Head of Islamic Banking – Business Banking (Principal)

Johannesburg, South AfricaFull-timeExecutiveHybridPosted 3 Nov 2026

Job Overview

Absa Group is appointing a Head of Islamic Banking (Principal) in Sandton, Johannesburg (requisition R-15992481; full time; hybrid; posted 2 November 2026; applications close 9 November 2026). The role leads the growth, development and evolution of Absa’s Islamic Business Banking business and calls for a leader who understands both the commercial opportunity of Islamic Banking and the principles that underpin Shari’ah-compliant finance.

The Head defines and executes the Islamic Business Banking strategy, grows the client base and market proposition, drives commercially sustainable Shari’ah-compliant solutions and product innovation, navigates Shari’ah governance, risk, regulatory and control requirements, and builds a high-performing Islamic Banking capability in partnership with Product, Distribution, Operations, Risk, Compliance, Finance and Digital.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the Islamic Business Banking strategy

• Grow the business, customer base and market proposition across business banking segments

• Drive commercially sustainable, Shari’ah-compliant banking and financing solutions

• Lead product and proposition innovation for Islamic Business Banking

• Strengthen key customer, community and stakeholder relationships

• Navigate Shari’ah governance, risk, regulatory and control requirements

• Partner across Product, Distribution, Operations, Risk, Compliance, Finance and Digital to deliver the proposition

• Build, lead and develop a high-performing Islamic Banking team and capability

Required Qualifications

• Qualification in Islamic Finance, Banking and/or Law (critical)

• Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Finance, Economics, Accounting, Banking, Business or related field; postgraduate degree/professional qualification required

• Strong leadership experience within banking or financial services

• Demonstrable Islamic Banking / Islamic Finance expertise

• Product and proposition management capability with strong commercial and strategic acumen

• Sound understanding of banking risk, governance and regulatory environments; MBA advantageous

Skills & Requirements

Islamic BankingShari’ah-Compliant FinanceBusiness BankingStrategy ExecutionProduct & Proposition DevelopmentShari’ah GovernanceBanking RegulationRisk ManagementClient GrowthExecutive Stakeholder ManagementTeam LeadershipP&L Management