From Law Grad to MLRO at 25: Jason Mc Kinney on Building a Career in Fintech Compliance

From Law Grad to MLRO at 25: Jason Mc Kinney on Building a Career in Fintech Compliance

Jason Mc Kinney is an Associate Director at FSCOM, where he heads up their new staff augmentation practice. But his route there is anything but typical. In this episode, Jason walks us through a career that started in a property law department in Belfast, took a sharp turn into fintech compliance consulting, and eventually landed him as a global compliance manager and deputy MLRO before he turned 26. He then went in-house at Airwallex, co-founded his own reg tech consultancy, and has now come back to consulting with a clear vision for what good looks like. We get into the difference between consulting and in-house pressure, what it actually feels like to sit across from a head of sales when you're 26 and telling them no, how he built his support network as a junior MLRO, and why he thinks the Northern Ireland talent pool is one of the most underrated opportunities in financial services right now. We also cover AI in compliance (what small firms should actually be doing with it), the FCA's current view on fractional MLROs, enterprise-wide risk assessments, and what FSCOM's new benchmarking tool is trying to solve. If you work in fintech compliance, you're building a team, or you're trying to figure out how to grow a career in this space, this one is worth your time. Fincselect is a financial crime and compliance search agency. Reach out if you're hiring or looking

Anna Rowe, From Victim to Voice: Fighting Romance Fraud

Anna Rowe isn’t just talking about romance fraud, she lived it. After being catfished by someone online, Anna turned her experience into a national campaign to change the law and hold dating platforms accountable. We unpack how online deception turns into real-world harm, why victims stay silent, and what needs to change to protect the next generation

Career Audits, Office Politics & Surviving Redundancy: Expert Advice for 2026 with Annette Minihan

In this episode of The Finc Tank, Jessica kicks off 2026 with career coach and former HR leader Annette Minihan for a candid discussion on navigating career growth, promotions, and redundancy in financial services. Annette shares insider HR insights on how promotion and bonus decisions are made, practical strategies for self-advocacy, and the importance of visibility—especially for introverts and those working remotely. The conversation also tackles the realities of redundancy, how to leverage your network (including “weak links”), and tips for overcoming ageism and career stagnation. Packed with actionable advice for professionals at every level, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to future-proof their career and thrive in a changing workplace. -- Follow Us: TikTok: @thefinctank Instagram: @thefinctank YouTube: @thefinctank Website: fincselect.com Get In Touch with Jessica : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicahodson/ Jessica@fincselect.com -- Brought to you by FincSelect: The financial crime career consultancy. Whether you’re hiring or job-hunting, we provide ongoing guidance and support beyond the contract. We never send CVs without permission We offer free market updates and benchmarking We care about how you're seen in the market Get in touch to build your FincSelect partnership: fincselect.com

AI, Ethics, and the Future of Compliance: Mary Kirwin on Challenging Cultures and Creating Change

In this episode of Finc Tank, I sit down with Mary Kerwin, a seasoned compliance leader who’s held top roles at major banks like JP Morgan, Deutsche Bank, Allied Irish, and Credit Suisse. Mary shares her unconventional journey from working-class Dublin to the upper echelons of global finance, reflecting on breaking barriers as an Irish woman in male-dominated environments, building diverse and connected teams, and navigating the evolving landscape of compliance and financial crime. The conversation also delves into her hands-on management style, lessons learned from international moves, the realities and myths of AI in financial services, and her passion for mentoring and writing. Mary’s candid insights offer inspiration and practical advice for anyone looking to make an impact in compliance, leadership, or beyond. -- Follow Us: TikTok: @thefinctank Instagram: @thefinctank YouTube: @thefinctank Website: fincselect.com Get In Touch with Jessica : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicahodson/ Jessica@fincselect.com -- Brought to you by FincSelect: The financial crime career consultancy. Whether you’re hiring or job-hunting, we provide ongoing guidance and support beyond the contract. We never send CVs without permission We offer free market updates and benchmarking We care about how you're seen in the market Get in touch to build your FincSelect partnership: fincselect.com

Building Risk Frameworks: Insights from IFX’s Chief Compliance Officer, Sara Cass

In this episode, we welcome Sara Cass, Chief Risk and Compliance Officer at IFX Payments, for an engaging conversation spanning her unique career journey from geology and brick sales to leading compliance in high-growth fintech. Sara opens up about how curiosity and resilience drove her from inspecting quarries and aggregates to steering risk and regulatory frameworks at innovative firms like WorldFirst and IFX. We discuss the cultural contrasts between fast-paced fintech and traditional asset management, the evolving nature of compliance leadership, and the personal challenges of balancing senior roles with family life—especially from the rarely heard perspective of a mother commuting long distance. Sara shares insight into nurturing career growth in compliance, the importance of building frameworks from scratch, the value of curiosity and learning by doing, and what makes a company culture truly supportive during life’s toughest moments. We talk about hiring trends for MLROs, how to stand out as a compliance professional, the role of mentorship, and why asking the right questions during interviews matters. Finally, Sara shares her current studies in cybercrime, her thoughts on AI in financial crime prevention, and the future of fraud detection and digital risk. Whether you’re a compliance novice, aspiring leader, or just fascinated by non-linear career paths, Sara’s story is packed with practical advice, candid reflections, and a few fun facts (such as why badgers are her new role model). Tune in for an inspiring and honest look at building a meaningful fintech career while making space for real life. -- Follow Us: TikTok: @thefinctank Instagram: @thefinctank YouTube: @thefinctank Website: fincselect.com Get In Touch with Jessica : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicahodson/ Jessica@fincselect.com -- Brought to you by FincSelect: The financial crime career consultancy. Whether you’re hiring or job-hunting, we provide ongoing guidance and support beyond the contract. We never send CVs without permission We offer free market updates and benchmarking We care about how you're seen in the market Get in touch to build your FincSelect partnership: fincselect.com