Meet Fiona Figuera, Compliance Manager at Capital Markets Elite Group, who shares her journey from launching compliance training in Guyana to advocating for simplified data protection rules. Discover what inspires her, her favourite comfort food, and the superhero she admires most!
What inspired you to pursue a career in regulatory compliance? Many people are drawn to compliance because it combines law, ethics, and strategy. There's a strong desire to ensure that businesses operate responsibly, ethically, and within legal boundaries. For me, the opportunity to shape corporate culture and create transparent, fair processes for all stakeholders is a major motivator. What also inspires me is knowing that my work can make a real difference beyond the company, especially through actions like filing suspicious activity reports (SARs). These reports help law enforcement and regulatory bodies like the National Crime Agency identify and combat financial crime. Understanding that my efforts contribute to broader societal goals, such as preventing money laundering and protecting the integrity of the financial system, adds a deeper sense of purpose and fulfilment to my role.
Can you share a memorable moment or accomplishment in your compliance career that you’re particularly proud of? A particularly memorable moment in my career was when I had the opportunity to launch my professional journey by delivering compliance training to a major bank in Guyana. It was both exciting and rewarding and gave me the chance to share my knowledge and play a part in fostering a strong compliance culture within the organization. I’ve always believed that "each one can help one," and this principle was central to that training. Being able to educate others and empower them to better understand and navigate compliance requirements was deeply fulfilling. It not only reinforced my passion for the field but also fuelled my belief that through training, I can inspire others to become more passionate about the world of compliance and its critical role in business integrity.
If you could change one regulation overnight, what would it be and why? If I could change one regulation, it would be to simplify and clarify cross-border data protection rules (like GDPR). The complexity of global data privacy requirements makes compliance difficult for businesses, particularly smaller ones. A clearer, more unified global framework would enhance compliance efforts and reduce operational burdens.
What’s a compliance trend that most excites you right now? The growing emphasis on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance and sustainability reporting is very exciting. As companies face increased pressure to be more transparent in these areas, compliance professionals are playing a critical role in shaping how businesses measure and report on their social and environmental impact.
What’s your top tip for handling a crisis? Stay calm and gather the facts. Effective crisis management starts with assessing the situation from all angles, prioritizing immediate needs, and then communicating clearly and frequently with all stakeholders. The more transparent you are, the better you can manage risk and trust.
What’s your favourite software? Lexis Nexis.
Who is your favourite superhero? Wonder Woman because she is often seen as a symbol of justice, fairness, and empowerment—traits that align with the core values of compliance.
What’s your favourite song? Girl on fire- Alicia Keys.
Who is the best compliance consultancy business with L and C in the name? Leaman Crellin off course!!! Known for providing compliance solutions, particularly in the financial services sector. I have worked with Leaman Crellin for a few years and to date they have offered great insight and solutions.
What skills do you think are most essential for future leaders in compliance? Critical thinking is essential—being able to assess situations from all angles, foresee potential risks, and develop strategies to mitigate them. Leadership and communication skills are also vital, as future leaders must guide teams and communicate complex regulations to a broad audience.
What is your favourite chocolate bar? Lindt Chocolate is a personal favourite for its smooth texture and rich flavour.
What’s your favourite sports team? It varies by region, but I’d say teams with a reputation for discipline and teamwork—like the New England Patriots in American football—could be seen as good examples of compliance principles in action!
Who inspired you most at work? The person who has inspired me the most at work is the CEO, who has shown me the power of perseverance, strategy, and empathy in leadership. His ability to navigate complex challenges while maintaining integrity and fostering a collaborative team environment is something I greatly admire. He has taught me that leadership isn’t just about making decisions, but also about empowering others to grow, take risks, and achieve their potential. This has deeply influenced my approach to my own work and how I interact with colleagues, always seeking to lead by example and offering support when needed.
