[Pragmax Consulting] How I Became Head of Compliance for 3 Regulated Fintechs With Just 6 Years of Experience

“I don’t think a career in compliance is for you.”

That was one of the first performance reviews I ever received. Did it hurt? Of course, I was hurt and confused. I was performing well and genuinely liked what I did, but I questioned the system and norms too much. I was not able to accept things just because “that’s just how things are.” And my personality traits, at first glance, did not fit the stereotypical “Compliance Officer” personality. Compliance is often defined as the act of conforming, acquiescing, or yielding. That has never been my nature. I’ve always been curious. I’ve always wanted to find smarter ways to solve problems, especially in the places where no one else was paying attention. Even among my peers early in my career, I felt the difference. Some doubted whether I truly belonged in this field.

But I am glad I chose and stuck to doing what I love instead of making decisions based on one piece of feedback. Along the way, I came to figure out why I love compliance, notwithstanding the so-called mismatch of personality:

Modern compliance is not about just following the rules, it’s about innovation.

Practical Ways to Climb the Ladder

1. Mindset: Overcome fear of rejection by acknowledging your potential and applying for roles that align with your capabilities. Don’t let self-doubt hold you back.
2. Strategize Your Job Application: Focus on quality over quantity. Tailor your application to the company’s culture and the role’s requirements. Prioritize roles where you can thrive and contribute most.
3. Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to fit each job’s specific needs and show your achievements using quantifiable results. Highlight your competencies and align them with the job description.
4. Interview Preparation: Be prepared to answer core questions confidently. Show adaptability during interviews and request feedback to improve.

The 3 Principles Razin Lives By:

1. Be Competent: Always be honest about what you know and where you need improvement. Showcase your strengths, and leverage your personal skills (e.g., creativity or data analysis) to make a mark.
2. Be Business-Minded: Find ways for compliance to create value and collaborate with other departments to ensure success without blocking progress.
3. Be Collaborative: Build relationships with internal teams and make compliance work for everyone. Trust is key to success, and collaboration will make your role more impactful.

Things Razin Wishes He Knew Earlier:

• Feedback Is a Projection: Not all feedback is useful; it may be a reflection of someone else’s experience or biases.
• Understand the Business: Effective compliance doesn’t just focus on rules—it’s about finding ways to mitigate risks while allowing the business to innovate.

https://www.pragmaxconsulting.com/post/how-i-became-head-of-compliance-for-3-regulated-fintechs-with-just-6-years-of-experience