Risk and Compliance Officer

Summary

Join our team as a Risk and Compliance Officer (MLRO) and play a pivotal role in safeguarding our firm’s integrity and regulatory standing. You will be responsible for establishing and maintaining a robust risk and compliance framework aligned with Kenyan regulations, focusing on financial services, AML, CTF, and operational risk. Key duties include developing and enhancing the compliance program, acting as the designated MLRO, conducting due diligence, liaising with regulatory authorities, and ensuring compliance across all business operations. You will also lead risk assessments, implement mitigation strategies, conduct internal audits, and oversee crisis response. This role requires collaboration with cross-functional teams to foster a strong compliance culture and provide regular reporting to senior management. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in compliance, risk management, and regulatory affairs within financial services.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Law, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Risk Management, or Accounting
• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in compliance, risk management, or regulatory affairs within financial services, capital markets, forex trading, or banking
• CISI certification (Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments) required
• Member of a recognized professional body (e.g., Law Society of Kenya or the Institute of Certified Accountants Kenya)
• Strong understanding of Capital Markets (Online Foreign Exchange Trading) Regulations, 2017, and other relevant legal frameworks
• Must meet the Fit & Proper criteria set by the Capital Markets Authority
• Demonstrated ability to liaise with regulatory bodies and handle regulatory reporting

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and continuously enhance the company’s compliance program in line with local and international regulatory requirements
• Act as the designated Compliance Officer and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO), with oversight of AML/CTF frameworks and sanctions compliance
• Conduct due diligence checks and ongoing AML monitoring for clients and partners
• Lead communication with regulatory authorities (e.g., CMA, CBK) and act as the key contact during audits and inspections
• Ensure marketing materials and client communications comply with relevant rules and guidelines
• Monitor and respond to compliance issues, including regulatory updates, investigations, and internal incidents
• Identify, assess, and monitor operational, financial, and reputational risks
• Design and implement risk mitigation strategies and ensure the effectiveness of internal controls
• Conduct internal audits and reviews to evaluate the effectiveness of risk and compliance systems
• Oversee crisis response protocols and support business continuity efforts
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to embed a proactive, risk-aware culture across the organization
• Provide regular risk and compliance reports to senior management and the Board
• Promote a strong culture of compliance and risk awareness through ongoing staff training
• Provide guidance and support to internal stakeholders on compliance and risk-related matters
• Ensure the company’s operations remain aligned with evolving best practices and regulatory expectations

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in internal audits, AML/CTF compliance, and crisis management is preferred

Benefits

• Competitive Salary: We believe great work deserves great pay! Your skills and talents will be rewarded with a salary that makes you feel valued and motivated
• Work-Life Harmony: Join a company that genuinely cares about you —because your life outside of work matters just as much as your time on the clock
• Annual Performance Bonus: Your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed! Celebrate your achievements with a well-deserved annual bonus tied to your performance
• Generous Time Off: Need a breather? Our annual leave policy lets you recharge and enjoy life outside of work without a worry
• Employee Referral Program: Love working here? Share the love! Bring your talented friends on board and get rewarded for growing our awesome team
• Comprehensive Health & Pension Benefits: From medical insurance to pension plans, we’ve got your back. Plus, location-specific benefits and perks!
• Workation Wonderland: Live your digital nomad dreams with 30 extra days to work remotely from anywhere in the world (some restrictions apply). Adventure awaits!
• Volunteer Days: Make a difference! Take two additional paid days each year to support causes you care about and give back to the community