Due Diligence Associate Specialist

Discovery Group Compliance- FAIS Centre of Excellence Due diligence Associate Specialist About Discovery Discovery’s core purpose is to make people healthier and to enhance and protect their lives. We seek out and invest in exceptional individuals who understand and support our core purpose, and whose own values align with those of Discovery. Our fast-paced and dynamic environment enables smart, self-driven people to be their best. As global thought leaders, Discovery is passionate about innovating in order to not only achieve financial success, but to ignite positive and meaningful change within our society. Key Purpose The FAIS Centre of Excellence is a compliance function within Group Compliance that provides compliance oversight and advisory services to Discovery FSPs, Key Individuals, and Representatives. The purpose of this role is to assess the quality of financial advice provided by Representatives ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, internal policies, Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) principles, and industry best practices. The role involves assessing client files, identifying regulatory and conduct risks, and preparing clear, concise assessment reports with findings and recommendations. The incumbent must have a clear and in depth understanding of the Discovery shared value model and the specific businesses within scope, to be able to make decision that will drive compliance deliverables and promotes successful outcomes to these business areas. Strong relationships with Distribution business stakeholders are essential to foster trust, provide effective compliance guidance, and support initiatives that align with business and regulatory requirements. Areas of responsibility The successful candidate will be required, primarily, but not limited to: Conduct quality of advice assessments to evaluate compliance with FAIS, regulatory requirements, TCF principles, and recognised financial planning methodologies. Review client files and supporting documentation to assess whether representatives have appropriately applied the seven-step financial planning process and delivered suitable, appropriate, and complete financial advice. Identify gaps, deficiencies, compliance risks, control weaknesses, emerging trends, and training needs arising from advice assessments. Provide practical recommendations and guidance to representatives to improve advice quality, documentation standards, and financial planning practices. Prepare clear and timely assessment reports, communicating findings, recommendations, and required corrective actions to Compliance Officers, management, and relevant stakeholders. Monitor the implementation of corrective actions and escalate significant breaches, recurring issues, or emerging risks where necessary. Build and maintain effective relationships with Key Individuals, representatives, juristic representatives, management, and other stakeholders to promote a strong compliance culture. Recommend enhancements to advice processes, controls, systems, and procedures to strengthen advice quality and regulatory compliance. Stay up to date with FSCA guidance, legislative developments, and industry trends affecting financial advice and intermediary services. Support compliance awareness and training initiatives to improve advice quality and regulatory compliance across the business. Perform administrative duties and ensure adherence to standard operating procedures, service level agreements, team objectives, and productivity targets. Education and Experience 3 years of working experience in a financial services compliance role Relevant tertiary education Recognised compliance qualification from accredited institution Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Member of CISA, FPI would be advantageous. Skills and Personal Attributes Sound knowledge of South African FAIS legislation, financial products and the financial planning and advice process. Strong analytical and attention-to-detail skills to identify risks, gaps and trends. Highly process-driven, delivering accurate and consistent reviews in line with established quality and compliance standards. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate findings, provide constructive feedback, and produce professional reports. Ability to maintain concentration for extended periods and delivering quality results, while meeting operational deadlines. EMPLOYMENT EQUITY The Company’s approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply.