The first thing you notice about Sboniso Kheswa isn’t the titles — attorney, senior legal and risk specialist, governance expert, or regulatory strategist. It’s the calm certainty of someone who has learned to evolve, pivot, and rise in every room he enters. His journey spans private practice, corporate banking, distressed debt, risk, governance, and high-level regulatory strategy. But long before all of that, he was simply a young boy who loved debating and poetry — unknowingly shaping the voice he would one day need in the legal profession.
The Spark of Law: Early Influences and Academic Foundations
Sboniso’s love for law was born from the arts. As a young student, he thrived in debating, poetry, and public speaking, honing skills that would later define his legal presence. “All those activities taught me how to articulate myself and command presence,” he recalls. Though he also considered international relations, the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s acceptance into the Bachelor of Laws program at the Pietermaritzburg Law School set the foundation for what would become an expansive legal journey.
Looking back, Kheswa admits that his younger self would not have predicted the path he’s on today. His career has required pivots and realignments, illustrating that success often comes from adaptability and the courage to seize new opportunities as circumstances evolve.
From Theory to Practice: Articles, Board Exams, and Early Career Lessons
Kheswa’s academic pursuit extended beyond law school. A postgraduate certificate in risk, compliance, and governance equipped him with the expertise needed for the highly regulated banking sector, where he eventually served as in-house counsel. “It became important to be more than just a lawyer,” he explains. Translating complex legal principles into actionable business advice became central to his role, helping colleagues make informed decisions while mitigating legal and regulatory risks.
His journey through articles exposed him to diverse areas—litigation, commercial law, labor law, and deceased estates. Each rotation not only refined his technical skills but also sharpened his professional acumen in relationship management and stakeholder engagement. “The commercial bug bit me during that period,” he admits, marking the beginning of a passion that now defines his career focus.
Conveyancing proved the most challenging department. Its highly technical nature demanded additional study, yet it served as a testament to the importance of perseverance and adaptability. Board exams followed, with Kheswa successfully passing all on his first try, benefiting from structured firm support and practical legal training programs. Reflecting on these early experiences, he emphasizes preparation, support networks, and continuous learning as critical to any aspiring attorney’s success.
The Shift to Corporate Law: In-House Counsel and Beyond
While private practice offered foundational learning, Kheswa found greater fulfillment in corporate law. “Being in-house allows you to marry business, law, regulation, and compliance into actionable solutions for clients,” he explains. In his current role in financial services, he navigates complex transactions, regulatory frameworks, cross-border laws, and high-risk agreements daily. Court appearances are outsourced to colleagues, freeing him to focus on strategic advice, deal structuring, and risk management.
His most intellectually stimulating work lies in structuring commercial deals. Every transaction demands meticulous drafting, negotiation, and alignment of business objectives with legal safeguards. Balancing the client’s needs and the financial institution’s interests requires not only legal expertise but also an understanding of the numbers, risks, and business strategy behind each deal.
Giving Back: Governance in the Nonprofit Sector
Beyond the corporate world, Kheswa dedicates his expertise to humanitarian efforts as board secretary for Doctors Without Borders South Africa. In this role, he oversees governance, compliance, and regulatory adherence, ensuring that the organization maintains accountability and transparency while delivering critical services. This involvement underscores his commitment to using legal skills for societal impact.
Lessons for Aspiring Lawyers
Kheswa’s advice to young legal professionals is clear: commit fully and work hard. Success in financial services, regulatory law, or governance is not handed out—it requires dedication, strategic thinking, and an openness to evolving with the industry. Adaptability, he notes, will define the careers that thrive over the next decade. Those who pivot, upskill, and stay relevant will find the most opportunities for growth.
Navigating the Future: Technology and the Evolution of Law
Financial services law is evolving rapidly, influenced by technology, fintech, and changing regulatory landscapes. Kheswa highlights how digital payments, fintech integration, and new financial technologies are reshaping the sector. These changes bring challenges and opportunities, requiring legal professionals to stay informed, agile, and proactive in their approach.
