The Role
About Wahed:
Wahed is a global investing platform with a mission to reduce financial inequality and exclusion through values-based, Shariah-compliant financial solutions. Headquartered in New York, we provide digital investment services to retail clients across multiple international markets. We are building the future of ethical finance—transparent, inclusive, and accessible to everyone. As we launch our presence in South Africa, we’re looking for purpose-driven professionals to join our fast-growing, digital-first startup. At Wahed, you will find a collaborative global culture, bold vision, and the opportunity to build something that truly matters.
Job Brief:
We are seeking a motivated and adaptable Key Individual (KI) to support the successful launch and expansion of Wahed’s investment business in South Africa. In addition to overseeing the regulatory responsibilities of our licensed FSP, this role will play a hands-on part in broader business functions including Operations, KYC, Marketing, and Sales.
You will be instrumental in setting up our South African entity, onboarding financial advisors, driving early growth, and ensuring our services meet both FSCA compliance and Wahed’s global ethical standards. The ideal candidate thrives in a startup environment, understands the financial services landscape, and is passionate about delivering inclusive, Shariah-compliant investment solutions.
Job Description:
- Act as the approved Key Individual (KI) under FSCA requirements for a Category I FSP
- Lead the end-to-end setup of compliance infrastructure, onboarding of representatives, and engagement with the FSCA
- Ensure full compliance with FAIS and FSCA regulations, including the General Code of Conduct, Fit and Proper requirements, and CPD standards
- Oversee day-to-day compliance and governance functions, including internal controls, advice monitoring, and reporting
- Collaborate with global teams to adapt Wahed’s compliance systems, KYC protocols, and digital tools to the South African market
- Contribute to the development and execution of local marketing, community engagement, and sales strategies
- Support the hiring, training, and development of financial advisors and operational staff
- Provide compliance oversight on customer communications, digital content, and local campaigns
- Participate in partner onboarding and relationship management with product providers and vendors
- Help shape product-market fit by sharing market feedback with product and strategy teams
- Respond to regulatory and client complaints, manage FSCA audits and correspondence
- Be a key ambassador of Wahed’s values and ethical finance mission in the South African ecosystem
Job Specification:
- Minimum NQF Level 5 qualification in a Financial Services-related field
- Minimum 3 years’ experience managing or overseeing a licensed FSP
- Approved FSCA Key Individual for a Category I FSP
- RE1 and RE5 certifications
- Class of Business (COB) training (Life and/or Short-Term Insurance), unless exempt
- CPD requirements must be met and maintained
- Experience in compliance, operational setup, or launch environments within startups, fintech, or investment platforms
- Familiarity with KYC, onboarding, and AML processes
- Strong communication and project management skills
- Knowledge of, or a passion for, Shariah-compliant and ethical investing
- Ability to work flexibly across departments (compliance, operations, sales, marketing) in a startup environment
- Valid driver’s license and own transport
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The Company
What We Do
Wahed Inc. (“Wahed”, “Wahed Invest”), is an Ethical and values driven digital investment platform. The platform provides access to diversified portfolios to residents of the US, UK and Malaysia.
