What are the most significant cases, projects or transactions that you and your legal team have recently been involved in?

This is not really applicable to me as head of Compliance, and not legal. I joined the Cirrus Group in 2024 and my focus was to ensure a more mature Anti-Money Laundering Compliance program is established and this kept me busy and is continually growing. Another key project is compliance readiness assessments for our various financial institutions since the promulgation of the Financial Institutions and Markets Act, an act repealing the legislation applicable to the non-banking financial institutions.

How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crisis to ensure the organisation’s resilience?  

Proactively through effective risk management processes. Identification of emerging risks and the identification of controls and actions on the various risks identified as part of this process assists in strengthening our internal control environment and ensuring more agility in times of crisis.   

How can general counsel foster a corporate culture that supports ESG principles and compliance across all levels of the organisation?

AI has been taken seriously as a potentially revolutionary technological change in the legal world for a number of years now. Has it had a meaningful impact in how your legal team works in this time? Yes, if fast tracks various aspects but it does not take away the responsibility to ensure sound legal advice on our local legislation. I do however think it should be respected in that we should ensure safeguarding of our confidential information and manage the use of AI by employees.

How does your team contribute to the overall business strategy of the company? Can you share an example of a recent legal-led initiative that had a significant impact?

Through effective risk management processes, an example is the changing regulatory environment that increases the cost of compliance but also brings risk of penalties in cases of non-compliance. Our contribution entails a proactive approach to influence where possible but also to implement controls to ensure compliance on new requirements. This in turn ensures we are ready when legislation is implemented and can remain focused on the business objectives.