Website Lesaka Technologies
Lesaka is a South African financial technology company. We deliver financial services to consumers (B2C) and merchants (B2B) in Southern Africa through our proprietary banking and payment technologies.
Role Purpose
- The Compliance Manager is responsible for driving and overseeing compliance within the Merchant business to ensure that all financial and operational procedures — as well as personal conduct — comply with relevant legislation, regulatory frameworks, and contractual obligations.
- Embedded within the business, this role delivers on the compliance strategy while ensuring strong operational execution, supporting risk‑based decision‑making, and strengthening the internal control environment.
- It offers an opportunity to play a key role in safeguarding the Merchant business while shaping a strong risk and compliance culture.
Key Responsibilities
Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management
- Take full responsibility for the compliance programme within the Merchant Division
- Ensure compliance with NPS, FAIS, FICA, POPIA, and all relevant legislation
- Develop, roll out, and monitor the Risk Management and Compliance Programme (RMCP)
- Review new and existing processes and products to identify and mitigate compliance risks
- Provide practical compliance advice and guidance to business partners
- Support regulatory inspections and participate in combined assurance activities
Compliance Operations & Framework Execution
- Coordinate and deliver daily compliance operational activities
- Manage and maintain compliance dashboards
- Compile, review, and maintain business‑specific compliance policies and procedures
- Assist in designing and implementing adequate and effective processes and internal controls
- Ensure timely compilation and submission of regulatory reports and returns
- Escalate and investigate material risks or breaches
Stakeholder Engagement & Training
- Communicate and embed compliance frameworks and policies within the business
- Build strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Support business teams through compliance awareness and training interventions
- Represent compliance during audits and engagements with relevant regulators
- Produce periodic compliance reports to track progress on compliance initiatives
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
Knowledge
- Relevant laws and regulations (NPS, FAIS, FICA, POPIA)
- Risk management principles
- Compliance frameworks and policies
Skills
- Organisational and leadership skills
- Analytical thinking and detail orientation
- Strong verbal and written communication
- Stakeholder management and problem‑solving
- Time management and ability to work under pressure
Personal Characteristics
- Operates effectively at both strategic and operational levels
- Proactive, practical, and business‑oriented
- Strong relationship‑builder
- Passionate about compliance and adding value
- Strong communicator with the ability to influence at all levels
Experience & Qualifications
Required
- Legal, Risk, or Compliance‑related degree (CISA advantageous)
- 5+ years’ experience in a compliance role within Financial Services
- Strong understanding of FICA, payments regulations, and risk management
- Experience managing multiple stakeholders and complex compliance operations