Branch Overview

Branch delivers world-class financial services to the mobile generation. With offices in the United States, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, and India, Branch is a for-profit socially conscious company that uses the power of data science to reduce the cost of delivering financial services in emerging markets. We believe that everyone, everywhere deserves fair financial access. The rapid spread of smartphones presents an opportunity for the world’s emerging middle class to access banking options and achieve financial flexibility. 

Branch’s mission-driven team is led by founder and former CEO of Kiva.org. The company presents a rich opportunity for our team members to drive meaningful growth in rapidly evolving and changing markets. In 2019, Branch announced its Series C and has garnered more than $100M in funding with investments from leading Silicon Valley firms including Andreessen Horowitz, Trinity Capital, Foundation Capital, Visa, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

We value diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive working environment where human beings of all backgrounds can thrive.

Job Overview

Reporting to the Managing Director, East Africa you will be responsible for coordinating, monitoring and supervising all aspects of operational risk management. You shall work with risk owners to identify, assess and prioritise operational risks and advise the business on mitigating actions or controls, in order to maintain operational risk within the Bank’s risk appetite.

Responsibilities

1. Regulatory Compliance:
   • Stay updated on relevant laws, regulations, and industry best practices to ensure the bank's activities remain compliant.
   • Interpret and communicate regulatory changes to relevant stakeholders within the bank.
   • Design, implement, and maintain compliance programs to ensure adherence to applicable laws and regulations.
   • Conduct regular compliance assessments and audits to identify gaps and recommend corrective actions.
   • Monitor adherence to compliance, Anti Money Laundering (AML), and Know Your Client (KYC) standards.
   • Support the business in complying with Anti-Money Laundering and other regulatory requirements.
2. Risk Assessment and Management:
   • Identify potential risks across different areas of the bank's operations, including credit, operational, market, and liquidity risks.
   • Develop risk assessment methodologies and tools to quantify and prioritize risks.
   • Collaborate with business units to create risk mitigation plans, including the establishment of risk controls and contingency plans.
   • Monitor risk exposure and performance metrics to ensure they remain within acceptable limits.
   • Maintain and review risk registers for all operational risk areas.
   • Monitor and report on operational risks while collecting and maintaining key risk indicators
3. Policy Development and Implementation:
   • Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and guidelines to support risk management and compliance efforts.
   • Work with various departments to ensure consistent application of policies throughout the organisation.
   • Update policies as needed to reflect changes in regulations or business practices.
4. Internal Training and Communication:
   • Conduct training sessions for employees to raise awareness about compliance requirements and risk management strategies.
   • Translate applicable requirements to Branch’s context and educate internal stakeholders
   • Foster a culture of compliance and risk awareness throughout the organisation.
   • Communicate regularly with senior management and relevant stakeholders to provide updates on compliance and risk management activities.
5. Reporting and Documentation:
   • Prepare and submit regular reports to senior management, the board of directors, and regulatory authorities, detailing the bank's compliance status and risk exposure.
   • Maintain accurate and comprehensive records of compliance activities, risk assessments, and mitigation plans.
6. Monitoring and Testing:
   • Establish a monitoring framework to assess the effectiveness of compliance controls and risk mitigation measures.
   • Conduct periodic testing and reviews to ensure that established controls are functioning as intended.
   • Address any identified issues promptly and implement corrective actions.
7. Incident Response:
   • Collaborate with relevant teams to investigate compliance breaches, incidents, and regulatory violations.
   • Develop and execute plans to address incidents and prevent future occurrences.
   • Report significant incidents to appropriate regulatory authorities as required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Law, Risk management, Finance, Banking,Business Administration ,Legal studies or a related field.
• Professional qualification in Risk and Compliance and/or Finance (ACCA, CPAK) is desired.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in the Financial industry with 3+ years of experience managing a team
• Demonstrated knowledge of internal controls and best practices with ability to support adherence to policies and procedures among various Departments 
• Strong understanding of applicable laws , regulations and industry standards relevant to the organization operations
• Strong analytical and interpersonal skills with ability to work effectively with diverse groups of stakeholders, both internal and external
• Possess problem solving skills with the ability to identify risks ,assess compliance requirements and develop effective solutions.
• Integrity, ethics and commitment to upholding the highest standards of compliance and ethical conduct.
• Proficiency in Microsoft  Office Suite and experience with compliance management software or tools preferred. 
• Detail oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. 
• Excellent communication, report writing, and presentation skills.

Benefits of Joining

• Opportunity to work in a dynamic and innovative financial institution.
• Mission-driven, fast-paced and entrepreneurial environment
• Competitive compensation with performance based incentives and equity package
• A collaborative and flat company culture
• Where we work:
  • Hybrid, with the option to work remote occasionally
• 28 days annual leave with 30 days sick leave
• $500 Annual professional development budget 
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
• Discretionary trips to our offices across the globe, with global travel medical insurance 
• Team meals and social events 
• Flexible working hours