Vongai Violet Bayiwa
Harare
Summary
A highly dedicated and qualified lawyer with extensive experience in banking regulatory compliance, financial crime prevention, and commercial law. Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist with a profound understanding of financial crime compliance, financial regulations, and commercial transactions, developed through a robust legal background. Adept at creating and implementing comprehensive compliance frameworks that protect bank operations and ensure data security. Demonstrates strategic leadership and a commitment to fostering organisational success, integrity, and accountability. Dedicated to upholding the highest standards of compliance and data security to maintain the bank's reputation and operational excellence.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
HEAD OF COMPLIANCE
Steward Bank Limited
10.2024 - Current
- Serves as the Principal Officer, Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO), and Data Protection Officer (DPO) for the Bank in accordance with relevant regulatory requirements.
- Ensures that the Compliance Risk Management Framework is appropriately aligned with the Bank's activities based on risk, and that it is effectively communicated and executed throughout the Bank.
- Responsible for coordinating regulatory engagements, particularly related to Business Continuity Planning (BCP) and Disaster Recovery, and ensuring the implementation of necessary corrective actions.
- Prepares and submits compliance reports to the Management Committees and the Board Risk and Compliance Committee, providing insights and recommendations on compliance risks to the board.
- Develop and implement capacity-building, training, and awareness programs for the Board & Management, general staff, and agency network through e-learning modules and workshops.
COMPLIANCE MANAGER
African Century Limited
04.2022 - 09.2024
- Developed and maintained a compliance risk management framework to mitigate administrative, financial penalties, and reputational risks associated with non-compliance.
- Utilized a risk-based approach to identify, assess, classify, prioritize, and monitor compliance risks.
- Reported compliance breaches to Senior Management and the Board for remedial action and maintained thorough records to prevent recurrence.
- Engaged with regulators and relevant authorities on compliance issues to ensure ongoing adherence to regulations and foster professional relationships.
- Conducted training and awareness programs for stakeholders, including Board Members, Senior Management, and employees, emphasizing the importance of compliance and their responsibilities, as well as informing them of new developments.
- Served as the Money Laundering Reporting Officer for the bank.
- Negotiated, drafted, and reviewed contracts and commercial agreements, providing legal advice as required.
COMPLIANCE OFFICER
Ecocash Holdings Limited
06.2021 - 03.2022
- Implemented risk-based CDD and KYC programs and activities.
- Identified and reported KYC breaches and non-compliance.
- Trained staff on AML and CFT.
- Found gaps and weaknesses in KYC controls.
- Reviewed customer database against sanctions list.
- Monitored customer adherence to KYC principles.
- Analysed transactions for money laundering and suspicious activity.
GROUP LEGAL AND COMPLIANCE OFFICER
FBC Holdings
06.2017 - 05.2021
- Oversaw compliance programs for FBC Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries.
- Kept a register of compliance breaches and near misses and ensured remedial actions were taken.
- Maintained a compliance diary and ensured adherence to regulatory reporting requirements and directives.
- Conducted compliance, AML, and CFT training for all staff members.
- Advised on AML and CFT customer risk rating, specified due diligence requirements and follow-ups.
- Implemented and operated AML, CFT screening and monitoring systems, including case and alerts management.
- Negotiated, drafted, and reviewed contracts for the Group and its subsidiaries.
- Compiled, interpreted, and disseminated relevant statutes and regulations affecting the Group's business.
- Conducted legal research and drafted opinions as needed.
- Assisted in preparing statutory returns to the Registrar of Companies.
- Helped prepare and maintain minutes for Board and Executive Committee meetings.
LEGAL ASSISTANT
Law Society of Zimbabwe
02.2014 - 10.2015
- Received guidelines from the Regulatory Services Manager and the Deputy Executive Secretary on processing complaints concerning Legal Practitioners.
- Interviewed complainants to identify the ethical conduct being examined.
Education
LLM - Commercial Law
University of Zimbabwe
Harare12-2025
Masters in Business Administration -
National University of Science And Technology
Harare01.2021
Bachelor of Laws - LLB -
University of Fort Hare
East London05.2014
Skills
- Regulatory expertise
- Document control program
- Legal research
- Compliance monitoring
- Data privacy
- Anti-money laundering
- Ethics management
- Sanctions compliance
- Training delivery
- Corporate governance
- Regulatory examinations
- Risk assessment
Accomplishments
- Successfully managed to set up a compliance department with a clear Comprehensive Compliance Program. This program included rigorous training for all employees, regular audits, and the integration of compliance monitoring systems.
- Enhanced Anti-Money Laundering AML/CFT/CPF Controls, Spearheaded the overhaul of the bank's AML/CFT/CPF framework. This initiative not only ensured compliance with international AML standards but also strengthened the bank's reputation with regulators and stakeholders.
Affiliations
- Certified Anti Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) | Association of Certified Anti Money Laundering Specialist
- P30 Certified | Portfolio, Programs and Projects Offices | AXELOS | 2018
- Governance, Risk and Compliance Management | International Academy of Business and Financial Management, IABFM | 2018
- Associate Member – Institute of Directors Zimbabwe
- Member – Law Society of Zimbabwe
Affiliations and Certifications
- Certified Anti Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) | Member of the Association of Certified Anti Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS) | 2018
- Certified Data Protection Officer (DPO) | POTRAZ | 2024
- P30 Certified | Portfolio, Programs and Project Offices | AXELOS | 2018
- Certificate in Governance, Risk and Compliance Management | International Academy of Business and Financial Management (IABFM) | 2018
- Member in Commerce | Law Society of Zimbabwe
REFERENCES
- Mr E. Mapara | Executive Secretary | Law Society of Zimbabwe | +263 242 751000/ 0772 240 424 | secretary@lsz.co.zw;
- Mr C. Mutambira | Head of Compliance | FBC Holdings Limited | +263 242 750584/ 0774 821 004 | Colin.Mutambira@fbc.co.zw;
- Mrs K. Bonyongwa | Chief Financial Officer | African Century Limited | +263 242 705503/ 0781 707 113 | kbonyongwa@africancentury.co.zw.
Timeline
HEAD OF COMPLIANCE
Steward Bank Limited
10.2024 - Current
COMPLIANCE MANAGER
African Century Limited
04.2022 - 09.2024
COMPLIANCE OFFICER
Ecocash Holdings Limited
06.2021 - 03.2022
GROUP LEGAL AND COMPLIANCE OFFICER
FBC Holdings
06.2017 - 05.2021
LEGAL ASSISTANT
Law Society of Zimbabwe
02.2014 - 10.2015
LLM - Commercial Law
University of Zimbabwe
Masters in Business Administration -
National University of Science And Technology
Bachelor of Laws - LLB -
University of Fort Hare
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