Head of Islamic Banking at Absa, Sandton
Absa · Sandton, Gauteng
Overview
Absa is looking for a strategic leader to head up its Islamic Banking business in Sandton. You will shape Shari'ah compliant banking solutions, grow the customer base, and drive product innovation. This is a senior role for someone with real Islamic finance expertise and strong commercial instincts. If you understand both the principles and the business opportunity, this could be your next big move.
About the role
As Head of Islamic Banking at Absa, you will lead the growth and evolution of the Islamic Business Banking division. This is a senior position for someone who can balance commercial ambition with a deep respect for Shari'ah principles.
What you will be doing:
- Defining and executing the Islamic Business Banking strategy
- Growing the business, customer base and market proposition
- Driving commercially sustainable Shari'ah compliant banking solutions
- Leading product and proposition innovation
- Strengthening customer and stakeholder relationships
- Navigating Shari'ah governance, risk, regulatory and control requirements
- Partnering across Product, Distribution, Operations, Risk, Compliance, Finance and Digital
- Building and leading a high performing Islamic Banking capability
Application note: Absa manages applications through its own careers portal. You will be redirected to the official Absa site to complete your application, so make sure your profile and documents are ready before you start.
Requirements
- A qualification in Islamic Finance, Banking and Law will be critical
- A relevant Bachelor's degree in Commerce, Finance, Economics, Accounting, Banking, Business or related field
- Strong leadership experience within banking or financial services
- Demonstrable Islamic Banking or Finance expertise
- Strong commercial and strategic acumen
- Product and proposition management capability
- Excellent stakeholder management and executive influencing skills
- A strong understanding of banking risk, governance and regulatory environments
- An MBA or postgraduate qualification would be advantageous
Responsibilities
- Define and execute the Islamic Business Banking strategy
- Grow the business, customer base and market proposition
- Drive commercially sustainable Shari'ah compliant banking solutions
- Lead product and proposition innovation
- Strengthen customer and stakeholder relationships
- Navigate Shari'ah governance, risk, regulatory and control requirements
- Partner across Product, Distribution, Operations, Risk, Compliance, Finance and Digital
- Build and lead a high performing Islamic Banking capability
Job details
- Organisation
- Absa
- Location
- Sandton, Gauteng
- Job type
- Full time
- Experience level
- Executive
- Education
- Bachelor
- Category
- Banking & Insurance
- Posted
- 2 November 2026 (5 days ago)
- Application Method
- Apply online
Success Guide
This is a senior leadership role at one of South Africa's big banks, so your application needs to show more than just banking experience. Absa is specifically looking for someone who genuinely understands Islamic finance and can grow a business around it. When you apply, make sure your CV highlights any Shari'ah compliant products you have worked on, commercial wins you have driven, and how you have led teams through change. In an interview, be ready to talk about balancing profit with principle and how you would grow Absa's Islamic banking footprint in a competitive market. It also helps to show you understand the regulatory side as well as the customer side. Take your time completing the Absa portal application, and make sure all your qualifications are attached.
How we help you prepare
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