Head – Forensic Investigation – ()
Description
Equity Bank is one of the region’s leading banks whose purpose is to transform the lives and livelihoods of the people of Africa socially and economically by availing them modern and inclusive financial services that maximize their opportunities. With a strong footprint in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan and DRC Congo, Equity Bank is now home to over 12 million customers – the largest customer base in Africa. Currently the Bank is seeking additional talent to serve in the role of Head – Forensic Investigation.
Job Purpose Statement
The purpose of the Head Forensic Investigations is to lead and manage the bank’s forensic investigation function, ensuring the effective detection, investigation, and resolution of financial crimes, fraud, misconduct, and other breaches of internal policies and regulatory requirements. The role is critical in safeguarding the bank’s integrity, assets, and reputation.
The purpose of the Head Forensic Investigations is to lead and manage the bank’s forensic investigation function, ensuring the effective detection, investigation, and resolution of financial crimes, fraud, misconduct, and other breaches of internal policies and regulatory requirements. The role is critical in safeguarding the bank’s integrity, assets, and reputation.
Key Accountabilities
Strategic Leadership
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and implement the bank’s forensic investigation strategy aligned with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
- Lead high-profile and complex investigations across the bank’s operations, including fraud, corruption, money laundering, and insider threats.
- Advise senior management and the board on investigation outcomes, risk exposures, and mitigation strategies.
Operational Oversight
- Manage the end-to-end investigation process: case intake, planning, evidence gathering, analysis, reporting, and closure.
- Ensure investigations are conducted ethically, objectively, and in compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
- Maintain a secure and confidential case management system.
Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
- Liaise with internal departments (Legal, Compliance, HR, Audit, IT Security) and external stakeholders (law enforcement, regulators, forensic consultants).
- Represent the bank in regulatory inquiries and legal proceedings related to investigations.
Risk Management & Prevention
- Identify systemic issues and recommend control enhancements to prevent recurrence.
- Support the development of fraud risk assessments and anti-fraud programs.
- Conduct training and awareness programs on fraud prevention and ethical conduct. Reporting & Governance
- Prepare detailed investigation reports with findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
- Present periodic reports to senior management, audit committees, and regulators.
- Ensure proper documentation and archiving of investigation records.
Qualifications
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in law, Accounting, Finance, Criminology, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
- Professional certifications such as CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner), CPA, CIA, or equivalent.
- Minimum 10 years of experience in forensic investigations, preferably in banking or financial services.
- Proven leadership experience in managing complex investigations and teams.
Work Experience:
- Extensive experience in security, investigations, or law enforcement, preferably in a corporate setting.
- Prior experience in a leadership role, managing security and investigation teams.
- Experience in conducting internal investigations related to fraud, misconduct, or security breaches.
- Background in developing and implementing security policies and procedures.
- Experience in liaising with regulatory authorities and law enforcement agencies.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong analytical and investigative skills.
- Deep understanding of banking operations, financial crime typologies, and regulatory frameworks (e.g., AML, FATCA, GDPR).
- Excellent communication, report writing, and presentation skills.
- High ethical standards, discretion, and integrity.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage sensitive issues with tact.
Technical Competences.
- Risk Assessment: Ability to assess security risks and vulnerabilities across various business sectors within the group.
- Security Technology: Familiarity with security technologies such as access control systems, CCTV, intrusion detection systems, and cybersecurity tools.
- Compliance: Knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements specific to banking, insurance, healthcare, and other relevant industries.
- Investigation Techniques: Proficiency in conducting thorough internal investigations, including evidence collection, interviewing, and report writing.
- Crisis Management: Ability to develop and implement crisis management plans to address security incidents and emergencies.
