INTRODUCTION

Integrated Payment Systems Limited (IPSL) is a real-time payment services company established in 2017 under the National Payment System (NPS) Act, to address the challenge of inter-bank money transfers in Kenya. Our ecosystem has evolved tremendously since then and today it consists of banks, micro-finance banks, payment service providers (PSPs), savings and credit cooperative societies (SACCOs) and telcos. We provide real-time, secure, and instant money transfer rails 24/7, 365, under the brand name Pesalink. This has remained an exciting reality for consumers across all Pesalink participants, accessible through various digital banking platforms.

JOB SUMMARY

The Chief Governance, Risk & Compliance Officer (CGRCO) provides strategic and operational leadership in establishing a strong enterprise risk culture, ensuring regulatory compliance, safeguarding the Pesalink Scheme's integrity, and protecting the organisation’s reputation and sustainability. The role leads the development of the governance and risk framework, directs regulatory engagement, and advises the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Board of Directors on governance, risk exposure and risk-informed strategic and compliance decisions.

EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

• At least 15+ years' progressive experience in governance, risk management, compliance, regulatory affairs, audit, or legal in a regulated environment.
• Demonstrated leadership at senior management or executive committee level.
• Proven experience engaging with regulators and industry stakeholders.
• Bachelor’s degree is required; A Master’s degree is an added advantage. Professional certifications (e.g., CRMP, CISA, ACAMS) strongly preferred

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Strategic Leadership and ability to shape organizational direction.
• Strong understanding of financial services regulation and risk frameworks
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders, Boards, regulators, and external partners.
• High integrity and sound ethical judgment under pressure.
• Strong analytical and advisory skills.
• Demonstrated expertise in Enterprise Risk Strategy development and Regulatory Negotiation.

• Strategic Risk Leadership - Define and lead the enterprise-wide risk strategy; ensure risk considerations are embedded in strategic planning, product development, partnerships, and market expansion decisions.
• Risk Governance & Culture - Champion a proactive risk and compliance culture across the organisation; provide guidance to senior leaders on risk appetite, risk ownership, and ethical decision-making.
• Policy and Procedures Framework Leadership - Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the enterprise-wide policy and procedures framework. Determine the governance and compliance policies required; including AML, CTF, Data Protection, and Consumer Protection, and work with policy owners to develop, review, and institutionalize them. Ensure all policies and procedures are forward-looking, risk-based, and fully aligned with the National Payment System Act, evolving regulatory expectations, and international best practices. Maintain a structured review cycle to keep frameworks current and provide assurance to the CEO and Board on their effective implementation and adherence across the organization
• Executive & Board Advisory - Present risk assessments, emerging risks, regulatory implications, and mitigation strategies to the CEO, Executive Committee, and Board.
• Regulatory Strategy & Engagement - Serve as the liaison with the Central Bank of Kenya and other regulators; influence regulatory outcomes by providing thought leadership, policy interpretation, and industry positioning.
• Scheme Governance Oversight- Ensure Pesalink Scheme Rules, standards, and membership requirements are clear, current, and enforced; provide assurance of operational integrity and participant compliance across the ecosystem.
• Legal & Compliance Leadership - Oversee legal risk management, contract governance, compliance frameworks and dispute resolution; ensure alignment with statutory and scheme obligations.
• Risk Response & Resilience Planning - Lead enterprise resilience planning, including contingency strategies, incident response, fraud risk controls, and business continuity frameworks.
• Team Leadership & Development- Build, mentor, and lead high-performing risk, compliance, and information security teams; ensure capability development, succession planning, and professional excellence across the function.

• Strategic Leadership and ability to shape organizational direction.
• Strong understanding of financial services regulation and risk frameworks
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders, Boards, regulators, and external partners.
• High integrity and sound ethical judgment under pressure.
• Strong analytical and advisory skills.
• Demonstrated expertise in Enterprise Risk Strategy development and Regulatory Negotiation.

• Bachelor’s degree is required; A Master’s degree is an added advantage.
• Professional certifications (e.g., CRMP, CISA, ACAMS) strongly preferred