About Krutham

Krutham is a mission-driven research and consulting firm dedicated to tackling complex challenges in financial markets, development and policy. We partner with investors, financial institutions and policymakers to deliver high-impact outcomes across South Africa and other emerging markets. Recognised for the quality of our work and the calibre of our people, we provide a high-performance environment where PhDs, MBAs and CFA charterholders collaborate to achieve meaningful results.

The role

South Africa has a real chance to reshape how its financial sector competes for international capital. We are looking for someone who has sat on the policymaking side of the table to help make that happen. We are hiring a Head of Financial Sector Policy to lead our work where financial regulation, industry and government meet.

This is a senior role. You will engage as a peer with the chief executives and boards of financial services companies, senior officials at the regulators and government, and politicians. About half of your time will be dedicated to Operation Phumelela, an industry-led initiative to improve the international competitiveness of South Africa’s financial sector, for which Krutham serves as secretariat. Operation Phumelela coordinates industry to work with the regulators and policy-makers on reforms that make South Africa a more attractive place to manage, invest and transact international capital, including the proposed Synthetic Financial Centre.

The balance of your time will go to leading and supporting Krutham’s projects in impact investing and other financial services themes, with a focus on regulatory development. You will report to the principal for impact capital and be based at our head office in Sandton, Johannesburg or our office in Cape Town.

Requirements

Essential

• Experience in a financial sector policymaking role at a financial sector regulator or supervising department.
• At least 10 years’ experience in financial sector policy, regulation or related advisory work.
• A postgraduate degree in economics, finance, law, public policy or a related field. A PhD or legal qualification is advantageous.
• Deep working knowledge of South Africa’s financial sector regulatory architecture, including the Twin Peaks framework, exchange control and the process by which legislation, regulations and circulars are developed and issued.
• A track record of turning policy analysis into drafted rules, circulars, legislation or formal submissions.
• The credibility and presence to engage chief executives, boards, ministers and parliamentary committees, and to chair working groups of senior industry experts.

Desirable

• Excellent writing skills, with the ability to move from a technical comment letter to a persuasive op-ed.
• A strong network across the regulators, National Treasury and the financial services industry.
• Knowledge of, or a strong interest in, impact investing, outcomes-based finance, retirement fund regulation or capital market development.
• Sound judgement and discretion in handling confidential and market-sensitive information, and the ability to advocate for reform while preserving the trust of regulators.

Key responsibilities

Operation Phumelela (about 50%)

• Drive the policy and regulatory reform agenda, working with the regulators and policy makers to move reforms from proposal to implementation.
• Draft and review regulatory proposals, comment letters and technical papers, including detailed drafting of regulatory provisions.
• Lead and co-ordinate working groups of industry experts, and prepare papers and presentations for the steering committee.
• Build and maintain relationships with industry leaders, regulators, senior officials and politicians.
• Track regulatory, legislative and tax policy developments relevant to the sector’s competitiveness, including through the budget cycle.
• Represent Operation Phumelela at public forums, webinars and in the media.

Impact investing and financial sector policy (about 50%)

• Lead regulatory development work in impact investing and outcomes-based finance, including the policy frameworks that allow outcomes funds, blended finance and private capital to support development priorities.
• Support projects across other financial services themes, such as retirement fund and investment regulation, infrastructure finance, financial inclusion, banking policy and capital market development.
• Produce high-quality policy analysis, client reports and submissions to regulators and policymakers.
• Contribute to business development by identifying opportunities, shaping proposals and building Krutham’s profile in financial sector policy.
• Mentor and develop junior analysts in the team.

Application process

To apply: Submit a comprehensive, personally written, cover letter and a CV of no more than four pages

In your cover letter, please address:

• Your experience in a policymaking role at the SARB, the FSCA or National Treasury, and the most significant policy or regulatory change you helped deliver
• Your notice period and availability to start.

Application deadline: 29 November 2026

Please note: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position may be filled before the closing date if exceptional candidates are identified.