Regulatory Affairs Manager

Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together…one story at a time. With over 100 years of rich history and strongly positioned as a local bank with regional and international expertise, a career with our family offers the opportunity to be part of this exciting growth journey, to reset our future and shape our destiny as a proudly African group. My Career Development Portal : Wherever you are in your career, we are here for you. Design your future. Discover leading-edge guidance, tools and support to unlock your potential. You are Absa. You are possibility. Job Summary The Regulatory Affairs Manager will work with the Head of Regulatory Affairs in overseeing all regulatory matters. This role involves assisting the Head of Regulatory Affairs in developing processes and systems to ensure that all necessary licensing, filings, certifications, and permits are processed and monitored. The individual in this position anticipates new or changing laws and regulations and coordinates with internal stakeholders to develop strategies to address changes in product, operations, or testing requirements. The individual will assist the Head of Regulatory Affairs in investigating and addressing any reported issues of non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Job Description Regulatory Compliance Stay updated on regulatory changes and ensure that the company's policies and procedures are aligned with these changes. Assist the Head of Regulatory Affairs in relevant internal committees pertaining to legal and regulatory changes; Policy Development: Develop and maintain compliance policies and procedures that reflect current regulatory requirements and best practices. Regulatory Submissions: Oversee the preparation and submission of regulatory documents to relevant authorities, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. Monitoring and Reporting Establish Monitoring Systems: Implement robust monitoring systems to track compliance with regulatory requirements. This includes regular audits and reviews of internal processes. Regular Reporting: Assist the Head of Regulatory Affairs in preparing and presenting compliance reports to top management. Data Analysis: Analyze compliance data to identify trends and potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate these risks. Any other tasks deemed necessary and as will be required by the Head of Regulatory Affairs. Stakeholder Coordination Internal Collaboration: Work closely with various departments, including legal, finance, operations, and IT, to ensure a coordinated approach to regulatory compliance. External Liaison: Act as the primary point of contact with regulatory authorities and industry bodies. This includes managing relationships and ensuring effective communication. Advisory Role: Provide expert advice to senior management and other stakeholders on regulatory matters and the potential impact of regulatory changes on the business. Issue Resolution Investigate Non-Compliance: Investigate any reported issues of non-compliance, determine the root cause, and develop corrective action plans to address these issues. Crisis Management: Lead the response to regulatory investigations or audits, ensuring that the organization cooperates fully and takes appropriate actions to resolve any issues. Continuous Improvement: Implement lessons learned from compliance issues to improve processes and prevent future occurrences. Documentation Licensing and Permits: Ensure that all necessary licensing, filings, certifications, and permits are processed and monitored. This includes maintaining accurate records and documentation. Regulatory Filings: Oversee the preparation and submission of all regulatory filings, ensuring they are complete, accurate, and submitted on time. Record Keeping: Maintain comprehensive records of all regulatory interactions, submissions, and compliance activities. Risk Management Identify Risks: Identify potential regulatory risks that could impact the organization and develop strategies to mitigate these risks. Risk Assessment: Conduct regular risk assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of compliance programs and identify areas for improvement. Mitigation Strategies: Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to address identified risks and ensure ongoing compliance. Training and Development Staff Training: Develop training materials and assist the Head of Regulatory Affairs in providing training and guidance to staff on regulatory requirements and best practices. Professional Development: Stay updated on regulatory developments and best practices through continuous professional development and training. Role/person specification Preferred Education and Certifications Barrister-at-Law or Attorney-at-Law; or Holder of (i) an LLB Law/LLB English Law and French Law; and (ii) an LLM; or Holder of (i) a Bachelor's Degree in Economics / Law and Management / Finance with Law / Banking and Finance; and (ii) a Master’s Degree in a related field. Relevant certifications in AML, fraud prevention, sanctions compliance, and anti-bribery and corruption measures Preferred Experience Minimum of 4 years of experience in a law firm or banking/financial services sector or Law Enforcement Agency / Supervisory Authority / Investigatory Authority Knowledge and Skills Strong analytical skills, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, ability to work under pressure, and proficiency in regulatory frameworks and compliance standards. Technical Competencies Strategic Thinking Ability to develop and execute financial crime risk management strategies Regulatory Knowledge In-depth understanding of AML, fraud prevention, and sanctions regulations Leadership Proven ability to lead and groom a strong Financial Crime Compliance team Analytical Skills Excellent analytical skills to assess and mitigate financial crime risks Communication Strong communication skills to collaborate with regulatory bodies, law enforcement agencies, and internal stakeholders Education Further Education and Training Certificate (FETC): Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)