Job Description

At Ballinger & Group, we specialize in providing Foreign Exchange risk management and trading services to financial institutions and corporate clients worldwide. Our commitment to excellence and innovation drives us to achieve remarkable results for our clients while ensuring a stable and dynamic financial future for our organization.

If you are passionate about Internal Audit, we invite you to join us at Ballinger as our Internal Auditor in Malta. Together, we will continue to grow and succeed as leaders in the financial industry.

Are you ready to take on a pivotal role in managing the Internal Audit role of our Group? Ballinger Group in Europe is seeking a skilled Internal Auditor to join our team. The Internal Auditor will be responsible for providing independent, objective assurance and consulting services designed to add value and improve the organisation's operations. The role will evaluate the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes across Ballinger Group. The Internal Auditor will ensure adherence to MFSA, FCA, and other relevant regulatory requirements.

Why Join Us?

At Ballinger Group, we value innovation, collaboration, and excellence. As our Internal Auditor you will have the opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the organisation. We offer a dynamic and inclusive work environment that encourages professional growth and provides the resources and support you need to succeed.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

Audit Planning and Execution

• Develop and implement a risk-based internal audit plan across the three entities to assess the effectiveness of internal controls, governance processes, and risk management frameworks.
• Conduct independent audits in accordance with the applicable standards.
• Perform testing of key controls and assess their design and operating effectiveness.
• Evaluate the adequacy of safeguarding controls in line with MFSA and FCA regulations.
• Review the firm’s adherence to the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) and other IT security frameworks.
• Examine AML/CTF frameworks, customer risk assessments, and financial crime controls to ensure compliance with JMLSG, FIAU guidelines, and FCA requirements.

Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

• Ensure compliance with relevant MFSA regulations, FCA regulations, and other applicable frameworks, including:

  • E-Money Regulations (EMR)
  • Payment Services Regulations (PSRs)
  • Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II)
  • DORA and Operational Resilience Requirements

• Identify gaps in regulatory compliance and recommend remedial actions.

• Assess the firm's adherence to the SWIFT Customer Security Programme (CSP) and ISO 20022 standards.

Reporting and Recommendations

• Prepare clear, concise, and timely internal audit reports with well-defined findings, risks, and recommendations.
• Present findings to the Board of Directors, ensuring clear communication of risks and necessary controls.
• Follow up on agreed actions to ensure remediation plans are completed in a timely manner.

Risk Management

• Evaluate the effectiveness of the risk management framework, ensuring risks are identified, assessed, and mitigated effectively.
• Assess controls for safeguarding client funds in accordance with FCA requirements and MFSA safeguarding and Client Money rules.

Operational Resilience and DORA Compliance

• Review business continuity plans, incident management frameworks, and post-event data integrity checks to ensure compliance with DORA.
• Ensure the firm's outsourcing arrangements adhere to MFSA’s BR14 outsourcing framework and DORA requirements.

Continuous Improvement

• Provide value-adding recommendations to improve the firm’s processes, systems, and controls.
• Identify emerging risks and proactively advise management on potential areas of concern.
• Collaborate with the Compliance and Risk teams to align audit activities with the firm’s strategic objectives.

Skills and Experience Required

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in internal audit, risk management, or compliance within the financial services sector.
• Professional qualification such as CIA (Certified Internal Auditor), and, ACCA, ACA, or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of MFSA, FCA, and EU regulatory frameworks applicable to EMIs, MiFID firms and Payment Institutions.
• Experience auditing safeguarding arrangements, client money processes and financial crime controls.
• Familiarity with IT controls, operational resilience requirements, and DORA standards.
• Strong analytical, communication, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills and the ability to work independently.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working with financial services firms offering FX products, virtual IBAN solutions, and multi-currency treasury solutions.
• Understanding of funding and liquidity frameworks in line with IFR requirements.
• Financial services accounting experience.

Regulatory References

This role will involve assessing adherence to:

• MFSA E-Money and MiFID regulations
• FCA Payment Services Regulations (PSRs) and E-Money Regulations (EMRs)
• Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA)
• JMLSG and FIAU AML/CTF guidance
• FCA safeguarding and CASS requirements
• ISO 20022 and SWIFT CSP standards

Remuneration and Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance.

• Professional development support, including relevant certifications and training.

Benefits

We offer a competitive salary package, which includes comprehensive benefits such as:

• Health insurance coverage for you and your dependents
• Death in service insurance
• Performance-based bonuses and incentives
• Professional development opportunities to support your growth
• A collaborative and inclusive work environment that values your contributions

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