Director - Risk and Compliance

SUMMARY:
Shape the Future of Banking | Director of Risk and Compliance

Our client, a leading Pan-African bank in Kenya,  is seeking an experienced Director of Risk and Compliance to lead the strategic development and execution of risk management and compliance programs. The ideal candidate will be responsible for safeguarding the organization against financial, operational, and regulatory risks, ensuring compliance with local and international standards, and fostering a culture of risk awareness across all levels of the organization.

POSITION INFO:
What You’ll Be Driving:

Strategic Risk Management:

• Develop and implement an enterprise risk management framework that aligns with organizational goals.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate financial, operational, regulatory, and reputational risks.
• Provide strategic risk insights and recommendations to the executive team and board of directors.
• Continuously monitor emerging risks and industry trends to adjust risk strategies proactively.

• Ensure the organization's compliance with all relevant local and international regulations and industry standards.
• Develop, implement, and oversee compliance policies, procedures, and control mechanisms.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies, ensuring timely and accurate reporting and audits.
• Conduct compliance training programs to enhance organizational awareness and adherence.

• Establish and maintain governance frameworks to support business objectives and regulatory compliance.
• Prepare and present risk and compliance reports to the board and senior management.
• Develop key risk indicators (KRIs) and compliance metrics to track and report on organizational performance.
• Drive improvements in internal controls and risk reporting processes.

• Implement operational risk management frameworks to enhance business resilience.
• Conduct risk assessments and scenario planning to anticipate potential challenges.
• Collaborate with internal departments to embed risk mitigation strategies into day-to-day operations.

• Oversee Anti-Money Laundering (AML), fraud prevention, and anti-bribery initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with Know Your Customer (KYC) and Customer Due Diligence (CDD) requirements.
• Work closely with audit and legal teams to strengthen the financial crime compliance framework.

• Act as a key liaison with regulatory authorities, auditors, and other external stakeholders.
• Provide risk and compliance advisory to business units, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
• Foster relationships with industry peers to stay updated on best practices and regulatory changes.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing risk and compliance team.
• Foster a risk-aware culture by providing training and support across the organization.
• Encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing within the risk and compliance functions.

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Risk Management, Law, Business Administration, or a related field; a Master's degree is an advantage.
• Relevant professional certifications such as Certified Risk Manager (CRM), Certified Compliance Professional (CCP), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), or equivalent.
• Minimum of 10+ years of experience in risk management, compliance, or governance, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within financial services, banking, or regulated industries.
• Comprehensive knowledge of regulatory frameworks such as Basel II/III, IFRS, AML regulations, and corporate governance standards.
• Strong leadership, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.