Risk Manager

About the job
Job Description

About Us:

VALR is Africa’s largest crypto exchange by trade volume, founded in 2018 and headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa. Serving over 1 million users globally, including 1,100 corporate and institutional clients, we’re licensed by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa, with additional approvals to offer services in Europe and initial approval from Dubai’s VARA.

VALR distinguishes itself with a customer-first philosophy, delivering secure, transparent, and innovative solutions for both professional and retail traders.

Our Vision

Our vision is to create a world where finance unites rather than divides. Our name, derived from the word “valour” without distinction between American and British English, symbolises our commitment to universal values of courage, ethical integrity, and the intrinsic worth of every human being. These values drive us to design a platform that breaks down financial barriers, making it as seamless to send value across borders as it is to send an email.

Our Mission

At our core, we’re a values-driven exchange, dedicated to building a financial ecosystem that serves all of humanity. We believe in simplifying the complex world of crypto and blockchain to make it accessible to everyone, bridging the gap between traditional finance and the blockchain-powered future.

We’re Dedicated To

Serving all Humanity: Inspired by the adage “it is expensive to be poor,” we’re committed to creating a financial ecosystem accessible to all, challenging the status quo and reducing the frictions of outdated systems.
Promoting for Unity: Our platform reflects our belief in a socio-financial evolution. We envision a future where the global community is not defined by national boundaries but united by a shared vision of justice and prosperity.

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.

Job Responsibilities

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.
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 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).

Risk Manager