliance expert with 10+ years’ of relevant experience and with a focus on risk management experience
• Proven leadership capabilities and experience in the build out of a financial crime capabilities.
• Strong understanding of Reg landscape, Industry initiatives and developments together with a deep understanding of the business, product and customer landscapes.
• Proven track record of being an Industry Practitioner and Subject Matter Expert.
• Strong understanding of the BB, PPB and AFS products and services.

Minimum Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Law, Risk Management or relevant field of study
• Post graduate degree will be considered as an advantage

Knowledge & Skills

• Ability to distil complex issues to clear and concise briefings for senior management
• Excellent negotiating and interpersonal skills
• Ability to navigate in a complex organization and work within a matrix structure
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Report writing skills
• Knowledge of risk management and banking.

Education

• Bachelor Honours Degree: Law, Military Science and Security (Required)

End Date: June 27, 2025