Who we are:
Mama Money is a growth stage fintech startup working to help migrant workers in South Africa send money home. Since 2015 we have been providing reliable remittances, at a socially fair price, to those that need it most.
Mama HQ is in beautiful Cape Town, South Africa. We are 131 people strong (and counting) from 19 countries across Africa, Asia, the UK, and Europe. Our culture is built around the well-being of our team members and making a difference in our communities. “Just be lekker!” personifies our approach to work: we trust the wisdom of our talented and diverse team to do what is best for our customers and get the job done responsibly, without pedantic policies.
We’re looking for an experienced leader who has acquired considerable expertise in compliance, governance, and the financial regulation field, with a strong focus on AML and international money transfer. You will ensure that Mama Money, its affiliates, its customers and its partners are protected from any damage that might result from the failure to comply with regulatory obligations and our own internal procedures regarding Financial Crime while taking into account our risk appetite. You will ensure we keep improving our frameworks and processes. You will report to the co-founder.
As our Head of FinCrime & Compliance, you will be responsible for:
- Management of Regulatory Affairs:
- Be responsible for the management of our regulatory affairs, including regulatory compliance.
- Take over the maintenance and potential expansion of our multiple licences in multiple jurisdictions globally.
- Monitor and interpret new and existing laws, regulations, and industry standards affecting the organisation.
- Ensure the companies' activities comply with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies, particularly regarding relevant financial and regulatory frameworks.
- Liaise with regulatory bodies and manage regulatory inspections, audits, and inquiries.
- AML Management:
- Develop and enhance Mama Money's compliance framework and rules using a risk-based, strategic approach.
- Oversee AML team activities, including investigations, regulatory reporting, and customer/payment screening.
- Manage agent and partner due diligence processes.
- Assess risks associated with clients, financial instruments, and services, updating systems and procedures as needed.
- Align the AML program with regulatory changes and business strategy, ensuring efficient, automated workflows.
- Implement improvements that consider customer experience, agent network, and overall business performance.
- Regularly review and update AML policies and procedures.
- Support expansion into new products and territories by engaging with regulators and integrating regulatory considerations into strategic decisions.
- Advise on corrective actions and inform senior management of policy gaps.
- Financial Crime Prevention:
- Be passionate about protecting our customers and our company from fraudsters.
- Provide recommendations to minimise business fraud risks.
- Support negotiations and recovery efforts.
- Design and implement fraud prevention processes.
- Manage daily operations of the fraud investigations team.
- Conduct fraud risk assessments for new products/services.
- Investigate fraud cases and draft related policies/procedures.
- Analyse data and prepare intelligence reports for management.
- Develop and deliver anti-fraud training materials.
- Address fraud risk management inquiries from business units.
- Technical Leadership:
- Utilise systems thinking and data analysis for informed decision-making.
- Own the implementation, management, and enhancement of compliance systems.
- Drive technical understanding and data analysis for AML and fraud prevention.
- Enhance technical capabilities within the Compliance department.
In your first 90 days at Mama a you will:
- Understand our business, products, corridors, transaction patterns, existing rules and framework, and regulatory obligations.
- Do your first risk assessment of our business from a compliance perspective, identify gaps and propose mitigation strategies.
- Get to know the compliance team, the senior management team, and the overall people in our organisation.
About you:
- Degree or above in law, data, compliance, criminology or related field.
- Five years of relevant experience in banking, financial or crypto sectors.
- Familiar with case investigation, fraud risk controls, regulatory requirements and market practices.
- Good data analytical, interpersonal and communication skills.
- Self-motivated and able to work under pressure.
- You have implemented and actively managed rules for multiple fraud prevention, customer and transaction screening, and monitoring systems.
- You are the compliance champion within the business and the business champion within the compliance sphere.
- You have worked for a fast-growing remittance, payments or crypto FinTech.
Why Mama?
At Mama Money, we’re not just a company—we’re a movement. Everything we do is driven by one purpose: to make life better for our customers and the communities we serve. Our customers are our heartbeat, and they inspire every step we take.
We’re all about making it easy. No red tape, no hassle. Just simple, seamless experiences that put people first. Whether it’s through clear, down-to-earth communication or groundbreaking solutions that push the boundaries, we’re here to make things easier, faster, and better for you.
We believe in giving it a go—and then giving it another go if we have to! We're a team of doers, dreamers, and innovators who aren't afraid to break the mold. We take bold steps, experiment with fresh ideas, and never stop learning. We embrace challenges because we know they help us grow—both as a company and as individuals.
At Mama Money, we own it—and we mean it. We take responsibility for our actions, our results, and how we show up every day. No passing the buck here. We approach every challenge with grit, passion, and determination, making sure our work reflects the care and respect we have for our customers, our team, and our mission.
Here’s the best part: Mama Money is a place that truly cares. We care about the trust our customers place in us. We care about our amazing team who bring their best every day. And we care about making an impact in the world, doing the right thing no matter what. We focus on what really matters—leaving behind the bureaucracy, ego, and noise that slow others down.
When you join Mama Money, you’re not just joining a company—you’re joining a community. We’re a passionate, down-to-earth crew that works hard and celebrates wins (big and small) along the way. We take our work seriously, but we don’t forget to have fun while we do it.
So, if you’re ready to make a real difference, take on exciting challenges, and grow in a place where you’re valued and supported, then Mama Money is the place for you. Let’s make an impact—together.
Mama’s values:
1. Making it easier for our customers
2. Give it a go
3. Just own it
NB: Applications only open to candidates in Cape Town, or candidates who are actively looking to relocate at their own expense.
