Deputy Compliance and AML Manager | Sandton, Johannesburg | Permanent

This is a pivotal second-line role for a seasoned compliance and financial crime professional who thrives in a hands-on banking environment. You will play a central role in safeguarding regulatory integrity while shaping a strong culture of compliance and financial crime risk management.

Reporting to the Chief Compliance Officer, the Deputy Compliance and AML Manager is responsible for ensuring full compliance with South African regulatory requirements, relevant international standards, and Group policies. This dual role spans regulatory compliance, AML, CTF, proliferation financing, sanctions, and data protection, requiring independent ownership across both compliance and financial crime functions within a small bank setting.

The role combines advisory, oversight, and operational responsibilities. You will work closely with senior management, Head Office, and regulators, providing practical guidance, implementing robust frameworks, and ensuring risks are identified, monitored, and addressed effectively.

The client is a well-established foreign bank branch operating in South Africa, with a strong focus on governance, regulatory alignment, and prudent risk management. The organisation values technical depth, accountability, and the ability to operate confidently in a regulated, cross-border banking environment.

What You’ll Do

• Monitor, interpret, and advise on current and emerging regulatory requirements.

• Design, implement, and maintain regulatory compliance and financial crime frameworks.

• Establish and maintain the Branch Risk Management and Compliance Programme.

• Oversee AML, CTF, PF, sanctions, and PEP screening processes.

• Act as MLRO and support AML compliance officer responsibilities.

• Conduct compliance and financial crime risk assessments and investigations.

• Oversee first-line control effectiveness and track remediation of findings.

• Develop and deliver compliance and AML training across the business.

• Prepare regulatory, management, and governance committee reports.

• Act as a key liaison with regulators, Head Office, and industry bodies.

What You Bring

• A bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Accounting, Risk Management, or a related field.

• CPrac and/or CAMS qualification (required or strongly preferred).

• 5–8 years’ experience in banking or financial services compliance and AML.

• Hands-on experience with RMCPs, regulatory engagement, and supervisory interactions.

• Strong knowledge of South African banking, AML legislation, and international standards.

• Experience with POPIA and data protection compliance.

• Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

• Ability to operate independently in a dual-role capacity.

• Fluent English; Mandarin is a strong advantage.

What Success Looks Like

• Regulatory requirements are anticipated, understood, and implemented without disruption.

• AML and financial crime risks are proactively identified and effectively managed.

• Regulatory engagements are professional, accurate, and well-governed.

• Staff demonstrate strong awareness of compliance and financial crime obligations.

• The Branch maintains a credible, resilient compliance and financial crime framework.