Payments Investigations Team Leader

Description

Equity Bank is a leading Financial Services Institution operating in Kenya. Our diversified business spans banking, insurance, technology and social enterprise, enabling us to deliver integrated solutions that drive inclusive growth at scale. Our business model is anchored on a distinctive Tri-Engine framework— Social, Economic and Sustainability, which systematically strengthens value-chains, empowers communities and delivers long-term social and economic impact.

Our purpose, “Transforming lives, giving dignity, and expanding opportunities for wealth creation,” guides our strategic decision. We are driven by a bold vision “to be the champion of the socio-economic prosperity of the people of Africa,” and this ambition is embedded in our culture through our core values of professionalism, integrity, creativity and innovation, teamwork, unity of purpose, respect and effective corporate governance (PICTURE).

Our growth and impact agenda is clearly defined and operationalized through the Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP), which serves as the strategic blueprint for sustainable expansion and long-term value creation across the continent.

Job Purpose:

The role of the Senior Manager Forensic Investigations is to provide strategic leadership, oversight, and coordination of forensic investigations within the Bank. The role is responsible for assigning investigations to staff, ensuring adherence to established investigation procedures, and directing and supervising investigative activities to ensure timely, thorough, and professional outcomes. The position entails administrative and managerial responsibility for planning, directing, coordinating, and monitoring investigations, while supporting the team in achieving effective day-to-day performance management. The role also supports the development and delivery of fraud awareness and investigative training programs for Bank personnel to strengthen the Bank’s control environment and fraud awareness culture. In addition, the role is responsible for planning and executing investigative and fraud management initiatives in line with the Bank’s policies, regulatory requirements, and strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of investigations relating to payment systems fraud, electronic banking fraud, card fraud, SWIFT transactions, mobile banking fraud, other digital channels fraud, ATM fraud, cheque fraud, and unauthorized fund transfers.
• Direct and supervise investigations into suspicious payment transactions, system compromises, phishing incidents, social engineering schemes, and payment processing irregularities.
• Review and analyze transaction logs, system audit trails, settlement records, switch reports, card management data, and digital evidence to determine the nature and extent of fraudulent activities.
• Coordinate investigations involving local and international payment schemes, correspondent banks, regulators, telecommunications providers, and law enforcement agencies.
• Ensure timely escalation and resolution of payment-related fraud incidents to minimize financial losses and reputational risk to the Bank.
• Identify vulnerabilities within payment systems, channels, and processes, and recommend appropriate fraud prevention and control enhancement measures.
• Oversee preservation and analysis of digital evidence to support investigations, disciplinary action, and prosecution processes.
• Prepare investigation reports, fraud trend analysis, management updates, and regulatory reports relating to payment fraud incidents.
• Support implementation of fraud monitoring tools, transaction surveillance measures, and payment security initiatives.
• Conduct fraud awareness and investigative training programs for staff involved in payments operations, digital banking, and electronic channels.

Qualifications

Qualifications And Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology, Commerce, Banking and Finance, Law, Accounting, or a related field.

Professional qualifications such as Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), ACAMS, or equivalent.

Strong understanding of forensic investigation methodologies and regulatory requirements.

Extensive experience in forensic investigations, fraud risk management, banking operations, or law enforcement.

Experience managing complex investigations and multidisciplinary teams within a financial institution.