Regional Regulatory Affairs & Compliance Specialist – West Africa

About the role

Optasia is seeking a Regional Regulatory Affairs & Compliance Specialist to support its fintech platform across West Africa. The role will act as the first line of defence, helping the company navigate regulatory changes, reporting obligations and prudential guidelines while fostering a culture of ethics and compliance.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as the primary contact with regulators in the assigned West African portfolio, proactively managing the impact of new regulations on operations.
• Lead horizon‑scanning activities to identify upcoming regulatory changes and communicate early‑warning signals to internal teams.
• Support the Head of Regulatory Affairs & Compliance and Regional Compliance Managers in developing and executing the regulatory strategy.
• Monitor ongoing compliance with laws, regulations and prudential guidelines, and conduct structured assessments of regulatory risk exposure.
• Assist in building and maintaining a robust compliance governance framework, including training, awareness programmes and internal communications.
• Develop marketing materials, training programmes and presentations that align with regulatory requirements.
• Perform general administrative duties related to regulatory reporting and information gathering.

Required profile

• Proven experience in regulatory affairs or compliance within the financial services or fintech sector.
• Strong knowledge of West African regulatory environments affecting micro‑finance and digital financial services.
• Ability to engage effectively with regulators and internal stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical skills to assess regulatory risk and develop mitigation plans.
• Fluent in English; additional local language skills are a plus.

Required skills