Network Manager – Anglophone Africa

Crown Agents Bank is a vastly growing and regulated UK bank that connects emerging and frontier markets to the rest of the world, using FX and payments technology. We are transforming the way payments and FX move through emerging markets, reducing friction so that more money gets to those who need it. Emerging markets payments are usually challenging, expensive, unreliable and opaque. Our solutions help fix these pain points. Ultimately, we connect traditionally hard-to-reach regions to global financial infrastructure, giving access to the best prices and the fastest, most reliable settlement.

FX and cross-border payments are often complex and expensive, especially when operating in emerging markets. Crown Agents Bank (CAB) wraps its deep and trusted relationships and strength of network around innovative digital capabilities, and cross-border transaction banking solutions to enable fintech, corporates, governments, development organisations and banks to move money to, from, and across often hard-to-reach markets.

Role Purpose

Responsible for the delivery of the Bank’s Network Management strategy across Anglophone Africa, with focus on the expansion, onboarding and ongoing maintenance of correspondent banking and non-bank financial institution providers in the region.

Role Responsibilities

Regional Strategy & Implementation for Anglophone Africa:

• Work closely with the Head of Network Management Africa to translate the Target Operating Model into actionable plans for Africa.
• Ensure the region’s strategy aligns with global objectives, with a specific focus on high-growth markets and addressing unique challenges and opportunities within this region. 

Network Expansion & Market Analysis:

• Support the global initiative to expand CAB’s settlement network by identifying additional payment channels relevant to Anglophone Africa markets, such as mobile payments, local ACH systems, and Instant Payments.
• Collaborate with the Front Office to assess market needs and implement innovative payment solutions that drive revenue growth in the region.
• Conduct corridor, currency and capability analysis to identify coverage gaps and prioritization opportunities based on client demand and strategic objectives.
• Prepare country assessments, briefing notes and recommendations for senior management and internal governance forums.

Partner Onboarding & Relationship Management: 

• Facilitate end-to-end onboarding of new correspondent banks and non-bank financial institution partners across Anglophone Africa.
• Compile credit applications for new prospects and existing banking partners,
• Coordinate due diligence documentation, approvals and onboarding conditions throughout the onboarding lifecycle.
• Manage partner relationships, including periodic reviews and service discussions.
• Oversee contract negotiations with partner banks and NBFIs within Africa, ensuring that agreements reflect global pricing strategies, meet regional service level requirements, and comply with local regulations.
• Build and nurture strong relationships with local partners and financial institutions, ensuring seamless client engagement and prompt issue resolution ensuring CAB is recognized as a strategic and trusted partner in the region.

Payments & Infrastructure Enablement:

• Enable local and cross-border payment capabilities across Anglophone Africa, including clearing systems, ACH-type schemes and FX settlement. Maintain a strong understanding of end-to-end payment flows, settlement structures and infrastructure dependencies in the markets in Anglophone Africa.

Risk, Governance & Controls:

• Ensure full compliance with the complex regulatory environments of Anglophone Africa, acting as the first line of defence against regulatory risks.
• Support preparation, maintenance and periodic refresh of Country Risk Assessments and correspondent banking reviews.
• Liaise with Risk, Compliance and Financial Crime teams to ensure all activity aligns with internal policy, regulatory expectations and risk appetite.
• Monitor regulatory, geopolitical and market risk developments across Anglophone Africa and escalate issues appropriately.

Stakeholder Engagement & Delivery:

• Prepare high-quality management information, network status updates and internal reporting. Coordinate with Sales, Trading Desk, Payments Operations and Treasury Operations teams to support operational queries and escalations related to partner banks and payment flows.
• Support senior colleagues with materials for governance committees, management forums and strategic initiatives.
• Provide regional insights and thought leadership to ensure that partnerships align with both local market demands and global strategic priorities.

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study would be advantageous but not essential.

Experience:

• Preferably 10+ years in a Network Management function
• Significant experience covering emerging markets
• Detailed understanding of SWIFT message formatting and exception handling
• FX or payments Operational background would be advantageous

• Hybrid working (3 days on-site)
• Contributory personal pension plan: - Minimum: Employee 2% and Employer 7%. Employer matches contributions in 1% increments to a maximum of: Employee 5% and Employer 10%
• Life Assurance – 4 times annual salary
• Group Income Protection
• Private Medical Insurance – this may include cover for partner and or children at company cost. Cover includes Optical, Dental and Audiology
• Discretionary Bonus
• Competitive Annual Leave
• 2 Volunteering Days
• Benefit Hub