Freda Du plessis

A professional with 12+ years of progressive experience in foreign exchange operations enabled change, and operational risk management. Demonstrated expertise in delivering complex regulatory projects that have yielded significant organizational benefit for multinational and banking institutions.

Experience in embedded risk oversight across business and technology initiatives. Brings a strong combination of deep operational expertise (Cargoes, SWIFT, Exchange Control), self-reporting, and structured risk leadership, enabling pragmatic, end-to-end assessment of technology initiatives prior to production deployment. Recognized for driving ownership, disciplined execution, and stakeholder engagement across business, technology, and risk.

Risk Consultant at Investec – Foreign Exchange (2022-09 – Present)

Support and escalate the Operational Risk Management Framework across the Business Unit, ensuring practices withstood independent review.

• Identify, analyze, and remediate root causes of operational and technology enabled risk events.
• Challenge and validate risk treatments to ensure effectiveness, sustainability, and timely implementation.
• Monitor key Risk Indicators (KRIs) and drive remediation to retain exposures within thresholds.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and auditable risk records in Paisley.
• Engage senior stakeholders on risk exposure, governance-approved plans, and mitigation strategies.
• Localize material risk matters to BU management and COO Operational Risk.
• Perform scenario assessments and quantification supporting operational risk capital adequacy.
• Strengthen risk governance, reporting, and risk awareness across the BU.

Queries & Payment Verification Specialist at Investec – Foreign Exchange (2021-06 – 2022-08)

• Vetted inbound and outbound FX transactions on Cargoes, ensuring SWIFT alignment with client instructions prior to release.
• Investigated and resolved complex payment queries, including non-receipt of funds.
• Prepared end-of-day reporting for Transaction Monitoring and Interbank Settlements.
• Delivered ongoing training to inbound and outbound consultants on Cargoes and reconciliation processes.

FX Team Leader Support & Queries Specialist at Investec – Foreign Exchange (2020-01 – 2021-05)

• Supported Private Banking FX operations, including travel currency authorization and lending currency deals.
• Presented unsettled FX trades to Credit.
• Liaised with IT, TTS Support, and Cargoes Support on system-related queries and enhancements.
• Investigated escalated and complaint-level queries.
• Delivered system and process training to operational teams.

FX Operations & System Testing Roles at Investec – Foreign Exchange (2012-01 – 2019-12)

• End-to-end FX operations exposure: inbound/outbound processing, Exchange Control compliance, BIP processing, and SWIFT payments.
• Participated in system testing and upgrades, including BIP reporting solutions and Cargoes enhancements.
• Supported system rollouts, user onboarding, reconciliation, and operational investigations.
• Built strong foundational knowledge of FX workflows, systems, and regulatory frameworks.

Project Coordinator (Non-Profit Sector) at Unspecified

Financial management, stakeholder engagement, contract negotiation, and project delivery.

Facilitator (QITA – Wholesale & Retail / Safety & Security) at Unspecified

Training, facilitation, and coaching.

Executive Assistant (Health Sector) at Unspecified

Administrative support, query handling, and data management.

Diploma in Principles of Business Analysis – Faculty Training Institute (2024 – 2024)

Diploma in Personal Assistant & Professional Receptionist – Grantham

Matric – Mitrand High School