The role
As a compliance officer, you make sure your organisation follows the laws, regulations and internal rules that apply to it. You write and update policies, run KYC and anti-money laundering checks, monitor transactions and alerts, train staff and report to management and regulators. When something goes wrong, you investigate and recommend fixes.
Who is hiring
Banks, microfinance institutions, insurers, mobile money operators, fintechs, money transfer companies and mining and energy groups hire compliance officers. Roles are mostly on-site or hybrid at head offices, and remittance and fintech companies serving the diaspora increasingly hire compliance profiles who can work remotely.
Background and career path
Compliance officers usually hold a master's in law, finance or banking, often after a few years in audit, risk or branch operations. Certifications such as CAMS or ICA help, and they grow into head of compliance or chief compliance officer.