Chief Compliance Officer

Requisition Number: 49960 Job Location: Johannesburg, ZAF Work Type: Office Working Employment Type: Permanent Posting

Start Date:

26/02/2026 Posting End Date: 12/03/2026

As the Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) for South Africa, you will hold a pivotal role in steering the bank's compliance, conduct, and financial crime risk strategies within the region. You will lead the CFCR (Compliance, Financial Crime & Conduct Risk) function, ensuring its alignment with the Enterprise Risk Management Framework (ERMF) and the overall corporate vision and strategic objectives. Your role is crucial in maintaining the integrity and reputation of Standard Chartered Bank by overseeing adherence to regulatory standards and internal policies at every level.

Key to this position is your accountability as the primary escalation point for CFCR issues, including any regulatory concerns arising in South Africa, delivering proactive risk management, and implementing rigorous compliance controls. You will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive policies and procedures, overseeing the management of financial crime risk encompassing anti-money laundering, counter‑terrorist financing, fraud prevention, and anti‑bribery and corruption measures.

This leadership role requires a collaborative approach working closely with other CFCR teams and business units, enabling a culture of compliance that balances regulatory requirements with business objectives. Your strategic direction will be instrumental in ensuring the bank operates in line with the highest standards of regulatory and ethical conduct, preserving the trust of clients, regulators, and stakeholders alike.

In your role as Chief Compliance Officer for South Africa, you will:

• Lead and develop the South African CFCR function, championing the organisation’s commitment to integrity and being "Here for Good."
• Engage proactively with the CEO, business leaders, and key functions to promote a culture of appropriate conduct, compliance with regulations, and delivery of fair outcomes for clients.
• Maintain the independence of the CFCR function by delivering timely and transparent risk assessments, ensuring escalation of critical issues beyond the Group’s risk appetite.
• Build and sustain robust stakeholder relationships, including regulatory bodies, internal teams, and global CFCR counterparts to align strategies and mitigate risks effectively.
• Direct oversight of regulatory liaison and ensure adherence to obligations under South African legislation and global compliance mandates.
• Champion the strategic implementation of CFCR policies and frameworks as communicated by the Global Head CFCR Transaction Banking and Africa, aligning this with broader Group growth objectives.
• Ensure continuous improvement by analysing the impact of CFCR risks on business operations and driving adaptation where necessary.
• Oversee crisis management and provide decisive leadership during high‑risk scenarios involving compliance and regulatory issues.
• Lead communication and training efforts to cascade policy changes and compliance standards efficiently across business units.
• Support stakeholders with expert advice on regulatory interpretation and best practices to manage compliance risk and uphold regulatory expectations.

The ideal candidate will possess a comprehensive skillset to provide effective leadership within compliance and risk management environments. Key skills and experiences include:

• In‑depth knowledge and experience in Compliance Policies and Standards applicable to financial services.
• Proven ability to offer Compliance Advisory services with clear, actionable guidance across complex regulatory landscapes.
• Experience conducting Compliance Reviews and FCC (Financial Crime Compliance) assurance, including monitoring, screening, and surveillance activities.
• Strong investigative skills related to compliance breaches and potential financial crime incidents.
• Expertise in conducting Compliance Risk Assessments to identify and mitigate potential exposures.
• Effective Regulatory Liaison experience managing interactions with regulators and…