Team size: 270 employees  

What are the key projects that you have been involved in over the past 12 months?

I have been involved in licensing across multiple jurisdictions, contributing to market expansion and unlocking foreign investment opportunities. This also includes structuring and negotiating various agreements while ensuring that compliance is maintained to the highest standards. Other team projects included our recent rebranding of Tickmill, where I coordinated with teams to ensure intellectual property compatibility and the maintenance of trade mark protection. In addition, we have been in the process of opening new offices, which will enable the company to expand further. To reach this point, foundational work was carried out, including selecting the type of company to be set up, defining the structure, drafting the relevant documentation, putting in place appropriate employment contracts in compliance with local laws, and coordinating with tax and compliance consultants to ensure operational readiness.

What do you think are the most important attributes for a modern in-house counsel to possess?   

This is a good question, as the role of in-house counsel has evolved significantly. A modern, high-performing in-house counsel is a blend of legal, business, and interpersonal attributes. One should be able to align legal advice with business strategy, be proactive in identifying risks and business opportunities, and understand the business model to work effectively with it. Legal counsel should also be creative in finding solutions in grey areas, aiming to develop workable approaches for situations and requests, thereby contributing to the strategy and vision of the company. Other important attributes include collaboration across functions and teams, translating legal complexities into plain language to support decision-making, and building trust with colleagues. Above all, prioritising ethical leadership while fostering a culture of compliance, integrity, and good governance is essential.

Based on your experiences in the past year, are there any trends in the legal or business world that you are keeping an eye on, of which you think other in-house lawyers should be mindful?   

There is always something new on the horizon. What I have noticed is the rapid increase and integration of AI into core business functions. This can create new legal considerations around topics such as data privacy, IP ownership, and accountability. In-house counsel should remain proactive in shaping internal AI governance frameworks and in staying ahead of evolving global regulations, particularly the EU AI Act and similar developments in the US and Asia. In addition, ESG continues to demand closer legal oversight and active contribution.

What is a cause, business or otherwise, that you are passionate about?   

I feel strongly about responsible innovation, ensuring that emerging technologies such as AI are implemented in ways that align with ethical, legal, and societal standards. In the financial services industry, this means balancing innovation with compliance, fairness, and trust. I am also committed to advancing diversity and inclusion within legal and business teams, as this strengthens decision-making and reflects the clients and communities we serve.