Compliance Director

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Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Compliance Director to lead the Bank and it’s subsidiaries’ regulatory compliance, financial crime compliance and conduct governance agenda within a dynamic and highly regulated commercial banking environment.
Reporting to the Managing Director with functional accountability to the Board Compliance Committee, the successful candidate will provide independent oversight and strategic leadership of the Bank’s Compliance Function, ensuring adherence to applicable banking regulations, prudential standards, AML/CFT obligations and governance requirements in Botswana.
The role requires a commercially astute executive capable of balancing regulatory expectations with business strategy, digital transformation, customer experience and operational resilience.

Job Description

Regulatory Compliance & Governance

• Lead and maintain an enterprise-wide regulatory compliance framework aligned to Botswana banking regulations and international best practice.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulatory requirements, prudential requirements, directives and regulatory standards.
• Provide strategic compliance advisory support to Executive Management, Board Committees and business units.
• Drive a strong culture of ethical conduct, accountability and regulatory compliance across the Bank.
• Maintain effective governance structures, policies and compliance standards.

AML/CFT/CPF & Financial Crime Compliance

• Lead the Bank’s Anti-Money Laundering, Counter Financing of Terrorism and Counter Proliferation Financing (AML/CFT/CPF) programme.
• Oversee KYC, customer due diligence, sanctions screening, transaction monitoring and suspicious activity reporting processes.
• Lead financial crime investigations, regulatory escalations and remediation activities.
• Monitor emerging financial crime threats and recommend appropriate control enhancements.
• Compliance Risk Management
• Develop and execute a risk-based compliance monitoring and assurance programme.
• Ensure effective implementation of the Compliance Risk Management (CRMP).
• Conduct compliance risk assessments across business operations, products and channels.
• Identify, assess and escalate material compliance and conduct risks.
• Monitor regulatory breaches, incidents and corrective action plans.
• Ensure compliance risks are integrated into enterprise risk management processes.

Regulatory Engagement

• Serve as the primary liaison with regulators, supervisory authorities and relevant industry bodies.
• Coordinate regulatory inspections, reviews and supervisory engagements.
• Manage regulatory reporting obligations and ensure timely submissions.
• Maintain constructive and transparent relationships with regulatory stakeholders.

Strategic Advisory & Transformation

• Provide compliance oversight on strategic initiatives and new product development.
• Support implementation of regulatory change management initiatives.
• Advise on implications of evolving local and international regulatory developments.
• Collaborate with business and control functions to enable sustainable growth within risk appetite.

Conduct Risk & Consumer Protection

• Oversee management of conduct risk, regulatory complaints and customer protection obligations.
• Promote fair customer outcomes and responsible banking practices.
• Strengthen compliance culture and ethical standards across the organisation.

Leadership & Capability Development

• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing Compliance team.
• Build organisational compliance capability through awareness and training programmes.
• Foster strong collaboration across Business functions.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Law, Finance, Risk Management, Accounting, Economics or related field.
• Postgraduate qualification in Compliance, Risk Management, Business Administration or related discipline will be an added advantage.
• Professional certifications such as CAMS, CFE or recognised Compliance qualifications preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience within banking compliance, financial crime compliance, risk management or regulatory supervision.
• At least 5 years in a senior leadership role within a commercial banking environment.
• Strong knowledge of Botswana banking laws, AML/CFT frameworks and prudential standards.
• Demonstrated experience engaging regulators and Board Committees.
• Experience within a tier 1 or complex financial institution will be highly advantageous.

Education

Bachelor's Degree: Law (Required)