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Voices in Compliance
Hosted by Jason Thomas, the Voices in Compliance Podcast dives into the world of regulatory strategy, compliance leadership, and risk innovation across financial services and fintech.
From navigating EMI licensing to building credible MLRO functions, we explore how leaders are shaping the future of regulated markets in the UK, EU, and beyond.
Whether you’re scaling a payments startup, steering compliance for a global bank, or advising on regulation in the digital age, expect practical insights, candid stories, and expert advice from the people behind the policies.
Voices in Compliance
The Future of Compliance Leadership with Jess Cath - Ep.1
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Welcome to the debut episode of Voices in Compliance. Hosted by Jason Thomas, we sit down with Jess Cath, Managing Partner and financial crime expert, to discuss the shifting landscape of regulatory strategy in fintech and banking.
In our inaugural episode, we move past the theory and dive into the practical realities of building a credible compliance function. Jess shares candid stories from the front lines. From the emotional toll of extreme workloads to the strategic mistakes firms make when applying for EMI licenses.
In this episode, we cover:
The AI Bandwagon: Why firms are restructuring and reducing headcount before technology is actually proven.
FCA Priorities: A look at weak risk assessments, quantitative methodologies, and the "door knocking" happening around fraud spikes.
EMI Application Failures: The "Mind and Management" rule and why your core decision-makers must be in the UK.
The Strategic MLRO: How to move the MLRO role from a "tick-box" expense to a commercial growth partner.
Digital Assets & Crypto: Navigating the roadmap for 2026 and the rise of stablecoin use cases.
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to the Alexander Barnes Podcast
00:15 – Current trends in financial crime and compliance teams
00:44 – The impact of AI and technology on headcount
02:24 – The human cost: Workload pressure and backlogs
03:42 – FCA focus areas: Risk assessments and methodology
06:29 – The surge in fraud monitoring and "door knocking"
07:59 – Why EMI license applications fail
08:21 – The "Mind and Management" requirement
10:01 – When to make your first compliance hire
12:02 – What separates "good" firms from "bad" ones
14:33 – How an MLRO can get internal buy-in
16:52 – One regulatory change: Simple guidance and open dialogue
19:45 – Motivation and fixing problems on a tight budget
21:10 – Advice for young professionals entering the space
23:49 – Banking vs. Fintech: Transitioning to consultancy
27:10 – The Crypto Asset Roadmap and Stablecoins
28:44 – Quickfire questions and wrapping up
🔗Connect with Us:
Host: Jason Thomas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonthomas0784/
Guest: Jess Cath https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-cath/
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