Compliance Influencer of the Month of February
Anna Waterhouse
Who are you and what do you do?
I am Anna Waterhouse, the former Head of Legal and Compliance for Deutsche Bank's Middle East and North Africa region. I am an experienced compliance professional who lost her career after blowing the whistle on suspected money laundering.
Why did you choose a career in compliance?
I didn't - it sort of chose me. My first job in finance was in the front office, on a trading desk. I frequently raised legal and compliance issues that I perceived. When the trading desk was disbanded in 1998 following the Russian financial crisis, I was offered a job by the legal department.
What has been the most important skill set you believe is necessary for a role in compliance?
Integrity (but that goes without saying). Critical thinking and constant innovation/ learning. I wish though that I had been more sceptical of others' motivations and independently documented all of my concerns. Contemporaneous evidence tends to be the strongest evidence.
What is the best thing about your job?
In my last job I most enjoyed the intellectual and cultural challenges.
We all have learning experiences during our careers, what was your greatest learning experience (something you worked on, a career move or even something someone said)?
My experience of being "offered up". It has changed the way I think about everything. Prior to that, working on a number of complex investigations relating to market abuse.
What has been your proudest moment(s)/achievement(s)?
Seeing my daughter striving to achieve in adversity. Professionally, it was getting the regional head role.
Who has been your role model(s) during your career?
I have various role models - probably my Pupil Master whose advocacy and ability to interrogate evidence I sought to emulate. In recent years, Amjad Rihan, the other Kaloti whistleblower.
What inspires you?
Determination and strength in adversity.
Compliance can be a 24/7 job. How and what do you do to make sure you switch off?
In truth I never managed to and worked impossible hours, travelling frequently. I barely saw my daughter when she was young. These days I am still helping with various projects and some pro-bono legal work, but I make a conscious effort to make time for my family.
What advice would you give to aspiring compliance officers?
Don't take everything at face value , be alert and take conscious steps to protect yourself.
I am Anna Waterhouse, the former Head of Legal and Compliance for Deutsche Bank's Middle East and North Africa region. I am an experienced compliance professional who lost her career after blowing the whistle on suspected money laundering.
Why did you choose a career in compliance?
I didn't - it sort of chose me. My first job in finance was in the front office, on a trading desk. I frequently raised legal and compliance issues that I perceived. When the trading desk was disbanded in 1998 following the Russian financial crisis, I was offered a job by the legal department.
What has been the most important skill set you believe is necessary for a role in compliance?
Integrity (but that goes without saying). Critical thinking and constant innovation/ learning. I wish though that I had been more sceptical of others' motivations and independently documented all of my concerns. Contemporaneous evidence tends to be the strongest evidence.
What is the best thing about your job?
In my last job I most enjoyed the intellectual and cultural challenges.
We all have learning experiences during our careers, what was your greatest learning experience (something you worked on, a career move or even something someone said)?
My experience of being "offered up". It has changed the way I think about everything. Prior to that, working on a number of complex investigations relating to market abuse.
What has been your proudest moment(s)/achievement(s)?
Seeing my daughter striving to achieve in adversity. Professionally, it was getting the regional head role.
Who has been your role model(s) during your career?
I have various role models - probably my Pupil Master whose advocacy and ability to interrogate evidence I sought to emulate. In recent years, Amjad Rihan, the other Kaloti whistleblower.
What inspires you?
Determination and strength in adversity.
Compliance can be a 24/7 job. How and what do you do to make sure you switch off?
In truth I never managed to and worked impossible hours, travelling frequently. I barely saw my daughter when she was young. These days I am still helping with various projects and some pro-bono legal work, but I make a conscious effort to make time for my family.
What advice would you give to aspiring compliance officers?
Don't take everything at face value , be alert and take conscious steps to protect yourself.