Compliance Specialist: Regulatory Governance and Advisory at Absa Bank Limited

Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together…one story at a time.

With over 100 years of rich history and strongly positioned as a local bank with regional and international expertise, a career with our family offers the opportunity to be part of this exciting growth journey, to reset our future and shape our destiny as a proudly African group.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Regulatory Governance & Statutory Compliance Specialist to take ownership of regulatory governance and National Credit Act (NCA) compliance across the business. This role plays a critical part in ensuring ongoing regulatory authorisation, strong engagement with the National Credit Regulator (NCR), and effective internal governance and assurance processes.
The successful incumbent will act as a trusted advisor to senior management, providing expert guidance on NCA interpretation, regulatory reporting, and risk management while ensuring timely and accurate statutory submissions.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory Governance & Statutory Compliance

• Prepare, complete, and submit the annual Compliance Officer’s Report to the National Credit Regulator (NCR) within prescribed timelines.

• Own the end-to-end governance and executive sign-off process for the annual NCA statutory report, including formal approval by the Group Compliance Officer.

• Manage annual NCR licence renewals and licence fee payments to ensure continued regulatory authorisation.

• Draft and submit formal notifications to the NCR relating to director appointments, resignations, and changes.

• Maintain, review, and update the NCR Manual annually to ensure ongoing relevance and regulatory alignment.

• Manage formal regulatory correspondence with the NCR, including notifications relating to debt sales via appropriate executive channels (e.g. CEO correspondence).

Regulatory Reporting, Assurance & Financial Submissions

• Act as the central liaison between Credit Reporting, Governance, Group Finance, and external auditors in respect of:

  • Form 39 submissions

  • Form 40 submissions

  • Auditor assurance reports

  • Annual financial statements submitted to the NCR

• Ensure timely and accurate submission of all NCR-required regulatory and financial reporting.

• Coordinate responses and remediation of queries arising from NCR reviews, audits, and assurance processes.

Monitoring, Risk Management & Controls

• Review Monitoring and Testing reports, assess findings, and track remediation actions.

• Participate in quality circle forums to:

  • Discuss key issues and root causes

  • Evaluate recommendations

  • Review compliance ratings and trends

• Maintain and update the NCA Risk Management Plan, including:

  • Identification of material regulatory risks

  • Recommendation and evaluation of mitigating controls

Stakeholder Engagement & Internal Governance

• Provide subject matter expertise and insight to senior management and governance forums on NCA-related risks, trends, and regulatory matters.

• Engage cross-functionally with Compliance, Legal, Credit, Finance, and Governance teams to ensure alignment with NCA obligations.

• Act as the primary point of contact for internal escalations relating to NCA compliance matters.

NCA Advisory & Regulatory Interpretation

• Provide specialist advisory support on the interpretation and application of the National Credit Act and Regulations across the business.

• Analyse legislative amendments, regulatory changes, and NCR guidance, translating requirements into practical business impacts.

• Support business change initiatives by assessing regulatory implications and providing compliance input throughout implementation.

Experience & Qualifications

Essential:

• Relevant degree in Law, Risk, Compliance, Finance, or a related field

• Strong, demonstrable experience in NCA compliance within a regulated financial services or credit environment

• Proven experience working with the National Credit Regulator

• Experience owning regulatory submissions, statutory reporting, and licence renewals

• Strong stakeholder engagement and senior management interaction

Advantageous:

• Compliance or Risk Management certifications

• Experience in governance forums or executive committee support

• Exposure to regulatory audits and assurance processes

Key Competencies

• Expert knowledge of the National Credit Act and Regulations

• Strong governance and regulatory reporting capability

• Attention to detail and high levels of accountability

• Excellent written and verbal communication

• Ability to translate complex regulation into practical business guidance

• Confident, independent decision-maker with strong influencing skills

Why Join Us?

• Play a key role in protecting and enabling the business through effective regulatory governance

• Work closely with senior leaders and regulators

• Be part of a purpose-driven organisation committed to responsible credit and strong customer outcomes

Education

Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)

Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank.

Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised