KYLE VAN NIEKERK
Risk Manager
Summary
Dedicated and results-oriented professional with a diverse background spanning both short-term insurance and merchant acquiring industries. Equipped with extensive experience as an Underwriting Manager in short-term insurance, I demonstrated a keen ability to assess risk, make sound decisions, and streamline processes to ensure optimal outcomes. Transitioning to the role of Merchant Monitoring Manager in merchant acquiring, I adeptly applied my analytical skills to monitor merchant activities, mitigate potential risks, and ensure compliance with industry regulations.
Throughout my career, I have consistently excelled in dynamic environments by leveraging my strong leadership capabilities, effective communication skills, and a strategic mindset. I thrive on tackling challenges head-on, driving operational efficiency, and fostering collaborative relationships with stakeholders to achieve shared objectives.
With a proven track record of delivering results and a commitment to continuous improvement, I am poised to contribute effectively to any organization seeking a dedicated professional with a unique blend of experience in insurance underwriting and merchant acquiring.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Risk Monitoring Manager
Truevo Payments Ltd
05.2023 - Current
- After roughly one year within Truevo, I was promoted to Risk Monitoring Manager for the merchant monitoring team.
- Lead a team of 3 professionals in the Merchant Monitoring Department, overseeing day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives to mitigate risks associated with merchant activities in order to prevent fraud and losses to the company.
- Develop and implement risk management policies, procedures, and controls to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
- Utilize data analytics tools and techniques to identify trends, patterns, and anomalies indicative of potential fraud or non-compliance, and initiate appropriate remedial actions including the writing and adjusting of rule metrics. Including card scheme rules.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including Compliance, Legal, and Operations teams, to assess risks, address issues, and implement corrective measures in a timely manner.
- Conduct regular assessments and audits of merchant portfolios to evaluate risk exposure and performance against established metrics, providing actionable insights and recommendations to senior management.
- Drive process improvement initiatives to streamline workflows, enhance efficiency, and optimize resource allocation within the Merchant Monitoring Department.
- Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous learning among team members through coaching, training, and performance management.
- Took charge of the implementation of Feedzai (Fraud Management System).
- Completed Mastercard and Visa audits in collaboration with the merchant review team manager.
- Implemented measures in order to exit card scheme breaches such as Visa Vamp program.
Risk Analyst
Truevo Payments Ltd
07.2022 - 04.2023
- Merchant change requests and tasks relating to terminations and release of funds.
- Risk Assessments by monitoring the activities of existing merchants to identify any potential risks such as fraud, money laundering, or violations of card network regulations which includes the analyzing of transactional data and conducting periodic merchant reviews.
- Compliance by ensuring that merchants comply with relevant regulations and card network rules by verifying that merchants adhere to anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, know-your-customer (KYC) requirements, and payment card industry (PCI) data security standards.
- Credit risk assessments on merchant level.
- Relationship Management by building and maintaining positive relationships with merchants
- Elected as risk champion who assisted 2nd line risk with the completion of the risk register, business continuity plan as well as the business impact analysis.
Underwriting Manager
KING PRICE
7 2016 - Current
- Part of the core management team that established and launched a specialised commercial insurance division
- Responsible for reinsurance treaty and facultative negotiations
- Grow market share by closing on leads provided by relationship managers
- Present business proposals to potential clients and drive negations, ensuring enforcement of pricing guidelines
- Manage overall risk processes with internal and external stakeholders
- Develop and maintain management reports and analytics tools to assist in monitoring team and individual results; analyses loss ratio, claims and retentions to set overall business sales targets
- Created a rating structure and underwriting guide which lead to continuously exceeding budgeted loss ratio targets; shaping improvements in profit and growth results
- Maintained a customer retention rate of 95% through effective risk analysis and proactive communication and feedback
- Manage partnerships and projects through external service providers
- Facilitated the development of a product and underwriting system
- Developed system specifications to integrate the underwriting system and claims platform
- Monitor and manage workflow on the external underwriting managing agency
- Identify opportunities for improvement and implement action plans to address underwriting needs.
Short Term Insurance Specialist
LIFESENSE FINANCIAL SERVICES
08.2015 - 06.2016
- Assisted in the setup of a short term insurance division
- Solicited new clients by developing relationships and establishing new business development strategies
- Developed and executed a client service plan, taking a proactive approach to providing the excellent service
- Provided advice and expertise to clients on specialised insurance types; made recommendations regarding existing cover improvements
- Prepared reports and negotiated terms with underwriters and surveyors
- Developed a commission financial model to track premiums, commission and risks on file.
Commercial Broker Sales Consultant
MOMENTUM STI
01.2011 - 07.2015
- Built a network of industry contacts and converted leads into new business ensuring that underwriting was done in accordance with TCF (Treating Customers Fairly) and all other FAIS requirements
- Set targets with brokers, reviewed broker book statistics, concentrating on profitable business
- Worked closely with pricing actuaries to determine correct pricing regarding fleet or commercial business
- Second in charge for the team (participated in development programme)
- Accurately updated and monitored team targets and assisted in maintaining service levels
- Conducted team audits to ensure quality level targets were met
- Assisted with recruitment when hiring new team members
- Maintained knowledge of insurance industry markets, products, and legal environments to provide a value-added service
- Pay for performance" representative for all advisors in the sales department
- Handled all queries, ensured reporting was correct and updated and providing advice on requirements for target salaries
- Worked closely with salary actuaries to understand the calculations used in order for it to be communicated back to the sales team managers.
Personal Financial Advisor
Old Mutual
03.2010 - 12.2010
- Managed a portfolio of life insurance, investments, education savings, retirement savings, household and business insurance, and home loans
- Analysed prospective clients' investment portfolios and financial planning
- Marketed and presented appropriate investment solutions, financial, and wealth management services to clients
- Provided ongoing portfolio monitoring and account maintenance
- Developed and cultivated client base through networking and referrals
- Complied with all industry rules and regulations
- Attended Financial Advisor training and continued education sessions to stay up to date on products, solutions, services, and policies.
Education
BSC (Financial Mathematics) -
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA
01.2015 - 2021.04
Matric (grade 12) - undefined
WILLOWRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL
01.2004 - 2008.04
Skills
Risk Management
Merchant Monitoring
Compliance
Team Leadership
Data Analysis
Process Improvement
Regulatory Compliance
Fraud Detection and Prevention
Relationship Management
Accreditations
- FAIS
- RE5
Timeline
Risk Monitoring Manager
Truevo Payments Ltd
05.2023 - Current
Risk Analyst
Truevo Payments Ltd
07.2022 - 04.2023
Short Term Insurance Specialist
LIFESENSE FINANCIAL SERVICES
08.2015 - 06.2016
BSC (Financial Mathematics) -
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA
01.2015 - 2021.04
Commercial Broker Sales Consultant
MOMENTUM STI
01.2011 - 07.2015
Personal Financial Advisor
Old Mutual
03.2010 - 12.2010
Matric (grade 12) - undefined
WILLOWRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL
01.2004 - 2008.04
Underwriting Manager
KING PRICE
7 2016 - Current
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