Sanlam Financial Markets ("SFM") is the business unit in Sanlam Group that is responsible for managing shareholder credit, market, and liquidity risks, developing balance-sheet enabled products, and developing solutions to optimize Sanlam's balance sheet(s) to generate shareholder value.
Operating as Sanlam Structured Solutions, a division of Sanlam Investment Management, when dealing with third party clients, it prides itself on its ability to provide both best of breed and bespoke solutions.
Our specialized team has the systems, and ability to analyze, develop, implement, monitor and advise on derivative strategies which aim to enhance returns, provide protection and/or investing to meet obligations (asset liability matching).
What will you do?
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Chief Risk Officer (CRO) to lead the risk management framework of Sanlam Financial Markets (SFM), a specialist business unit within a global insurance group.
This unit is focused on managing shareholder financial risks, including Credit, Market, and Liquidity risks, alongside responsibilities for Asset Liability Management (ALM), Structuring, Balance Sheet Optimization, and Capital Management.
The CRO will play a critical role in aligning risk strategy with business objectives, ensuring financial stability, and being a trusted business partner in driving value creation for the Sanlam shareholders.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the development, implementation, and oversight of the unit's Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework, with a focus on Credit, Market, and Liquidity risks, and non-financial risks such as operational risk.
Establish and maintain a robust risk governance structure aligned with group-wide policies, regulatory requirements, and best practices.
Continually review risk appetite metrics used across the business, ensuring they remain fit for purpose and aligned with overall Group risk metrics.
Oversee the design and execution of risk identification, assessment, monitoring, and reporting processes.
Provide strategic guidance to senior management and the SFM Executive Committee on risk exposures and mitigation strategies.
Engage with regulatory bodies, rating agencies, and internal stakeholders to communicate the business' capital and risk management strategies.
Asset Liability Management (ALM)
Understand the risks arising from the ALM activities and set appetite within which these are to be managed, balancing considerations of risk exposure with practical implementation.
Oversee the management of interest rate risk, liquidity risk, and currency exposure to support the group's financial objectives and regulatory compliance.
Collaborate with Actuarial, Trading and Investment teams, Group Balance Sheet Management and finance teams to ensure alignment of ALM strategies with overall business goals.
Balance Sheet Optimization & Structuring
Collaborate with the Products and Structuring teams in assessing the risks in initiatives to optimize the Groups capital structure, liquidity, and funding strategies, ensuring optimal deployment of capital resources.
Evaluate and assist in implementing innovative financial structuring solutions to support business growth, improve capital efficiency, and enhance shareholder value.
Oversee the development of stress testing, scenario analysis, and contingency planning to assess potential impacts on the balance sheet.
Provide thought leadership on emerging risks, market developments, and regulatory changes affecting the business unit.
Foster a risk-aware culture across the organization, promoting collaboration and alignment between risk, finance, and business teams.
Lead and mentor a high-performing risk management team, ensuring continuous development and succession planning.
Qualification and Experience
Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Risk Management, or a related field.
Master's degree or professional qualifications (e.g., CFA, FRM, PRM) highly desirable.
10+ years of experience in risk management, asset liability management, or capital management within the financial services or insurance industry.
Proven track record of leadership in managing complex financial risks and optimizing balance sheets in a global, regulated environment.
Deep knowledge of IFRS 17, Solvency II, Basel III, and other relevant regulatory frameworks.
Strong analytical skills with expertise in financial modelling, scenario analysis, and stress testing.
Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior executives and Board members.
Experience in leading cross-functional teams and driving organizational change.
Knowledge and Skills
Risk Management in Financial Services environment.
Familiarity with Financial Markets products and risks borne by these.
Policy and strategy development and implementation.
Personal Attributes
Business insight.
Organisational savvy.
Manages complexity.
Plans and aligns.
Core Competencies
Cultivates innovation - Contributing strategically.
Customer focus - Contributing strategically.
Drives results - Contributing strategically.
Collaborates - Contributing strategically.
Being resilient - Contributing strategically.
Build a successful career with us
We're all about building strong, lasting relationships with our employees.
We know that you have hopes for your future – your career, your personal development and of achieving great things.
We pride ourselves in helping our employees to realise their worth.
Turnaround time
The shortlisting process will only start once the application due date has been reached.
The time taken to complete this process will depend on how far you progress and the availability of managers.
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