Kayla Holmes, the dedicated Risk and Compliance Manager at ESI Attorneys, brings a unique blend of personal and professional experience to her role. With roots in Kraaifontein, Cape Town, Kayla’s journey from a law-abiding upbringing to becoming an accomplished attorney is a story of perseverance, dedication, and passion.
From Early Aspirations to Academic Excellence
Kayla’s early life in Kraaifontein was steeped in discipline and lawfulness, thanks to her parents’ careers in the police force. This environment instilled a strong adherence to rules and law from a young age. Her schooling at Brackenfell Primary and Bellville High School was marked by a balance of sports and academics, with netball being a significant part of her life. Competing in both indoor and outdoor netball for Western Province and Western Cape teams, Kayla’s commitment to excellence was evident. Her early exposure to legal principles inspired her to pursue a career in law as early as grade 7.
Career Path and Professional Growth
Kayla’s professional journey began in 2019 at Laas in Scholtz Attorneys, where she completed her first year of articles. In 2020, she transitioned to Enderstein van der Merwe Inc, now Enderstein Malumbete Inc, further honing her legal skills and expertise. Her dedication and hard work culminated in her earning an LLB degree and being admitted as an attorney in 2022, achievements she rightfully takes great pride in.
Current Role at ESI Attorneys
In her current role as an Attorney and Risk & Compliance Officer at ESI Attorneys, Kayla oversees all client transactions, ensuring strict compliance with KYC (Know Your Customer) and FICA (Financial Intelligence Centre Act) requirements. Her responsibilities extend to ensuring adherence to POPI (Protection of Personal Information Act) regulations, maintaining legal and regulatory compliance for ESI Attorneys.
Kayla’s role involves:
- Risk Management: Identifying potential risks that could impact the firm’s operations, finances, or reputation, and developing strategies to mitigate them.
- Compliance Oversight: Monitoring and ensuring compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies.
- Policy Development: Updating policies and procedures to reflect regulatory changes and best practices.
- Training and Education: Conducting training sessions to promote awareness of compliance requirements and risk mitigation.
- Internal Controls: Implementing and monitoring internal controls to safeguard the firm’s assets and ensure accuracy in financial reporting.
- Audits and Reviews: Performing audits to evaluate the effectiveness of risk management and compliance programs.
- Reporting and Documentation: Maintaining accurate records and preparing reports for management and regulatory authorities.
- Ethics and Integrity: Promoting a culture of ethical behavior and integrity within the firm.
Personal Life and Achievements
Outside of her professional life, Kayla is a devoted dog owner to Coco-Rose, a miniature dapple dachshund, and maintains a close relationship with her family, including her supportive parents and younger brother. She cherishes her time with family and friends, enjoys outdoor activities, and loves exploring wine farms and new places. Despite her busy schedule, she values her alone time, especially cozying up with TV shows during the winter.
Kayla’s accomplishments in netball, particularly at provincial and regional levels, are sources of pride, as is her successful career in law. Her philosophy, “Strive diligently and stay true to your authentic self, even when the world tries to change you,” reflects her dedication and integrity, both personally and professionally.
Looking Ahead
Kayla’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, discipline, and a passion for law. As she continues to guide ESI Attorneys in risk and compliance, her commitment to excellence and integrity remains unwavering. Her story inspires aspiring legal professionals and underscores the importance of staying true to oneself while navigating the complexities of the legal world.