LISTER S. IILEKA
Windhoek
Summary
Banking Operations Professional experienced in foreign exchange, interbank settlements, payment systems, and regulatory compliance. Delivered effective FX settlement functions through trade verification, SWIFT processing, and account management, while ensuring adherence to regulatory frameworks and compliance controls. Focused on managing high-value transactions and stakeholder engagement to enhance operational efficiency and accuracy.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
FX Settlement Specialist
RMB Namibia
05.2025 - Current
- Receive, review, and route all incoming SWIFT messages to the relevant internal departments on a daily basis, ensuring nothing is missed and that messages are actioned within the required timeframes.
- Verify and authorize interbank trades by confirming that the rates, counterparties, settlement dates, and amounts booked by RMB’s dealers match the confirmations received from counterpart banks. Where discrepancies exist, investigate and resolve the mismatch directly with the relevant dealer or counterpart bank via email, Microsoft Teams, or SWIFT message.
- Process all interbank payments for FNB on NISS and settle money market transactions in line with internal controls and Bank of Namibia cut-off requirements.
- Execute FX swap transactions between RMB’s Rand and CPL (clearing and settlement) accounts, managing the bank’s ZAR position in coordination with the FNB nostro account to ensure sufficient liquidity for outgoing payments.
- Monitor the CPL account throughout the day to ensure it is not overdrawn, that all expected funding from counterpart banks has been received, and that payments are clearing as expected.
- Managed RMB’s ZAR liquidity position with Bank of Namibia by executing buy and sell instructions from Treasury dealers to maintain required position across nostro and BON accounts.
- Conducted daily reconciliations between BANCS and general ledger, identifying and clearing discrepancies before close of business; also performed comprehensive monthly reconciliation of office accounts.
- Authorise FEC and options contracts booked by dealers within approved limits, and process all RNB vendor and supplier invoice payments via online banking.
- Participate in business continuity planning projects, including testing of new systems and processes to support operational resilience across the settlement function.
Junior Authorizer – CMA
RMB Namibia
09.2024 - 04.2025
- Authorised and monitored incoming and outgoing client payments, applying thorough checks to ensure full compliance with both local and international banking regulations before any payment was released.
- Reviewed payment instructions and supporting documentation for accuracy and completeness, flagging exceptions and escalating any unusual transactions in line with compliance protocols.
- Supported and guided junior team members on payment processing procedures, helping to maintain consistent standards of accuracy across the team.
Foreign Exchange Consultant – CMA
RMB Namibia
05.2023 - 08.2024
- Managed a portfolio of corporate and individual clients, handling FX transactions and providing advice on cross-border payments, foreign currency accounts, and exchange rate considerations.
- Conducted customer due diligence and screening as part of the bank’s Customer Acceptance Risk framework, ensuring all client onboarding and transaction activity met regulatory requirements.
- Communicated complex FX transactions clearly to both internal stakeholders and clients, and consistently met team performance targets while maintaining high levels of accuracy.
Forex Consultant
Bank Windhoek
09.2022 - 03.2023
- Provided advisory services to clients on foreign exchange transactions, including forward exchange contracts, currency conversions, and cross-border payment options.
- Coordinated with treasury dealers to process large-value currency conversions and ensured all transactions were properly documented and compliant with Balance of Payment regulations.
Outgoing Payments Officer
Bank Windhoek
07.2018 - 08.2022
- Processed high volume of outgoing international SWIFT payments daily, ensuring accurate capture, proper authorization, and compliance with correspondent banking and regulatory requirements.
- Collaborated with clients to facilitate smooth execution of cross-border and foreign currency transactions, resolving queries efficiently and keeping clients informed throughout process.
- Reconciled general ledger accounts regularly to detect discrepancies and prevent errors, identifying activities that could indicate fraudulent transactions.
Incoming Payments Officer
Bank Windhoek
02.2018 - 06.2018
- Processed incoming SWIFT payments, confirmed receipt, and allocated funds to correct accounts, managing customer foreign currency transactions effectively.
- Prepared dealing slips and captured payment records in Open Text, ensuring accurate booking and reconciliation of all incoming transactions.
Education
Honours - Business Management
NAMIBIA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Namibia01-2025
BSc (Hons) - GIS & IT
University of Namibia
01-2017
High School Diploma -
GABRIEL TAAPOPI SECONDARY SCHOOL
Namibia12-2012
Skills
- Foreign Exchange Operations
- Settlement Operations
- SWIFT Message Processing
- Interbank Trade Settlement
- MT320 & FEC Processing
- NISS Payment Processing
- Liquidity management
- GL reconciliation
- Regulatory Compliance
- Dealer Authorization
- Account management
- Client Relationship Management
Certification
- Certificate in Investment Banking, University of Cape Town, 05/24
- Certificate in Banking & Risk Management, UNISA, 05/24
- Programme in Client Service Excellence, 05/23
- Estate Agents Board Certificate (NEAB), 05/21
Timeline
FX Settlement Specialist
RMB Namibia
05.2025 - Current
Junior Authorizer – CMA
RMB Namibia
09.2024 - 04.2025
Foreign Exchange Consultant – CMA
RMB Namibia
05.2023 - 08.2024
Forex Consultant
Bank Windhoek
09.2022 - 03.2023
Outgoing Payments Officer
Bank Windhoek
07.2018 - 08.2022
Incoming Payments Officer
Bank Windhoek
02.2018 - 06.2018
Honours - Business Management
NAMIBIA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
BSc (Hons) - GIS & IT
University of Namibia
High School Diploma -
GABRIEL TAAPOPI SECONDARY SCHOOL