FIAS Compliance Officer

About the position

A fast-growing compliance and regulatory risk management company is looking for a driven and detail-oriented FAIS Compliance Officer to join its team. The company combines specialist compliance expertise with technology to help financial services businesses manage regulatory requirements and reduce compliance risk.

This is an opportunity for an individual who takes extreme ownership, demonstrates strong discipline, and thrives on taking initiative. The successful candidate will work closely with clients and regulators while gaining broad exposure to the financial services compliance environment.

Responsibilities:

FAIS & Regulatory Compliance

• Advise clients on the application of FAIS and related legislation, including FICA and POPIA.
• Assist with FAIS licence applications and related regulatory processes.

Conduct fit and proper assessments.

• Conduct monthly file monitoring and annual practice monitoring.
• Submit regulatory documentation within prescribed timeframes.
• Assist clients with regulatory inspections and compliance requirements.
• Assist with the implementation and maintenance of compliance policies and procedures.

Client & Regulator Liaison

• Maintain regular communication and relationships with clients.
• Liaise with regulators on behalf of clients, including FSCA, FIC and SARB.
• Facilitate client compliance meetings.
• Discuss compliance and contract options with prospective clients.
• Assist with regulatory inspections and related queries.

Legal & Compliance Documentation

• Draft and review policies, procedures and contracts.
• Conduct legal and regulatory research.
• Prepare compliance-related documentation and reports.
• Deliver occasional legislative and compliance training sessions.
• Monitor regulatory developments and assist with implementing required changes.

Business Development & Projects

• Respond to enquiries, send quotations and follow up on leads.
• Assist with ad hoc compliance and regulatory projects.
• Take ownership of multiple projects and ensure timely completion.
• Attend conferences and industry events where required.

Requirements:

• 1-3 years experience as a FAIS Compliance Officer, including experience under supervision where applicable.
• LLB, Business-related degree or equivalent qualification.
• Knowledge of the financial services industry and products, including shares and long-term insurance.
• Experience in legal drafting and research.
• Practical monitoring experience.
• Experience liaising with regulators.
• Strong administrative and research abilities.
• Good numeracy and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Fluent in English and Afrikaans.
• Tech-savvy and comfortable working with various digital tools.
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment.
• Reliable internet connection and a suitable, professional home workspace.
• No outside employment or work is permitted while employed in the role.

Advantageous:

• Experience with POPIA.
• Knowledge or interest in blockchain and cryptocurrency.
• Payment industry experience.
• Master's degree.
• Broader financial services regulatory experience.

Key Competencies:

• High level of discipline, integrity and ethics.
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Proactive and resourceful approach.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Fast learner with a willingness to take responsibility.
• Strong people and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage repetitive administrative and research tasks accurately.
• Strong problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects.
• Team player who supports colleagues and contributes positively to the team.
• Comfortable taking initiative rather than waiting to be instructed.

Desired Skills:

• POPIA
• Regulatory
• Long term insurance
• Financial services
• Compliance Officer
• Policies
• Regulatory research