Job Description

Head of Compliance – Kenya – ()

Role Purpose:

In alignment with the mission of enhancing lives, fostering dignity, and expanding opportunities for wealth creation, this position is responsible for ensuring that the Bank’s operations adhere to Equity guidelines, Kenyan regulations, and ethical expectations. Duties encompass monitoring business activities, reporting infractions, reviewing company policies for potential risks, and researching legal requirements for new initiatives.

Key Relationships:

Administratively reporting to the Managing Director of Equity Bank Kenya Limited (EBKL), this role maintains direct reporting lines to the Board Compliance Committees and the Equity Group Chief Risk Officer to ensure independence.

Key Internal Stakeholders:

• Regional General Managers, BGDMs
• EBKL Board members
• Coverage RMs, Treasury sales, and Compliance teams
• Group Compliance & Risk colleagues, and Peers in the Kenya Executive Committee (ExCo)
• Direct reports – Compliance Managers and their teams

Key External Stakeholders:

• Regulators, including central bank and government officials
• EBKL Clients

Key Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to:

1. Define the required level of knowledge on existing and emerging regulatory compliance requirements across the organization.
2. Develop an annual compliance work plan reflecting the organization’s unique characteristics.
3. Oversee and monitor the implementation of the compliance program.
4. Provide strategic direction to the management team on compliance.
5. Prepare and present clear and concise compliance reports to the Board.
6. Interact with regulators on compliance issues.
7. Coordinate efforts related to audits and reviews.
8. Develop policies and programs encouraging reporting of suspected fraud and improprieties.
9. Coordinate internal compliance review and monitoring activities.
10. Independently investigate and act on compliance matters.
11. Liaise with departmental heads to ensure business operations align with policies.
12. Advise top management on business operations, investments, risks, and policy development.
13. Stay informed about economic and financial changes globally affecting the business and clients.
14. Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in the Bank and the client base.
15. Analyze internal business systems to ensure compliance with industry regulations and ethical standards.
16. Create, modify, update, and implement company policies.
17. Develop Compliance adherence management strategies.
18. Design control systems for internal business policy violations.
19. Design ongoing training programs for employees, ensuring their implementation and monitoring effectiveness.

Key Competencies for the Role

• Credibility as a subject matter expert.
• Experience dealing with high-impact issues at all organizational levels.
• Knowledge of local regulatory requirements and the ability to identify emerging compliance issues.
• Ability to influence senior business leaders on compliance risk-related matters.
• A hands-on approach with the ability to provide strategic vision.
• Effective negotiation, leadership, communication, interpersonal, and management skills.
• Ability to navigate conflicting demands, maintaining focus on priority objectives.
• Strong presentation and relationship management skills.

Qualifications

Qualifications and Experience

• Graduate degree and/or Banking qualifications ACIB / AKIB. A master’s degree is an added advantage.
• CPA /ACCA qualifications required.
• Strong technical knowledge of compliance regulations and requirements; professional training/qualifications in Compliance/Risk areas are advantageous.
• 10 years of banking experience with at least 7 years at the team lead level in Compliance and/or Risk roles.
• Proficiency in the use of financial services business systems.
• Cross-border work experience is an added advantage.