Departmental Head: Frontline Conduct Supervision at FSCA South Africa

Purpose of the Job:


The Department Head is responsible for providing strategic leadership and regulatory oversight of retirement funds and benefit administrators on behalf of the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). The role is accountable for ensuring the effective and efficient processing of regulatory notifications and applications, directing risk-based supervisory activities, overseeing statutory interventions, and promoting sound governance and compliance within the retirement funds industry. The incumbent plays a key role in the development and implementation of governance standards, member protection initiatives, and regulatory guidance, while working closely with internal and external stakeholders to manage risks and strengthen regulatory compliance. The person appointed to this position will report to the Divisional Executive: Retirement Funds Supervision.


Key Performance Areas:


To ensure that the finances of department are managed in a responsible manner with the overall aim of achieving budget objectives;
To strategically direct the analysis of statutory returns, submissions and reports from retirement funds and benefit administrators;
To implement measures to ensure notifications and applications (including applications for exemptions and extensions) are processed in an efficient and effective manner;
To strategically direct the planning and execution of risk-based supervisory activities in relation to active funds benefit administrators and employers non-compliant with section 13A of the PFA;
To provide guidance to and facilitate compliance by regulated entities and persons;
To strategically direct the appointment, replacement and removal of statutory managers and section 26 boards;
To ensure accountability of and effective oversight over statutory managers, section 26 boards and trustees;
To develop, implement, and oversee governance principles, standards, and regulatory guidance for retirement funds, including drafting Guidance Notices and Conduct Standards in terms of the FSRA.
To monitor and assess compliance with the six Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) outcomes.
To oversee and enforce compliance with Section 13A of the PFA, including developing project plans in this regard.
To provide input on and oversee implementation of new legislation and Conduct Standards, including developing implementation plans in this regard.
To support the development, training (including the Trustee Training Toolkit), and have oversight of the conduct of trustees, including the evaluation and application of appropriate sanctions where trustee misconduct is identified.
To provide regulatory advice, opinions, and case support to the Retirement Funds Supervision Division and the Office of the General Counsel, including presentations to the Regulatory Action Forum (RAF) and assistance with Tribunal matters.
To ensure effective internal and external stakeholder management;
To provide capacity building support and leadership;
To consistently and properly apply the FSCA Performance Management System to all employees in the Department.


Other Key Competencies:


The applicant must demonstrate the following skills and attributes: attention to detail, analytical mind, active listening, critical thinking, strong interest in research-related activities, high security appetite, excellent communication skills (verbal and written), innovative and strategic thinking. The following abilities are a must for the position: ability to work effectively under pressure with multiple stakeholders and in a professional manner; forward-looking and strategic minded, with an in-depth ability to understand potential risks, legal and compliance implications; ability to manage pressures of a large workload and to work independently and in a team; and ability to keep up-to-date with local and international developments and trends in the regulatory and supervisory space.


Requirements


A Degree in Law or Commerce or equivalent qualification; with at least 10 years relevant working experience within the retirement funds industry or the financial sector; of which 5 years must be at a management level. Knowledge and understanding of the Pension Funds Act, 1956 (PFA) and the Financial Sector Regulation Act, 2017 (FSRA) is a prerequisite. A post-graduate or professional qualification will be an added advantage.


Closing Date: 22 July 2026.