SUMMARY:
Lead enterprise‑wide fraud strategy in a digital‑first financial services environment. Shape fraud technology, governance, and operations while balancing risk mitigation with customer experience.
POSITION INFO:
Head of Fraud – Enterprise Risk Division
Location: Cape Town Reports to: Chief Risk Officer
About the Role
We are seeking a dynamic Head of Fraud to design, implement, and lead an integrated enterprise-wide fraud management capability. This senior leadership role is pivotal in ensuring fraud risk is proactively identified, prevented, detected, and reported across all customer and product journeys. You will balance fraud loss mitigation with customer experience, enabling secure and scalable growth in a digital-first financial services environment.
Key Responsibilities
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Define and implement the enterprise fraud strategy aligned to CRO mandate and business objectives.
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Establish and maintain fraud risk frameworks, policies, and governance structures.
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Own fraud exposure across products including accounts, payments, lending, onboarding, and digital channels.
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Oversee fraud technology platforms, ensuring real-time decisioning, resilience, and integration of data sources.
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Lead fraud operations including alert handling, investigations, claims, disputes, and recoveries.
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Drive fraud analytics, model governance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
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Collaborate with cybersecurity and technology teams to address emerging threats such as synthetic identity, phishing, and mule activity.
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Provide independent oversight, assurance, and regulatory alignment across fraud-related decisions and controls.
Requirements
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Bachelor’s Degree (Finance, Risk Management, Information Systems, Data Science, or Law).
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Postgraduate qualification preferred.
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Professional certifications advantageous (e.g., CFE, FRM, PRM).
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10–15 years’ experience in fraud risk, financial crime, or risk management.
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Proven leadership in building/managing fraud functions.
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Experience in digital banking, fintech, or payments environments.
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Exposure to both first-line (operations/controls) and second-line (risk/oversight) functions.
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Demonstrated expertise in fraud strategy, technology implementation, and regulatory engagement.
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Strong communication skills in English and Afrikaans.
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SA Citizens only
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Must be Criminal Clear
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Must reside in the Greater Cape Town area or be willing to relocate
Competencies & Values
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Integrity, ethical conduct, and accountability.
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Customer protection and fairness.
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Innovation and continuous improvement.
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Collaboration across functions.
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Excellence in execution.
What We Offer
A senior leadership opportunity to shape fraud strategy at enterprise level, working closely with the CRO and executive team to safeguard the organisation while enabling growth.
