Latest Jobs at Prescient

Purpose of role:

• To move Prescient Securities from operationally sound to operationally advantaged. Act as the operational integrator of the business, ensuring strategy, technology, operations and client experience function as one system, and creating the platform stability and intelligence required by the business. Anchored on the firm’s BHAG: to be recognised as the premier Stockbroker in South Africa, #1 rated by clients for administration efficiency.
• The COO forms part of the Exco and is the co-architect of the business and integrator of the entire operating system - front office, operations, technology, CRM, group services and client experience. The role is the execution engine of strategy and guardian of scalability, control and client experience. We are looking for a relentless operational executor who focuses on system health, prioritisation and integration; drives disciplined execution to systemise customer service.

Duties and responsibilities:

• The COO works through and with direct reports - Head of Operations, Technology and CRM lead and key partners across the business (Compliance, Risk, Finance, Group IT, Legal, Talent, Marketing, Facilities and Front Office).

Cross-Asset, Cross-Border Operations & External Market Interface

• Own the firm’s external operational interface with exchanges, custodians, CSDPs and infrastructure providers (JSE, A2X, ZARX, CTSE, Strate, prime brokers) at senior level. Translate 3–5-year strategy into operating model, systems roadmap and capability build.
• Drive operational efficiencies, process optimisation and systemised customer service across the operating base.
• In collaboration with the Head of Operations. Compliance and Technology:
• Provide strategic oversight of post-trade, settlements, reconciliations, private client administration and operational controls across all asset classes — equities, bonds, FX, derivatives — local and offshore.
• Ensure intra-day operational timelines across the team are met within 95%.
• Ensure operational cover is available on public holidays where required.
• Own operational incident management and root-cause remediation at the model level.
• Ensure operational processes meet JSE, Strate and venue rulebook requirements across all venues used.
• Ensure annual SWIFT attestation is completed and submitted.
• Ensure regular BCP and DR testing is run, signed off and remediated.
• Ensure new products (FX expansion, derivatives, private clients, digital assets, offshore) are operationally enabled before launch.

Technology Leadership & Platform Reliability

• Work in close collaboration with the Technology team and support the Head of Technology to grow the technology cluster and enable the technology strategy for Prescient Securities.
• Ensure production stability of trading, risk, settlement and client systems.
• Ensure IT issues affecting business-critical processes are responded to within 5 minutes.
• Govern the prioritisation of change vs run activity; ensure delivery governance, release management and operational support standards.

Integration Between Operations, Technology & the Business

• Act as the single point of accountability for cross-functional delivery across Front Office, Operations, Technology, CRM and Group services.
• Translate business needs into executable operational and technology plans.
• Maintain the operating cadence that keeps the system synchronised, ensure seamless hand-offs between trading, operations and technology and drive prioritisation across competing demands so the business stays focused and active on what matters most.
• In collaboration with the Head of Technology and Group IT, oversee the firm’s cyber and information-security posture and ensure breach-response playbooks and the pen-testing programme are maintained.
• Ensure third-party / vendor cyber risk is actively managed and POPIA is operationalised across the business.
• Build a cost-efficient operating model that scales with volume growth, own Ops and Tech budgets and maintain a tight Ops/Finance interface: capex, vendor spend, operational recs to GL, regulatory capital monitoring.

Governance-by-Design & First-Line Ownership

• Embed regulatory adherence into process, systems and workflow, working closely with Compliance and Risk.
• Translate new regulatory direction (FSCA, COFI, JSE directives) into operational design changes.
• In collaboration with the Head of Operations and direct reports, ensure first-line control ownership sits clearly inside operations and the business, with Compliance acting as an enabling partner.
• Foster a culture of risk awareness and aversion across operating teams.
• Ensure JSE/A2X rules adherence is tracked and breaches root-caused with preventative measures.

