Deputy Head of Compliance (CIB/RBB Advisory and Regulatory Affairs)

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Job Summary

The Deputy Head of Compliance (CIB/ RBB Compliance Advisory and Regulatory Affairs) is responsible to:
 Establish and Implement Risk Frameworks
Ensure that Absa Bank (Mauritius) Limited develops and maintains a comprehensive framework for Conduct Risk, Advisory Compliance, Regulatory Affairs, and Reputation Risk, in alignment with Group policies and local regulatory requirements.
 Provide Expert Advisory Services
Deliver advice on all matters related to Advisory Compliance and Reputation Risk, grounded in international AML knowledge and a strong understanding of current and emerging regulatory expectations. Offer practical, risk-based guidance that supports business objectives while ensuring compliance.
 Enable Business through Strategic Partnership
Act as a trusted advisor and enabler to business units by fostering effective partnerships across all functions. Balance commercial awareness with the ability to challenge constructively, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of ethical conduct and regulatory compliance.
 Oversee Systems and Controls Development
Guide the design and implementation of flexible, robust, and compliant systems, procedures, and controls that support the bank’s risk management objectives. Apply analytical rigor and strategic insight to enhance business performance and mitigate financial crime and reputational risks.
 Demonstrate Sound Risk Judgement
Exercise prudence, independence of mind, and timely escalation in managing all applicable risk types. Maintain a strong presence and credibility to influence decision-making at senior levels, both internally and externally.
 Ensure Regulatory Compliance and Governance
Uphold full compliance with regulatory requirements, the Absa Enterprise Risk Management Framework, and internal policies and standards. Lead by example in promoting a culture of integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Job Description

Strategy

• Lead the development and implementation of a robust strategy for Compliance Advisory, and Reputational Risk, ensuring alignment with Group policies and local regulations, including certain key aspects of financial crime.

• Escalate breaches and exceptions as necessary to maintain regulatory integrity.

• Collaborate closely with the Head of Compliance to deliver the Compliance Strategy at both country and AGL levels.

Policy Development and Embedment

• Support AGL ARO FCC and AGL ARO RBB/CIB Compliance teams in developing pragmatic and relevant policies through reviews, gap analysis, and action tracking.

• Partner on cross-border projects impacting ARO countries.

• Implement, maintain, and review in-country Financial Crime, Compliance Advisory, and Reputation Risk policies.

Advisory Services

• Participate in new product initiatives, ensuring compliance with financial crime, advisory, and reputational risk policies.

• Provide expert advice to business units on policy interpretation and regulatory application.

• Guide all business segments on compliance-related matters.

Awareness and Training

• Design and implement training programs to raise awareness of Conduct Risk,  Compliance Advisory and Reputation Risk standards and includes Financial Crime Risk.

• Deliver formal training at in-country, regional, and Board levels.

Assurance

• Provide assurance to senior management and AGL teams that compliance processes are adopted and effective.

• Lead assurance testing in coordination with FCAT and AGL CIB Compliance Team for ARO country reviews.

Others

• Report periodically to senior management and AGL teams on compliance matters.

• Oversee preparation and submission of annual risk assessments and AML/CFT, Compliance Advisory, and Reputation Risk reports.

• Execute additional tasks as required by the Head of Compliance.

Team Management

• Serve as a role model, setting ambitious objectives for the Financial Crime and Compliance Advisory teams.

• Drive performance management, development, and succession planning.

• Coordinate team efforts across ARO countries for timely delivery of AGL FCC-led assignments.

Role/person specification

Preferred Education

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, Law, Compliance, Accounting.  Master’s degree in a similar area. A moderate understanding of Cyber risks, data privacy, sustainability risks and resilience risks is prerequisite.

• Postgraduate qualifications (e.g. LL.M, Master’s in Financial Crime Compliance) preferred.

• Professional certifications such as ACAMS and membership in recognized compliance bodies preferred.

Preferred Experience

• Minimum of 5- 7 years' experience in Compliance / Legal at senior management level  preferably including a combination of banking, regulatory, consultancy/professional and law enforcement.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong understanding of local and group regulatory frameworks.

• Deep appreciation of the global regulatory agenda and supervisory expectations.

• High-level intellectual and analytical capabilities, supported by graduate or professional qualifications.

• Proven experience in financial crime within retail financial services or law enforcement/prosecution environments.

• International AML expertise with awareness of evolving regulatory landscapes.

• Strong character, credibility, and communication skills to engage confidently at senior levels.

• Commercial awareness balanced with the ability to challenge constructively and uphold high standards.

• Strategic insight into combating sophisticated financial crime and fraud matters.

• Ability to influence and grow the Financial Crime practice and internal/external relationships.

• Commitment to pragmatic, market-relevant training and awareness programs.

• Support for business growth through efficient compliance risk identification and integration of acquisitions.

• Leadership in implementing a revised risk-based approach to Compliance.

• Deep expertise in CIB/RBB environments, financial crime risk, conduct and reputational risk, and policy development.

• Strong strategic thinking, ethical judgment, stakeholder engagement, and leadership capabilities

Education

Master's Degree: Law (Required)