Chief Risk Officer

The Chief Risk Officer (CRO) will be responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing the bank’s enterprise-wide risk management framework. Operating in a robust economy with extensive opportunities and challenges, the CRO must balance innovation in digital banking with robust risk controls. This role requires a visionary leader who can anticipate emerging risks, foster a culture of resilience, and ensure compliance with regulations and bank standards, while enabling customer-centric growth.

The role enables disciplined value creation by presenting an integrated, forward-looking view of risk, acting as a strategic partner to the Executive, the Board of Directors, and serving as the ultimate risk arbiter to optimise risk-return outcomes while protecting capital, earnings stability, and reputation.

Role Overview

The Chief Risk Officer (CRO) will be responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing the bank’s enterprise-wide risk management framework. Operating in a robust economy with extensive opportunities and challenges, the CRO must balance innovation in digital banking with robust risk controls. This role requires a visionary leader who can anticipate emerging risks, foster a culture of resilience, and ensure compliance with regulations and bank standards, while enabling customer-centric growth.

The role enables disciplined value creation by presenting an integrated, forward-looking view of risk, acting as a strategic partner to the Executive, the Board of Directors, and serving as the ultimate risk arbiter to optimise risk-return outcomes while protecting capital, earnings stability, and reputation.

Key Responsibilities

1 - Enterprise Risk Management

Develop and maintain a comprehensive risk management framework covering credit, market, operational, cyber, and reputational risks

Identify systemic risks arising from fiscal volatility, income inequality, and security challenges

Ensure risk appetite aligns with the bank’s strategic objectives and customer-centric mission

2 - Regulatory & Compliance Oversight

Engage with regulators, policymakers, and industry bodies to ensure compliance with evolving financial regulations

Monitor fiscal and monetary policy shifts that impact banking operations

Lead internal audits and compliance reviews

3 - Cybersecurity & Technology Risk

Safeguard digital platforms against cyber threats, fraud, and data breaches

Partner with technology teams to embed risk controls into product design and customer experience

Oversee resilience planning for digital infrastructure

4 - Financial & Credit Risk

Manage credit risk frameworks tailored to diverse income segments, including underserved populations

Develop innovative risk models that balance financial inclusion with portfolio stability

Monitor exposure to macroeconomic shocks and currency volatility

5 - Operational & Security Risk

Establish protocols to mitigate risks related to physical security, social, and supply chain disruptions

Ensure continuity planning for branches and digital operations in high-risk regions

6 - Leadership & Culture

Build a risk-aware culture and drive a strong risk culture across all levels of the bank

Mentor and develop risk management talent

Communicate risk insights clearly to the board, executive team, and stakeholders

7 - Risk Governance

Build a risk-aware culture across all levels of the bank

Mentor and develop risk management talent

Ensure robust alignment between the bank’s risk management function, regulators and Group risk policies, standards, and mandates

Ensure the effectiveness of risk governance structures at all levels, including within the Executive and the Board

Design, implement, and continuously enhance integrated enterprise risk frameworks, methodologies, and tools aligned to Group standards

Ensure effective controls are embedded to prevent, detect, and minimise financial, operational, and conduct losses

Deliver integrated, forward-looking risk reporting to all governance structures

Qualifications & Experience

Postgraduate qualification in Risk Management, Finance, Economics, Accounting, Actuarial Science, or a related quantitative discipline

Master’s degree (MBA, MPhil, MCom, MSc or equivalent) advantageous

Recognised professional designation required (e.g. CA, CFA, FRM, PRM, FASSA or equivalent)

Extensive executive experience in a complex, regulated financial services environment, with proven accountability for enterprise-wide risk oversight

Proven regulatory engagement and Board-level risk leadership capability

Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills

Important Closing Date Note

Take note that applications will not be accepted on the below date and onwards, kindly submit applications ahead of the closing date indicated below.06/04/26

All appointments will be made in line with FirstRand Group’s Employment Equity plan. The Bank supports the recruitment and advancement of individuals with disabilities. In order for us to fulfill this purpose, candidates can disclose their disability information on a voluntary basis. The Bank will keep this information confidential unless we are required by law to disclose this information to other parties.

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