Job Description

Mission/ Core purpose of the Job
The Senior Specialist: FinTech LISO plays a vital role in ensuring the secure, compliant, and efficient operation of MTN SA's FinTech ecosystem from a legal, information security, and operational governance perspective. This role is focused on embedding rigorous governance and compliance practices within FinTech product lifecycles to safeguard MTN’s financial technology platforms against regulatory breaches, security threats, and operational risks.

The core purpose is to support the Senior Manager of Governance and Compliance by implementing, monitoring, and continuously improving frameworks, policies, and controls specific to the FinTech environment that comply with local and international regulations relevant to financial services, data protection, anti-fraud, and IT security.

Key Activities & Responsibilities
FinTech Governance and Compliance
Implement and enforce compliance frameworks specifically for FinTech products such as mobile money platforms.
Monitor FinTech services to ensure adherence to financial regulations and telecom-related regulatory requirements.
Support preparation for FinTech regulatory audits and regulatory reporting specific to FinTech operations.
Collaborate with compliance teams to address FinTech-specific regulatory changes and ensure timely adaptation.
Ensure FinTech operations comply with data privacy laws (e.g., POPIA, GDPR) affecting customer financial data.

FinTech Information Security
Apply and monitor security controls protecting FinTech assets including digital wallets, payment gateways, APIs, and transaction processing systems.
Conduct risk assessments focusing on FinTech-related security vulnerabilities such as fraud, data breaches, and transaction risks.
Participate in and lead the security design and implementation of all products across FinTech- design phase security and post implementation.
Ensure secure software development practices (Secure SDLC and DevSecOps) are followed in FinTech system development and maintenance.
Respond to FinTech security incidents, coordinating investigations and remediation with security and IT teams.
Promote FinTech security awareness among internal teams and relevant FinTech vendors.

FinTech Operational Risk and Controls
Identify and mitigate operational risks related to FinTech product lifecycles including fraud, transactional errors, and compliance deviations.
Support embedding operational control measures during FinTech product launches, upgrades, and major changes.
Monitor FinTech transaction processing and system availability to ensure operational integrity and regulatory compliance.
Maintain updated FinTech operational procedures that enforce security and compliance standards.

Vendor and Third-Party Compliance in FinTech
Support assessment and continuous monitoring of FinTech third-party vendors such as payment processors and technology providers for compliance with MTN FinTech policies.
Assist in reviewing FinTech vendor contracts to ensure inclusion of required compliance and security clauses.
Track vendor compliance performance and collaborate to resolve FinTech security or governance issues.

FinTech Regulatory Monitoring and Advisory
Stay informed on evolving FinTech regulations impacting MTN’s digital financial services.
Advise FinTech teams on regulatory changes and help incorporate these into product and operational practices.
Liaise with relevant regulators and FinTech industry bodies on compliance and governance matters.

Reporting and Documentation for FinTech
Compile and maintain documentation of FinTech compliance, security assessments, and governance activities.
Prepare FinTech governance and compliance reports for management and auditors highlighting risk status and control effectiveness.
Support FinTech audit preparations by organising required documentation and addressing audit queries.

FinTech Training and Awareness
Deliver FinTech-focused compliance and security training to FinTech business and IT teams.
Drive awareness campaigns on FinTech risks, controls, and regulatory requirements to foster a culture of secure and compliant FinTech operations

Education
Minimum of 3 year degree/diploma in Information Technology, Computer Science, Law, Finance, or related field.
Professional certifications in Information Security (CISA) or Governance/Risk Compliance (CISM, CRISC) advantageous.

Experience
Minimum 5 years experience in IT governance, information security, compliance, or FinTech operational risk environment.
Experience with FinTech products or financial services technology preferred.
Familiarity with regulatory frameworks such as POPIA, GDPR or equivalent financial regulations.
Experience supporting governance and compliance programs without direct people management accountability.

Skills
Strong understanding of IT security, risk management, and compliance frameworks.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and attention to detail skills.
Effective communicator with strong stakeholder management capabilities.
Ability to interpret and apply complex regulatory requirements in a FinTech context.
Self-motivated and able to multitask while working independently.
Knowledge of agile and design thinking methodologies is an advantage.

As part of MTN’s recruitment process, your personal information may be processed using secure Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to assist with the shortlisting of candidates. This is done in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). By applying for this position, you consent to the processing of your personal information for recruitment purposes. All data will be handled securely and used solely for evaluating suitability for the role.

We are a purpose and value-led organization.

At MTN, we believe that understanding our people’s needs and aspirations is key to creating experiences that delight you at work, everyday. We are committed to fostering an environment where every member of our Y’ello Family is heard, understood and empowered to live an inspired life.

Our values keep us grounded and moving in the right direction. Most importantly, they keep us honest. It is not something we claim to be. It is in our DNA.

As an organisation, we consider it our mission to create an exciting and rewarding place to work, where our people can be themselves, thrive in positivity and ignite their full potential. A workplace that boosts creativity and innovation, improves productivity, and ultimately drives meaningful results. A workplace that is built on relationships and achieving a purpose that is bigger than us. This is what we want you to experience with us!

Our commitments go beyond an organisational promise. It is in our leadership and managerial ethos to meaningfully partner with our employees, customers and stakeholders with a vision to realise our shared goals.

We are delighted that you are considering us as your career partner to make a mark in the world. We look forward to your application!