AML and Regulator Compliance Officer at Old Mutual Kenya

Job Description

• The purpose of this role is to facilitate, monitor and ensure that the Group is conducting its business in full compliance with all national and relevant international legislation and regulations that relate to the Group and its subsidiaries, as well as professional standards, accepted business practices, and internal standards to deliver good organisational outcomes. This role will provide 2nd Line oversight of the implementation of the compliance management framework across all the sectors in which the Group has interests.
• Ideal Candidate Statement: A commercially aware compliance professional with strong AML and regulatory expertise, proven experience in the financial services sector, and the ability to effectively manage regulatory risk while supporting business objectives through practical, risk-based compliance solutions.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Regulatory gap assessment and implementation:

• Implement new risk and regulatory requirements by performing gap assessments, building roadmaps, and translating risk or regulatory requirements into business needs
• Support subsidiaries with implementing and embedding of identified gaps, according to the roadmap
• Monitor and ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and guidelines across the Group’s operating countries (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan)
• Keep abreast of regulatory changes and developments in the financial services industry, and communicate these to relevant stakeholders
• Maintain the Regulatory Universe and associated Compliance Risk Management Plans (CRMPs), and conduct monitoring activities in line with the Regulatory Compliance Plans using a risk-based approach
• Conduct regular compliance reviews and audits to assess the effectiveness of compliance controls and identify areas for improvement
• Build a regulatory monitoring program to ensure ongoing compliance with regulations

Regulatory Risk assessment and management:

• Lead campaigns to identify and assess risks, propose mitigating actions and risk monitoring approaches, report results to the Group’s senior management
• Collaborate with the Risk and Internal Audit departments to identify, assess, and mitigate compliance risks across the Group
• Develop and implement a compliance risk management framework, including key risk indicators (KRIs) and risk mitigation plans
• Improve the design of internal controls and monitor their effective implementation, using notably international standards and best market practices
• Monitor and report on compliance risk exposures to senior management and the Board
• Ensure that all compliance-related issues are escalated and resolved in a timely manner

AML/CFT/CPF

• Act as a trusted advisor on AML/CFT/CPF matters, providing strategic guidance to management and business units
• Implement and oversee the Risk Management and Compliance Programme (RMCP) in the Group, ensuring effective controls to mitigate ML/TF/PF risks
• Lead and over guidance on AML/CFT/CPF monitoring, surveillance, investigations, and statutory reporting
• Support the region in implementing AML monitoring systems, ensuring effective configuration, rollout, and adoption
• Conduct AML/CFT/CPF risk assessments and support product risk assessments and approvals, serving as subject matter expert on AML/CFT/CPF requirements
• Cooperate with regulators during reviews, audits, and investigations, ensuring timely and accurate responses
• Promote a strong culture of AML/CFT/CPF compliance by delivering training, improving processes, and providing ongoing assurance to management

Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with regulators, industry bodies, and other key stakeholders across the Group’s operating countries
• Represent the Group in industry forums, workshops, and regulatory meetings to stay informed on best practices and emerging trends
• Provide regular updates to the Group Head of Compliance, senior management, and the Board on compliance matters
• Collaborate with subsidiary compliance teams to ensure alignment with Group-wide compliance standards and objectives

Training and Awareness

• Develop and deliver compliance training programs to staff across the Group, focusing on AML, regulatory requirements, and ethical business practices
• Promote a culture of compliance and ethical behavior across the Group through regular communication and awareness initiatives

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• An analytical and strategic mind: Because of all the data involved, the candidate should be analytical and able to gather information, interpret it, spot risks and opportunities, and identify appropriate strategies for managing operational risk
• Excellent communication skills: The candidate must be able to translate complex concepts into a language the front office, management, and the board can understand. For this to work well, excellent interpersonal and general communication skills are necessary
• Proven leadership and interpersonal skills: The candidate will have the ability to work with a fair degree of autonomy and demonstrate initiative and a sense of personal accountability but remain a team player and enjoy contributing to a cooperative environment
• AML & Regulatory Compliance Expertise – Strong understanding of AML/CTF requirements, regulatory obligations, sanctions compliance, and financial crime risk management
• Regulatory Interpretation & Implementation – Ability to interpret legislation, regulations, and regulatory guidance and translate them into practical policies, controls, and procedures

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

• Experience in AML, regulatory compliance, financial crime prevention, or risk management within the financial services industry
• Strong knowledge of AML/CTF regulations, sanctions requirements, and financial crime frameworks
• Experience in regulatory gap assessments, compliance monitoring, and regulatory change management
• Proven capability in regulatory risk assessment and implementation of compliance controls
• Familiarity with CDD/EDD, sanctions screening, transaction monitoring, suspicious activity investigations, and regulatory reporting
• Experience with AML system implementation, enhancement, or optimization projects
• Sound understanding of legal and compliance requirements applicable to regulated financial institutions
• Experience designing and delivering compliance training and awareness programs
• Exposure to regulatory inspections, audits, and stakeholder engagement with regulators is desirable

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Business Administration, Law, Risk Management, Economics, or a related field
• Certification in AML Compliance is mandatory with additional certification or training in Law, Compliance or Governance preferred
• 8+ years in experience in Compliance Risk management in a large financial services group with at least 3 years in a managerial role would be an added advantage
• Professional certification in AML or Compliance preferred (e.g., CAMS, ICA, , ACAMS)

KEY ATTRIBUTES

• Strong analytical and investigative mindset with sound risk judgment
• High integrity, professionalism, and personal accountability
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to interpret complex regulations and translate them into practical business solutions
• Proactive, detail-oriented, and capable of working independently while collaborating effectively across teams
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities
• Ability to influence and challenge constructively at all levels of the organization