Job Description
Develop, implement and maintain VALR’s risk management framework. Alignment of framework to IRMSA guidelines and ISO 31000 principles. Maintain the overall risk management framework, policies and risk appetite statement. Conduct periodic risk assessments across all business functions.
Key Responsibilities
- Identify process gaps and operational vulnerabilities in exchange operations, customer onboarding, custody and trading systems.
- Implement controls and KPIs to monitor and mitigate operational risks.
- Assess exposure to market volatility and liquidity risks in spot, futures and other trading products.
- Collaborate with trading and treasury teams to develop risk limits and scenario analysis.
- Assess the creditworthiness of counterparties, including institutional clients, liquidity providers and off-chain custodians.
- Implement credit risk limits and monitoring tools.
- Ensure all risk programs comply with regulations and legislative guidance, including South African Reserve Bank (SARB) expectations, FSCA licensing obligations, and global VASP frameworks (e.g., FATF, MiCA, SEC, GDPR, IOSCO).
- Support the compliance team during regulatory audits and inquiries.
- Assist in incident investigations related to fraud, cyber threats or systemic failures.
- Provide timely and accurate risk reporting to executive leadership and regulators.
- Conduct training sessions to promote risk awareness across departments.
- Foster a strong internal control environment.
Job Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Risk Management, Legal, Compliance, Finance, Business, or a related field.
- Postgraduate qualification in Risk Management.
- IRMSA certification (e.g., CRM Prac, Organisational Risk Practitioner/Officer).
- Strong demonstrable understanding of ISO 31000 principles or general risk management principles.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in a risk management role, ideally within fintech, digital assets, or financial services.
- Strong understanding of crypto and financial markets, blockchain technology, and associated risk domains (custody, smart contracts, cybersecurity).
- Familiarity with GRC tools, risk registers, and data analytics software.
- Excellent communication, analytical and stakeholder management skills.
Benefits
- Innovative Work Environment: Engage with the latest blockchain technologies and tools in a rapidly evolving industry.
- Work from anywhere with secure, stable internet connectivity, allowing you to create your ideal workspace.
- Career Development: Benefit from an annual professional development allowance alongside scheduled company training sessions to keep you at the forefront of the crypto industry.
- Competitive Compensation: Competitive salaries that align with industry standards. When you contribute to our success, you’ll be rewarded with discretionary bonuses, recognising your impact on VALR’s growth.
- Diversity and Inclusion: A commitment to fostering a diverse workforce with initiatives that promote equity and belonging.
- Wellness: Employees are encouraged to strive for coherent and wholesome lives, fulfilling their work, personal, social, physical and spiritual goals to the best of their abilities. Compliance with statutory leave required by individual countries, in addition to flexible leave options.
- Impact and Contribution: At VALR, we believe in a financial system that recognises the oneness of humanity. Our mission is to break down financial barriers and promote universal values of courage, ethical integrity, and the intrinsic worth of every individual. Engage in initiatives that promote education and awareness about cryptocurrencies, ensuring that everyone has the tools and knowledge to participate in the evolving financial landscape.
- Dynamic Team Culture: Open communication and teamwork across departments, fostering innovation and creativity. Enjoy social gatherings outside of work to strengthen team bonds and boost morale.
- Global Exposure: Work with colleagues from around the world. Exposure to diverse perspectives and practices in the crypto space.
- Recognition and Rewards: Regular acknowledgement of employee accomplishments, fostering a culture of appreciation and motivation. Join us for retreats that blend professional development with team bonding in inspiring locations.
- Tools for Success: Receive a Mac laptop and a discretionary allowance to purchase all the extras needed for a productive home office—yours to keep after three years (terms and conditions apply).
