Risk and Compliance Specialist (Fintech/Payments)

About the role

Our client, a technology-driven payments company operating in Africa, is seeking a Risk & Compliance Specialist to design and own the enterprise risk management framework for its micro‑finance bank. The role combines strategic risk architecture with day‑to‑day compliance oversight, ensuring the bank not only meets regulatory standards but also anticipates emerging risks as it scales.

Key responsibilities

• Design and implement a full‑stack ERM framework, including risk registers, appetite statements and key risk indicators.
• Identify, assess and mitigate credit, operational, liquidity, market and reputational risks across the bank’s products and services.
• Collaborate with the Head of Legal & Compliance to strengthen regulatory compliance and prepare for examinations and audits.
• Partner with Product, Engineering, Operations and Finance teams to embed risk awareness into all processes and product decisions.
• Maintain oversight of payments processing, settlement flows and dispute resolution mechanisms.

Required profile

• Minimum 4 years of experience in risk management, compliance or internal control within a commercial bank, micro‑finance bank or digital bank.
• Proven track record of building or significantly contributing to an enterprise risk management framework.
• Deep knowledge of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA 2020), CBN circulars for MFBs and NDIC requirements.
• Strong understanding of operational, credit, liquidity, market and reputational risk categories.
• Experience with regulatory examinations, audit readiness and preparation of regulatory returns.
• Integrity and the courage to escalate risks that could threaten the bank’s licence.

Required skills

• SQL