< strong> Biography

Stephan Tschabold is a multilingual international banking and financial attorney with more than 15 years of experience advising and leading in compliance, risk management, and regulatory affairs across Switzerland, the United States, and Latin America. Licensed in Switzerland, he combines strong academic credentials (EMBA, Universidad de los Andes – top 3%; LL.M. in Banking & Financial Law, Boston University; Master of Law, University of Berne) with a proven track record of building global compliance functions and advising financial institutions on cross-border regulation.

As chief compliance and risk officer at Ontop, Stephan has created and scaled the company’s compliance, risk, and internal audit functions across more than 53 jurisdictions. He has implemented comprehensive AML/CTF and sanctions frameworks, designed transaction monitoring and audit procedures, and led negotiations with global providers such as Visa, JPMorgan, Refinitiv, and Novopayment. His leadership ensured that regulatory integrity became embedded in fintech product design while supporting business growth and venture capital engagement.

Previously, as vice president global of compliance and risk at Ontop, Stephan developed the firm’s policy control framework and introduced dual-layered risk assessments. At Citigroup in New York, he served as senior vice president of compliance assurance, leading a team of professionals to monitor and test adherence to laws and regulations across ICG NAM business lines, and designing a comprehensive compliance assurance plan for high-risk activities.

Stephan’s earlier career includes five years at KPMG Switzerland, where he advised leading banks, asset managers, and funds on AML, ABC, corporate governance, data protection, and derivatives trading compliance. He managed regulatory audits and investigations for major Swiss and global financial institutions and pioneered IT projects to digitise client onboarding and AML controls. At GE Money Bank AG, he supported mergers and restructuring, while leading new product initiatives in consumer credit. He has also provided forensic risk assessments for large infrastructure projects with Control Risks in Bogotá.

Beyond his executive roles, Stephan is recognised as a thought leader in financial crime prevention. He co-authored the Commentary on the Swiss Anti-Money Laundering Act and Clarity on Financial Crime, and has published widely on fintech, AML, and derivatives compliance. He has lectured internationally, including on money laundering risks in virtual currencies at Universidad de los Andes, and delivered AML seminars for banks and asset managers.

Stephan is widely regarded as a trusted advisor and compliance innovator who bridges legal, regulatory, and business priorities. His ability to establish global frameworks, drive cross-border compliance strategies, and integrate regulatory standards into cutting-edge financial products positions him as a leading figure in fintech and financial services compliance.