Data Management Information & Reporting

• Own the operational and client data layer - the single source of truth for trading, ops, clients and risk eliminating parallel spreadsheets and closing reconciliation gaps between systems and reporting.
• Ensure decision-quality reporting: structured for MRAP/QRAP, scorecard reviews and EXCO papers.
• In collaboration with the Head of Technology and Head of Operations, build real-time dashboards for CEO and Exco.

Vendor, Outsourcing & Third-Party Risk Management

• Proactively identify emerging operational and technology risks.
• Own the key vendor relationships at senior level - market data, trading systems, cloud, CSDPs, custodians and critical platform providers and maintain a vendor risk register.
• In collaboration with Compliance, Legal and Operations manage outsourcing arrangements consistent with regulatory expectations and assist in negotiating contracts and renewals.

Client Money, Segregation & Custody Integrity

• Provide assurance to the CEO and Board on client-asset protection and own senior CSDP and custodian relationships.
• In collaboration with the Head of Operations and Finance, ensure client assets and money are correctly segregated, ring-fenced and reconciled, and ensure operational integrity of trust accounts.

Manage the Client Experience

• Drive Prescient Securities toward #1 client-rated administration efficiency. Build toward a Client Service Platform / private client administration capability over time.
• In collaboration with the CRM lead, ensure CRM operates as the operational backbone of the business and assist in the designing the end-to-end client journey: onboarding, servicing, query management, retention.
• Ensure client trading lines are set up promptly per agreed SLA and ensure all material client feedback is recorded in the CRM and fed back into operational design.

Entity Function Stewardship, OpsCo & Stakeholder Management

• Own the interface between centralised group functions and Prescient Securities and actively manage inter-company agreements and initiatives; participate in group efficiency reviews.
• Chair / lead the entity OpsCo; ensure decisions flow back into the operating system and collaborate with central function heads (Talent, IT, Marketing, Facilities, Risk, Finance).
• Maintain strong relationships with regulators, brokers, counterparties and key vendors.
• Participate in client engagement presentations and feedback sessions; engage with clients on operational requirements.

Required Experience and Qualifications:

• 10 years + experience in a senior operational leadership role, with strong market and product exposure - Equities (cash and program trading); Fixed Income / Bonds; Derivatives (listed and OTC understanding); FX (execution, settlement and client flows); Prime / custody / settlement flows and knowledge of market infrastructure - JSE, A2X, ZARX, CTSE, Strate, CSDP flows.
• Strong understanding of the regulatory environment JSE rules and directives; FAIS, FICA, AML / RMCP; best-execution frameworks; market-conduct oversight; FSCA / COFI direction; POPIA operational implications.
• Technology fluency - able to engage credibly on architecture choices, vendor risk, automation, data, cyber and platform reliability.
• CA (SA) / Finance degree/ Hons with relevant market experience.

Key competencies:

• Ownership, takes full accountability for outcomes across the operating platform.
• Systems Thinking, Understands and optimises the business as an integrated system (trading, ops, tech, compliance, client).
• Execution Discipline - Translates strategy into structured, consistent delivery.
• Calm Under Pressure, Maintains composure in stressed operational or market conditions.
• Detail and big picture balance – operates in operational detail while keeping strategic context in view.
• Structured Operator able to build disciplined processes, governance and cadence.
• Commercial Awareness - Understands impact of operations on revenue, cost, client and risk.
• Team Builder - Builds and upgrades high-performing, accountable teams.

go to method of application »

Purpose of role:

• This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of the full fund accounting lifecycle within our Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) Accounting team. With a strong emphasis on institutional mandates and client reporting, this position is ideal for a technically astute individual who thrives in a fast-paced, detail-driven environment.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Set up and process all applicable fees related to ETF structures.
• Perform and process fund distributions with accuracy and timeliness.
• Daily pricing of funds, ensuring valuations of instruments (equities, bonds, derivatives) align with market performance.
• Monitor NAV and asset price variances against benchmarks, applying professional judgment to flag and resolving discrepancies.
• Prepare, review, and distribute daily and monthly client reports with precision.
• Resolve internal and external client queries in collaboration with the Client Delivery team.
• Maintain and enhance control frameworks to mitigate operational and financial risk.
• Support onboarding new clients and contribute to project deliverables.
• Perform daily cash and scrip reconciliations, identifying and resolving breaks proactively.
• We are in office every day, with early working hours (6:00 AM – 3:00 PM) to align with market operations.

