Risk and Compliance Graduate

Calling all grads If you’re newly qualified and ready to launch your career from the best starting point possible, this one’s for you. Sanlam is looking for bright, curious and driven graduates to join our Risk and Compliance Graduate talent pool. At Sanlam, your career does not start with a soft launch. From day one, you’ll be exposed to real work, real projects and real learning opportunities that help you build confidence, grow your skills and make a tangible difference. You’ll work alongside experienced professionals, collaborate with colleagues across the business, and gain insight into how one of Africa’s leading financial services groups manages risk, governance and compliance in a complex and evolving environment.

Who are we?

Sanlam was established in South Africa as a life insurance company and has since grown into a diverse financial services group. Today, Sanlam is one of the largest insurance organisations and has the biggest non-banking financial services footprint on the African continent. The Group’s business clusters house our business operations (Sanlam Life and Savings, Sanlam Investments, Sanlam Allianz, Santam), while the Group Office provides strategic direction and support to the clusters, helping them realise their strategies and meet their business objectives.

Sanlam has also been recognised as a Top 5 Employer, reflecting our continued commitment to creating a workplace where people are cared for, supported and empowered to grow.

What will you do?

As a Risk and Compliance Graduate, you’ll support a team of professionals within Sanlam while developing your understanding of the regulatory, statutory and legal environment that shapes our business. You’ll be encouraged to ask questions, contribute ideas and learn by doing. The role may include collecting, compiling and analysing complex information, supporting compliance-related processes, assisting with documentation, and helping teams consider the implications of decisions in a responsible and well-governed way. In short: you’ll gain practical experience, build your professional confidence and start developing the skills needed to grow in a risk and compliance career.

What will make you successful in this role?

You will have the opportunity to get involved in practical work that supports the business and gives you meaningful exposure to risk and compliance in action, including:

• Drafting of facility terms sheets
• Documentary and facility compliance
• Assisting, where necessary, in commercial progress payments and/or development loan recons
• Following up with external clients for outstanding information, and, where necessary, obtaining this information
• Requesting valuations

Qualification and Experience

• Relevant legal/risk/compliance qualification
• A strong interest in governance, regulation, risk management and financial services
• A willingness to learn, ask questions and take ownership of your development

Knowledge and Skills

You’ll bring, or be keen to build, knowledge and skills in:

• Handle and resolve ad-hoc complaints, inquiries, and investigations
• Compliance and Risk Management monitoring
• Sound knowledge and understanding of the regulatory and statutory environment
• Financial plans and risk management plans

Personal Attributes

We’re looking for graduates who are ready to learn, contribute and grow. You’ll thrive in this role if you:

• Balance stakeholder needs with professionalism and care
• Make considered decisions and show sound judgement
• Demonstrate curiosity and business insight
• Plan, prioritise and follow through
• Pay attention to detail
• Work well with others and build strong relationships

Values

At Sanlam, how we work matters as much as what we do. Our values guide the way we show up for our clients, colleagues and communities:

• Care
• Collaboration
• Innovation
• Integrity

Our commitment to transformation

The Sanlam Group is committed to transformation, diversity and inclusion. This commitment drives us to build a workplace that reflects the society we serve. Our Employment Equity plan and targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. We are also committed to creating opportunities for people living with disabilities and building an inclusive environment where everyone can participate, contribute and grow.

Build a successful career with us

We’re all about building strong, lasting relationships with our employees. We know you have hopes for your future and ambitions for your career, and we take pride in helping our people realise their worth. As part of Sanlam, you’ll have access to opportunities for development, mentorship, collaboration and career growth across a broad and diverse group. You’ll be surrounded by experienced colleagues, supported by development initiatives, and encouraged to explore where your skills can take you. This is your chance to grow your CV, build your confidence and be part of a company where your career can get going — and keep going.

Turnaround times

Please note that this is a talent pool campaign and not an active vacancy. Shortlisting and selection will only take place when a suitable Risk and Compliance Graduate opportunity becomes available. By applying, you are registering your interest to be considered for future opportunities. Applications close 31 August 2026.