Chief Operating Officer (Financial Services)

Recruiter: Charm Recruitment Agency

Job Ref: CH005

Date posted: Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Salary: R1.3 million CTC to R1.5 million CTC per annum

SUMMARY: A globally recognised online trading broker, specializing in Forex (FX), CFDs, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies is looking for a COO with industry experience. Position is based in Cape Town CBD

POSITION INFO: Position Summary: This company is seeking an experienced and regulatory-compliant Chief Operating Officer (COO) to oversee the daily operations of the South African entity, ensuring optimal performance, compliance, and client service. The COO will play a pivotal role in strategic execution, operational excellence, and regulatory alignment. The Customer Service team will report directly into this role. Key Responsibilities: Operational Leadership

• Oversee all operational functions within the business to ensure efficiency, scalability, and profitability.
• Develop and implement operational strategies that align with overall business objectives.
• Manage relationships with liquidity providers, PSPs, technology vendors, and other key partners.
• Ensure seamless integration of operational systems and trading platforms (e.g., MT4/MT5, CRM tools). Customer Experience & Support
• Provide leadership and direction to the Customer Service team to ensure exceptional client experience across all touchpoints.
• Drive customer satisfaction KPIs, client retention, and feedback loops.
• Develop and maintain SOPs for client onboarding, support queries, issue escalation, and complaint resolution.
• Promote a client-centric culture across the operational teams. Regulatory & Compliance Oversight
• Ensure all operations comply with FSCA regulations and internal compliance standards.
• Serve as the operational liaison for internal and external audits.
• Maintain and monitor operational risk frameworks.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with FAIS requirements, including fit-and-proper status. Strategic Input & Execution
• Collaborate with the CEO and executive team on long-term strategic planning.
• Lead the implementation of initiatives to enhance revenue, reduce costs, and improve service delivery.
• Monitor key metrics and report on performance to the board and regulators, as needed. Required Qualifications & Experience: Education & Certifications
• RE1 and RE5 certification (RE1 is mandatory for key individuals; RE5 for representatives).
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
• FAIS-compliant and meet fit-and-proper requirements. Experience
• Minimum 5-8 years of operational leadership experience within the Forex or broader Financial Services sector.
• Strong understanding of FX trading platforms, market structure, regulatory frameworks, and operational risk.
• Demonstrated experience managing high-performing teams, including client facing functions. Key Skills & Competencies:
• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and operational execution skills.
• Deep understanding of FX trading lifecycle and associated compliance requirements.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Data-driven approach with a focus on KPIs and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work in a high-paced, regulated, and technology-driven environment. Preferred:
• Experience working within a Category I or II FSP regulated by the FSCA.
• Previous Key Individual (KI) experience will be a strong advantage.
• Familiarity with CRM systems, digital onboarding, and trading platforms like MT4/MT5.