Panel discussion: The future of AML enforcement – an offshore perspective

Sandra Lawrence

Executive Director at Collas Crill Compliance Limited

Sandra has worked in the Guernsey financial services industry since 1998, and for the most part has dealt with governance, risk, regulatory compliance (GRC) and anti-money laundering/countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) matters. She specialises in designing GRC frameworks, and assisting both regulated and non-regulated firms to manage their risks in a commercial, practical, efficient and effective manner.

Prior to joining Collas Crill Compliance in November 2019 to establish the business, Sandra has held various senior positions, including Director, Head of Risk and Compliance, MLRO and committee chairman roles. Sandra has led a number of onsite regulatory inspections, undertaken by the GFSC, the JFSC and TISE.

Sandra is a long-standing Fellow and Certified Professional with the International Compliance Association ('ICA'), holds the ICA’s Diploma in Compliance, and the ICA's Professional Postgraduate Diploma in Governance, Risk and Compliance. She holds a Master's Degree in Law, Governance, Risk and Compliance from the University of Law and is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment.

Sandra is also a Certified GDPR practitioner, and holds a line management coaching qualification from the Institute of Leadership and Management.

Mathew Beale

Chartered FCISI – Principal (Director) at “Comsure Group of Companies”

Mathew is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (FCISI). In 2018, Mathew was awarded the ‘certified GDPR practitioner’ certification. After leaving the British Army in 1985, Mathew worked in the asset management industry for ten years. After this time, he joined the JFSC, and in April 2005 Mathew founded Comsure, that now consists of three companies (the Comsure Group of Companies). Comsure aims to provide comprehensive business risk advisory services and help minimise its clients’ business risks. Whether it’s a need for training, regulatory interpretation or consideration of RegTech, Mathew and Comsure’s team of compliance experts are well versed in providing excellent advice.

Francesca Signorio-Hooper

Managing Director at Rowany Solutions Limited

A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and experienced senior regulator, Francesca has dedicated her career to financial services within the Isle of Man and the Republic of Ireland. More recently Francesca was part of the Senior Executive Team of the Financial Services Authority and the former Acting Chief Executive and Head of Supervision of the Isle of Man Insurance and Pensions Authority.

Francesca is a trained MoneyVal / FATF evaluator under the current methodology. She is a former director of a TCSP and has extensive experience as a senior manager within life assurance and within the big four audit firms. Francesca is able to demonstrate an in-depth and rounded understanding of the structure of the Island’s finance and third sectors, the regulatory environment and the unique risks and challenges facing individual Isle of Man firms and charities.

In March 2020, Francesca set up Helpout.im, a local charity to help those isolating and shielding from Covid-19. She continues to serve on the board of Helpout.im as a Trustee and is a committee member of the Manx Solidarity Fund.

Chris Usher (Chairman)

Managing Director of BPP CI

Chris has over 20 years’ experience in international financial services, working both in the UK and offshore, for major financial institutions such as Barclays Wealth and Santander.

Formerly an International Investment Manager he advised both individuals and corporate entities on complex investment scenarios. He now specialises in delivering training in investment management, taxation and regulatory matters in international finance centres around the world.

Chris is a specialist chairman of a number of high-profile events, including conferences such as the Annual Compliance & Economic Crime Symposium and the International Taxation Conference. As an expert in the financial crime risks posed to international offshore financial centres, Chris was invited to speak at the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS) conference on the topic of ‘Understanding the Criminal Vulnerabilities of Offshore Products and Services’.