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Compliance Influencer of the Month ​of January 

Picture

Nizam Ismail
Founder and CEO of Ethikom Consultancy

Why did you choose a career in compliance?
​To some extent, this was a natural transition. After Law School, I served as a Deputy Public Prosecutor at Singapore's Commercial Affairs Department and handled corporate and securities fraud. I also applied for the first Confiscation Order in Singapore when anti-money laundering laws was first introduced in Singapore in the late 1990s. I then joined the Monetary Authority of Singapore as a regulator. Given my background, a compliance role was a natural transition. The compliance function was relatively nascent in Singapore then. I enjoyed it because there is never a dull moment. You are constantly dealing with a fast-evolving regulatory landscape. Businesses are introducing new and complex business models that call for rigorous and risk-focused analysis. And when new business models evolve (such as the FinTech wave, and then the Blockchain-focused platforms), regulatory changes follow suit. That makes it tremendously exciting.

What has been the most important skill set you believe is necessary for a role in compliance?
Communications. Whether you are communicating to the business, or to regulators, this is a key skillset. Sometimes, it's not difficult to find out what a regulatory position is, but if communicated wrongly to the business, it can be disastrous. I have seen it happen many times.

What is the best thing about your job?
You are constantly growing.

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)?
I have attended many training programs, but the one that stood out was on communications and negotiations. This may come across as a "soft skill" to some, but I have applied it many times as a compliance professional - whether dealing with regulators or business.

What has been your proudest moment(s)/achievement(s)?
I like working on a blank canvas. I had that opportunity to start a new policy division at the MAS, building out compliance teams in some of the banks I was in, and now, building out Ethikom Consultancy. Beyond the awards (which is nice, but not definitive), what matters more to me are the relationships that I build out with my clients (whether internally, as an in-house compliance officer, or externally, as a consultant). A lot of my clients have become good friends. That cannot happen without trust. Trust cannot happen without excellent communications. Endearing friendships is what I am proudest of.

Who has been your role model(s) during your career?
Too many to list. I have had some really inspiring bosses who have each helped me grow as a professional and a person in different ways. Many peers whose critical view or encouragement has helped me along my journey. Clients or friends that I look up to.

What inspires you?
Learning new things.

Compliance can be a 24/7 job. How and what do you do to make sure you switch off?
Always remember to self-love and take care of yourself. I like cycling, listening to vinyl records, or playing the piano and jamming with my musician friends.

What advice would you give to aspiring compliance officers?
It's a long journey and there will be many frustrating moments, but learn to pick out the many positives, and grow.
Each one of us can make a difference - but together we can make change happen! ​

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  • Home
  • About Us
    • Meet the Team >
      • Team RAW >
        • Oonagh van den Berg
      • Board of Advisors >
        • Dean Curtis
        • Peter Stride J.P.
        • Viktor Mirovic
      • RAW Steering Committee
    • RAW ESG Commitment
    • RAW Whistleblower Support
    • RAW Industry Collaboration
    • RAW Industry Recognition
    • RAW In the Press
  • Membership
    • Individual Membership
    • Corporate Sponsorship
    • Supporting job seekers in the pandemic
  • RAW Webinars
    • Webinar Recordings
    • RAW Webinar Registration
  • RAW Training Hub
    • RAW Training Hub
    • E-Learning Certified Training
    • RAW Masterclass Series >
      • Cyber Security Masterclass
    • RAW Certifications and Diplomas >
      • Crypto Regulation and Financial Crime Compliance Certification (CRFCC)
    • In-House Bespoke Training
    • All Courses
  • RAW Networking Events
    • Industry Round Tables >
      • Regulatory Compliance Roundtable
      • Fintech and Crypto Compliance Roundtable
      • Culture, Conduct and Ethics Roundtable
      • Financial Crime Roundtable
    • RAW Book Club
    • The RAW Compliance Blog
  • RAW Conferences
  • RAW Mentor-Mentee Programme
  • RAW Recruit
  • RAW Tech Showcase
  • RAW Awards
    • RAW 2021 Awards >
      • RAW Compliance Awards 2021 Winners
    • RAW Influencer Awards
  • Podcast - The Compliance Word
  • RAW Thought Leadership
  • RAW Monthly Newsletter
  • Industry Groups
  • Discussion Forum
  • Contact Us