Required experience and qualifications

• Solid understanding of asset management operations and investment instruments.
• Strong Excel skills.

Key competencies:

• Analytical and methodical thinker with a strong interest in portfolio operations.
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently.
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong team orientation with a collaborative mindset.
• Client-centric with the ability to see the broader investment context.
• Positive, solutions-driven attitude.

go to method of application »

Purpose of role:

• To lead, support and strengthen the operational environment at PFS by managing fund and client onboarding, overseeing transitions, driving client-driven changes, and championing process and technology improvements to enable scalable growth.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Lead and support all new client onboardings, terminations, portfolio transitions, fund launches, and structural change.
• Manage end-to-end transition processes, ensuring seamless coordination and minimal disruption to operations.
• Drive fund setup processes, including fee calculations and NAV reconciliation book development.
• Identify, scope, and implement system and process enhancements across the implementation and operations value chain.
• Act as a key liaison between Business Development, Operational teams, Project Office and Client.
• Develop and maintain project plans aligned to strategic objectives as set out by the Implementation Manager.
• Use internal and client-facing dashboards and reports to improve transparency and engagement.
• Build strong relationships across internal teams and with clients, ensuring consistent stakeholder alignment.
• Take ownership of project delivery, ensuring timelines and deliverables are consistently met, while taking operation teams’ capacity into account.

Required experience:

• Strong understanding of different fund structures used by Investment Managers, transition management and project management is essential in this role.
• Suited to someone used to working in small, high-performance teams and dealing with multiple projects at once.
• Advanced level experience in Excel and related systems.
• Advanced level of Fund Accounting experience.
• Strong understanding regarding the function of Transfer Agency.

Required Qualifications:

• Relevant BCom / BSc Degree (with a focus placed on either Investments, Finance, Commerce or Data Science).

Key competencies:

• Strong sense of ownership and accountability across multiple tasks and priorities.
• Highly organised, with excellent time and workload management skills.
• Team-oriented with a positive, collaborative approach.
• Resilient under pressure, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Analytical and solution-oriented mindset.
• Honest, respectful, and culturally sensitive in all interactions.

go to method of application »

Purpose of role:

• This role provides hands-on legal and regulatory support to the Prescient Fund Services business, including fund administration, management company, and related platform environments. The role will support the Head of Governance in delivering effective governance, risk, and compliance frameworks, while ensuring that legal requirements are embedded into business processes.
• The successful candidate will work closely with operational teams to support fund structures, client mandates, and regulatory requirements, while contributing to the effective functioning of the governance framework.

Duties and responsibilities:
Legal Advisory (Core Focus)

• Provide day-to-day legal support to the Prescient Fund Services business, including:
• Management company
• Fund administration
• Platform-related services
• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial and client-facing agreements, including:
• Investment management and mandate agreements
• Fund and administration agreements
• Service level agreements and third-party contracts
• Provide practical, commercially focused legal advice on operational and client-related matters.
• Support legal aspects of fund structures, including onboarding of new mandates and product structures.
• Assist with contract lifecycle management, including maintaining contract registers and tracking key obligations.
• Liaise with and manage input from external legal advisors, where required.

 Regulatory & Fund Services Advisory

• Provide guidance on financial services legislation applicable to PFS, including:
• CISCA
• FAIS
• Companies Act
• FSR Act
• POPIA / data governance
• Assist in interpreting and applying regulatory requirements within a fund services and management company environment.
• Monitor and communicate regulatory developments relevant to PFS operations.
• Support the review and alignment of internal policies, procedures, and frameworks with regulatory requirements.
• Assist business stakeholders with regulatory queries related to fund operations and client mandates.

