Job Description

Who we are?

Sanlam Investments Group is one of South Africa's largest investment management companies. We have a performance history spanning over 100 years, and offer a range of investment and financial planning solutions to protect and grow the long-term wealth of our clients.

We take particular pride in:

• Sanlam's longevity and innovation

• People, teamwork and values

• A culture of diversity and commitment to growing our own timber

• Our robust, tested and proven pragmatic investment process and philosophy

Our local and offshore investment products cover the full investment spectrum: active and passive; single and multi-manager - both locally and internationally. Our active funds range are managed according to our pragmatic value investing style.

About Sanlam Collective Investments:

Sanlam Collective Investments (SCI) was established in 1967 as a full Sanlam subsidiary. Sanlam Collective Investments manages funds of about R280 billion on behalf of more than 250 000 investors. Other renowned financial services companies have also partnered with us to offer third-party funds. In these cases, the third-party funds are distributed and promoted by the respective financial services companies, whereas Sanlam Collective Investments is responsible for client administration and compliance.

About the Position:

We are currently looking for a skilled Forensic Analyst to join our team. The primary responsibility of the chosen candidate will be to analyze daily investor transactions and other interactions with our company (SCI) in order to identify potential attempts at defrauding legitimate investors or the organization itself.

This role involves continuous data analysis to detect any suspicious activities that warrant investigation. The Forensic Analyst will work closely with Sanlam Forensic Services and collaborate with external service providers to keep up-to-date with the latest tactics used by fraudsters targeting the South African Unit Trust industry. The position requires strong quantitative, technical, and analytical skills as it involves striking a delicate balance between providing a smooth customer experience while simultaneously minimizing fraud risk and money laundering on real-time electronic platforms.

Furthermore, the Forensic Analyst will liaise with the relevant process owners to address any identified gaps that could be exploited during attempted fraud. They will recommend and implement more robust controls and early detection mechanisms to prevent fraudulent activities. Additionally, the person in this role will closely collaborate with the internal audit team to ensure the results of data analysis exercises are thoroughly reviewed, allowing them to proactively identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities. In summary, the Forensic Analyst will play a critical role in safeguarding the company and investor interests by detecting and preventing fraudulent activities while maintaining an efficient and secure customer experience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Analyzing investor transactions to identify possible areas which can be exploited to perpetrate fraud.
• Assisting in the redesign and implementation of improved operational processes pertaining to proactively detect & prevent successful fraud attempts.
• To assist in the end-to-end review of all controls (from a fraud perspective) in place for manual transactions/outsourced transaction processing & online platforms to ensure that the controls around all three channels are sufficiently robust to protect against fraud.
• Assist with resolving the root cause of incidents and internal audit findings pertaining to successful fraud attempts.
• Implementing exception reporting/dashboard indicating possible attempts at fraud - to enable a concentrated investigation into the specific case to commence.
• Consulting and engaging with relevant parties to identify industry trends and controls in place with competitors to detect & prevent fraud - and assessing whether additional controls need to be implemented and implementing the same accordingly.
• Identifying fraud patterns through monitoring of transactions.
• Assisting team members with guidance regarding possible fraud red flags when they perform their daily tasks.
• Assisting with providing source information for training material, reviewing training programs and training material timeously - pertaining to fraud.
• Working closely with Sanlam Investment Group (SIG) Compliance and Sanlam Group Compliance around the reporting of incidents and the sharing of information from SCI that could inform fraud modus operandi across the larger SIG and Sanlam Group.

Qualification and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as Commerce, Forensic Accounting, Computer Science, Finance, or a related discipline.
• At least 8 years of experience within the Financial Services Industry, with a minimum of 5 years of direct involvement in fraud investigation, mitigation activities and forensic analysis
• Proven experience in analyzing financial transactions, identifying fraud patterns, and working with forensic tools and software for data analysis and conducting data analysis to detect suspicious activities

Technical Competencies:

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Familiarity with real-time electronic platforms and their associated fraud risks.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of the South African Unit Trust Industry and understanding of fraud trends (advantageous).

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. Through its four business clusters - Sanlam Life and Savings, Sanlam Investment Group, Sanlam Emerging Markets, Santam, as well as MiWay and the Group Office - the group provides many opportunities for growth and development.

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.

Our commitment to transformation

The Sanlam Group is committed to achieving transformation and embraces diversity. This commitment is what drives us to achieve a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace as we believe that these are key components to ensure a thriving and sustainable business in South Africa. The Group's Employment Equity plan and targets will be considered as part of the selection process.

Sanlam