What’s your go-to comfort food? A native dish referred to as “doubles”—it’s a reliable comfort food that never disappoints. Doubles consists of two soft, warm flatbreads (called "bara") filled with a variety of flavorful fillings, most commonly curried chickpeas (channa). The dish is typically served with a choice of hot sauces, chutneys, and other condiments.
If you weren’t in compliance, what career do you think you would have pursued? If not compliance, maybe something in law or ethical technology development, like privacy law or AI ethics. Those fields are becoming increasingly important as we navigate the intersection of technology, privacy, and regulation.
What’s one thing you wish people understood better about regulatory compliance? Compliance isn’t just about avoiding penalties or “checking boxes.” It’s about creating systems that protect people, ensure fairness, and ultimately contribute to the trustworthiness of a company.
Which is the most successful regulatory regime (e.g. SMCR)? The SMCR (Senior Managers and Certification Regime) in the UK has been a significant success in the financial sector, as it creates a culture of accountability. It’s a great example of how regulatory regimes can promote responsibility at the individual level within organizations.
If you had the choice, which regulator would you most want to be regulated by and why? The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK is widely respected for its strong focus on consumer protection and market fairness, which aligns closely with core compliance principles. The FCA has built a solid reputation for maintaining market integrity, and its efforts to ensure transparency are particularly commendable. One of the most impactful contributions the FCA has made is in defining clear guidelines and providing easily accessible information, which helps both businesses and consumers navigate the regulatory landscape with confidence.
What skills do you think are most important for success in compliance roles? Attention to detail and strong communication skills are essential in compliance. The ability to analyse complex regulations and translate them into clear, actionable guidance is key to ensuring compliance across an organization. Adaptability is also critical, as regulations are constantly evolving. In addition, effective communication is vital for fostering a culture of compliance, ensuring that all team members understand the importance of adhering to regulations and feel empowered to do so.
What’s your favourite rule? The Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." It’s simple but powerful. In compliance, it’s about doing the right thing because it’s the right thing, not just because it’s required.
Can you share a memorable experience that shaped your view on compliance? A pivotal experience might involve successfully guiding a company through a regulatory change and seeing the long-term benefits of building a robust compliance framework. Knowing that your efforts directly contribute to an organization’s sustainability can be very rewarding.
What is one regulatory change you would advocate for if you had the power to implement it? Streamlining global data privacy regulations would make it easier for organizations to comply, particularly those operating internationally. A standardized approach could reduce confusion and costs while enhancing consumer protection.
How do you stay current with the constantly evolving regulatory landscape? I read up on publications like Regulatory Intelligence and Lexology, participate in webinars, and network with peers in the compliance field. Continuous learning and attending industry events are crucial for staying informed.
What is a common misconception people have about regulatory compliance work? Many people think of compliance as simply “rules enforcement” or “paperwork.” It’s much more about risk management, ethics, and strategy—ensuring businesses can operate responsibly while mitigating legal and reputational risks.
In your opinion, what’s the most interesting regulatory trend happening right now? AI and automation in compliance is fascinating. The integration of AI tools to help monitor compliance, predict regulatory changes, and manage risks is a growing trend whilst ensuring that daily tasks are completed efficiently.
What do you see as the biggest future trend or change in regulatory compliance? Increased focus on data privacy and cybersecurity regulations, particularly with the growing number of high-profile data breaches. Governments and industries will likely continue tightening the rules around digital privacy and security.
Do you have any favourite podcasts or blogs that focus on compliance or regulation? "Compliance Week”
If you could choose one superpower to help you in your compliance work, what would it be? The ability to instantly understand and predict legal and regulatory changes. That would make compliance much more proactive rather than reactive.
Which cartoon character do you believe embodies good compliance practices/is least compliant? Lisa Simpson would embody good compliance practices. She’s highly ethical, takes responsibility for her actions, and strives to make the right decisions even when others might not. On the other hand, Bart Simpson would likely be considered least compliant, often testing boundaries and breaking rules.
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