Wise is a global technology company, building the best way to move and manage the world’s money.
Min fees. Max ease. Full speed.
Whether people and businesses are sending money to another country, spending abroad, or making and receiving international payments, Wise is on a mission to make their lives easier and save them money.
As part of our team, you will be helping us create an entirely new network for the world's money.
For everyone, everywhere.
More about our mission and what we offer.
Job DescriptionSince 2011, Wise has had a clear mission: money without borders. Built by and for people who live global lives, we’re the fairest, easiest way to manage your money across borders.
We’re growing at an incredible pace and we won’t stop until anyone, anywhere can send, spend and receive money wherever they are, whatever they’re doing. There’s still heaps to do and we can’t do it alone.
To help us achieve this, we are looking for an experienced Regulatory Compliance Manager to support our upcoming launch and rapid growth in South Africa following the acquisition of our Category 2 Authorized Dealer with Limited Authority (ADLA) license. Acting as the Deputy MLRO, you will provide critical financial crime prevention oversight and regulatory compliance leadership to ensure our products scale safely and in full compliance with local laws.
What immediate impact you will have:
Deputy MLRO Ownership: Serve as the designated Deputy MLRO for Wise South Africa, acting as the primary delegate for the Compliance Lead (Firdaus Noorshib) and taking full responsibility for statutory AML/CFT reporting to the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) when required.
ADLA Category 2 Governance: Oversee day-to-day regulatory compliance under our Category 2 ADLA license, ensuring strict adherence to South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Financial Surveillance (FinSurv) regulations and reporting mandates.
Launch & Scale Execution: Partner closely with the Compliance Lead, Product, Legal, and Operations teams to finalize pre-launch compliance requirements, operationalize local policies, and support market entry execution.
Financial Crime & Policy Localization: Maintain, test, and update local compliance policies, including the South Africa Risk Management and Compliance Programme (RMCP), Sanctions, PEP, and KYC/CDD frameworks, pursuant to emerging South African regulatory developments.
Regulatory & Audit Liaison: Support regulatory engagement, managing regulatory returns, handling queries from SARB and FIC, and preparing materials for internal/external audits and regulatory inspections.
This role will give you the opportunity to:
Build at Launch Stage: Be at the heart of establishing Wise's regulatory operations in South Africa from day one under a newly acquired ADLA license.
Drive Dual-Track Expertise: Manage both strategic regulatory compliance (SARB ExCon) and high-stakes financial crime prevention (FICA/AML) in a fast-paced fintech environment.
Develop Global & Regional Networks: Collaborate with global compliance, product, and engineering teams while building a strong presence among South African regulators and industry peers.
Experience & Regulatory Background: 4+ years of experience in Compliance. Proven track record in compliance management within a South African bank, ADLA, payment institution, or fintech. Strong knowledge of South African financial crime prevention regulations (FICA, POCDATARA, POCA) and SARB Exchange Control Regulations.
Deputy MLRO / Governance Experience: Prior experience acting as an MLRO, Deputy MLRO, or senior AML compliance specialist with direct experience filing reports with the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC).
Regulatory Vetting & Qualifications: Familiarity with SARB FinSurv regulatory reporting and approval processes. Recognized compliance certifications (e.g., CAMS, ICA, or Compliance Institute Southern Africa / CISA designation) are highly advantageous.
Stakeholder Communication: Ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into clear, actionable advice for Product, Operations, and Executive stakeholders.
Adaptability & Execution: Self-motivated and hands-on manager who thrives in a fast-paced launch environment, capable of managing multiple regulatory workstreams independently.
Hybrid working - 3 days in the office and 2 from home
Working hours - 9am to 6pm
For everyone, everywhere. We're people building money without borders — without judgement or prejudice, too. We believe teams are strongest when they are diverse, equitable and inclusive.
We're proud to have a truly international team, and we celebrate our differences.
Inclusive teams help us live our values and make sure every Wiser feels respected, empowered to contribute towards our mission and able to progress in their careers.
If you want to find out more about what it's like to work at Wise visit Wise.Jobs.
Keep up to date with life at Wise by following us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Skills Required
- 4+ years of compliance experience
- Compliance management experience within a South African bank, ADLA, payment institution, or fintech
- Strong knowledge of South African financial crime prevention regulations, including FICA, POCDATARA, and POCA
- Strong knowledge of SARB Exchange Control Regulations
- Prior experience as an MLRO, Deputy MLRO, or senior AML compliance specialist
- Direct experience filing reports with the Financial Intelligence Centre
- Familiarity with SARB FinSurv regulatory reporting and approval processes
- Ability to translate regulatory requirements into actionable guidance for Product, Operations, and Executive stakeholders
- Ability to manage multiple regulatory workstreams independently in a fast-paced launch environment
- CAMS, ICA, or Compliance Institute Southern Africa / CISA designation
Wise Compensation & Benefits Highlights
-
Equity Value & Accessibility — Employee ownership through share awards is standard for permanent staff, and equity is described as a meaningful part of total compensation. This approach can make overall pay feel more competitive than base salary alone.
-
Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid time off is highlighted as a strong part of the package, including specific praise from operations roles. Generous PTO contributes to a more favorable view of total rewards.
-
Healthcare Strength — Health insurance is called out positively alongside other core benefits. Strong coverage helps offset concerns about the cash components of pay.
Wise Insights
What We Do
Wise is a global technology company, building the best way to move and manage the world's money. With Wise Account and Wise Business, people and businesses can hold 40 currencies, move money between countries and spend money abroad. Large companies and banks use Wise technology too; an entirely new network for the world's money. Launched in 2011, Wise is one of the world’s fastest growing, profitable tech companies. In fiscal year 2025, Wise supported around 15.6 million people and businesses, processing over $185 billion in cross-border transactions and saving customers around $2.6 billion.
Why Work With Us
We’re truly global in who we are, how we work, and how we build. Everything we do is centred around creating a world of money that’s fast, easy, fair. And open to all. Everyone who works here owns a piece of Wise, from the work they do, to the stock they hold.
Gallery
.jpg)
_0.jpg)
_0.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Wise Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
We expect new joiners in the office most days to build connections and learn from colleagues for their first six months. After that, most Wisers split their working week between the office and home, typically coming in at least 12 times a month.