 Governance & Risk Support

• Support the Head of Governance in:
• Implementation and maintenance of governance frameworks within PFS entities.
• Management of the policy register and legal compliance documentation.
• Assist with identifying and managing legal and regulatory risks within the PFS environment.
• Contribute to risk mitigation initiatives, including implementation of control measures.
• Support governance-related reporting and escalation of key risks and issues.
• Assist with internal audit and risk-related processes where required.

 Operational & Team Support

• Work closely with business teams to ensure legal considerations are embedded in operational processes.
• Assist in managing the CIS application process with investment managers and the regulator.
• Support the effective use and adoption of legal and governance systems and digital platforms.
• Assist in preparing board packs, governance documentation, and reports.
• Contribute to training and awareness initiatives on legal and regulatory topics within the PFS business.
• Build strong and effective working relationships with internal stakeholders and key service providers.

 General Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality, timely legal support to stakeholders across Prescient Fund Services.
• Manage and prioritise legal queries effectively, ensuring strong follow-through.
• Contribute to projects, product developments, and new initiatives within the PFS business.
• Proactively identify and escalate legal and regulatory risks.
• Provide regular updates to the Head of Governance on key matters and activities.

Required qualification and experience:

• Admitted Attorney (essential);
• 4–7 years’ relevant experience as a Legal Advisor within:
• Fund services / fund administration:
• Asset management or management company environments.
• Proven experience in commercial contract drafting and negotiation.
• Exposure to financial services regulatory frameworks, particularly in a CISCA environment.

Working knowledge of:

• CISCA
• FAIS
• Companies Act
• POPIA
• Exposure to broader regulatory frameworks (advantageous but not essential). 

Key competencies:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Clear, concise written and verbal communication.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to build effective relationships with business stakeholders.
• Commercially pragmatic approach to legal advisory.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently.
• High levels of integrity and professionalism.

go to method of application »

Purpose of role:

• This is a key compliance function with the responsibilities to cover a number of compliance requirements, including FAIS, S13B of the Pension Funds Act and FICA, for both Prescient Fund Services and Prescient Management Company. A great opportunity suited to an experienced regulatory Compliance Officer.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Serve as the appointed FAIS Compliance Officer for a CAT I FSP (intermediary only), and FIC MLRO and Compliance Officer and S13B Compliance.

FAIS monitoring and planning for Prescient Fund Services and related Juristic Representatives:

• Update monitoring plan to be line with the relevant legislation.
• Monitor Continuous professional development (CPD), Class of business training (COB) and Product specific training (PST) of all reps and KI’s within the business.
• Report to Senior Management.
• Submit any regulatory reports required by FAIS.

Representatives under supervision monitoring:

• Monitor that the representatives under supervision are being supervised and ensure that evidence of supervision is provided.

AML – MLRO:

• Keep up to date with relevant legislation.
• Assist in any FIC reporting.
• Oversight of ongoing FICA monitoring.

Provide FAIS training:

• Plan and implement compliance training to Prescient Fund Services to cover the various pieces of legislation relevant to the fund administration business.

Regulatory submissions:

• Collate and submit regulatory submission for PFA S13B license.
• Collate and submit any adhoc regulatory reporting required by the FSCA.
• Liaise with FSCA for any further licencing requirements that the companies within the PFS Group may have.
• Any other regulatory compliance related services that the company may require

Required experience:

• 5 – 8 years’ experience in a related regulatory Compliance role from Financial Services / Fund Services.
• FAIS registered Compliance Officer for Cat I.

Required Qualifications:

• Degree / Post Graduate Qualification required.
• RE 1 and RE 5.

Key competencies:

• Attention to detail.
• Ability to take initiate and drive projects to completion.
• Strong time management skills.
• Positive team player.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Reliable and trustworthy.