Voices in Compliance

Stablecoins, Regulation & The Future of Crypto Compliance with John Stathacopoulos – Ep. 5

In this episode of Voices in Compliance, host Jason Thomas from Alexander Barnes is joined by John Stathacopoulos, Global Head of Compliance at Velocity. John sits at the intersection of traditional finance and digital assets, bringing deep expertise from both regulated financial services and the fast-evolving world of crypto. At Velocity, he’s helping build next-generation financial infrastructure that connects fiat and blockchain rails, while ensuring compliance keeps pace with innovation. The conversation explores the rapid rise of stablecoins, breaking down what they are, why they’ve become such a dominant force in financial services, and how their use cases have evolved alongside increasing institutional adoption. John also challenges common misconceptions around crypto, including its perceived links to illicit activity, and explains why transparency in blockchain can actually be a strength. Jason and John dive into the growing role of regulation, particularly MiCA and how it’s shaping the future of digital assets across Europe and beyond. They discuss whether regulation slows innovation or strengthens the space, and what “good” compliance really looks like in high-growth fintech environments. The episode also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the role of a modern Head of Compliance, including how to navigate tensions between commercial ambition and regulatory responsibility and why collaboration, not conflict, is key to success.  00:00 – Intro & crypto vs cash misconceptions  00:36 – Guest introduction: John Stathacopoulos (Velocity)  01:44 – Episode overview & welcome  02:18 – John’s background & role at Velocity  03:21 – Building compliance in a fast-scaling startup  04:01 – Where Velocity operates globally  04:21 – What are stablecoins? (simple explanation)  05:18 – The purpose of stablecoins & how use cases evolved  06:43 – Why stablecoins are booming right now  07:57 – Institutional adoption & “Stablecoin Summer”  08:39 – Why regulators are focusing on crypto now  09:37 – Stablecoins vs e-money vs other crypto  10:08 – Risks & challenges in the crypto market  11:06 – What is MiCA? (explained simply)  11:48 – How hard is it to get licensed?  13:11 – What regulators are really looking for  15:15 – Does regulation slow innovation?  16:43 – How MiCA is shaping the global market  17:53 – Staying up to date in compliance  19:03 – Difficult conversations as Head of Compliance  20:43 – Compliance vs commercial teams: finding balance  21:31 – The future: who wins in 5–10 years?

Scaling, Strategy & The Future of Compliance with Ross Osborne - Ep. 4

In this episode of Voices in Compliance, host Jason Thomas sits down with Ross Osborne, UK CEO of Rippling, to explore the complexities of scaling compliance functions within high-growth fintech environments. Ross shares his perspective on why compliance should be a business enabler rather than a "policing" unit and discusses the critical importance of building a "compliance culture" from the ground up. The conversation covers the tactical realities of international expansion, the "red flags" to watch for during rapid hiring, and how to maintain a strong relationship with the regulator while moving at pace. Whether you are navigating a new license application or managing a global compliance footprint, Ross provides a roadmap for balancing commercial ambition with regulatory integrity. Episode Timestamps: * [00:00:15] Introduction: Jason welcomes Ross Osborne, CEO of Rippling, to discuss his extensive background in the fintech and payments space. * [00:01:30] The Growth Friction: Ross explains how to manage the natural tension between commercial targets and compliance guardrails. * [00:03:45] Compliance by Design: Why tech and product teams must be aligned with compliance goals from the very beginning of the development lifecycle. * [00:06:20] Navigating Global Footprints: Tactical advice on managing different regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions. * [00:09:50] Building the Right Team: The qualities Ross looks for when hiring compliance professionals who can thrive in a fast-paced environment. * [00:13:10] The Role of Technology: How automation and AI are being utilized to streamline the "first line" of defense. * [00:16:45] Engaging the Regulator: Why transparency and proactive communication are the foundations of a successful relationship with the FCA. * [00:20:15] The Strategic MLRO: Shifting the perception of the MLRO role from a cost center to a value-add for the business. * [00:24:40] Quick Fire Section: Ross reveals his favorite morning habits, his "Queen for a day" regulatory change, and his guilty pleasures.

AI, Crypto & The Future of Compliance with Heather O'Gorman - Ep. 3

In Episode 3 of Voices in Compliance, host Jason Thomas (Co-Founder of Alexander Barnes) is joined by Heather O'Gorman, Associate Director and Head of Digital Assets at FSCOM. Heather brings over a decade of experience to a deep-dive conversation on the rapidly evolving world of payments, e-money, and crypto assets. We explore the reality of AI in compliance - moving away from the idea of AI as an "expert" to focus on how technology can realistically strip the administrative burden out of daily life. Heather also pulls back the curtain on FCA authorization, explaining why some firms fail and how a "live" Business Wide Risk Assessment (BWRA) is the secret to regulatory success. Whether you’re a Fintech founder navigating your first EMI application or a compliance professional looking to step up into an MLRO role, this episode is packed with actionable insights on leadership, innovation, and the upcoming regulatory roadmap. Key Topics Covered: The AI Misconception: Why technology should replace admin, not human intelligence. FCA Focus Areas: Mastering the methodology of Business Wide Risk Assessments. EMI Application Strategies: Success tips for navigating the iterative authorization process. The Future of Money: The role of stablecoins in cross-border payments. Career Evolution: The personality traits needed to move from banking into compliance consulting. Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: Meet Heather O'Gorman, Head of Digital Assets at FSCOM 01:25 – Restructuring compliance teams for the UK market 02:27 – AI in Compliance: Replacing admin vs. replacing experts 03:55 – The "Live" Document: Mastering Business Wide Risk Assessments (BWRA) 05:48 – FCA Guidance: Best practices for methodology and control 06:30 – EMI Applications: Why success rates are picking up 07:48 – Finding the right expertise for the MLRO role 08:43 – "Act like a regulated firm before you are one" 09:30 – Why interim MLROs are difficult to approve 10:15 – Building a transparent relationship with the FCA 10:55 – Top 3 tips for a successful EMI application 12:55 – The MLRO as a business enabler, not a "police officer" 13:42 – Innovation and managing up: Advice for future MLROs 14:59 – Banking vs. Consulting: Does your personality fit the pace? 17:43 – 2026 Horizon: Safeguarding and the new Crypto Asset Regime 18:32 – Stablecoins and the future of cross-border payments 20:20 – The UK's regulatory roadmap for crypto firms 21:30 – Quickfire Round: Morning routines, Adam Lambert, and career "what ifs"

The Future of Revenue Protection with Willem Wellinghoff - Ep.2

In this episode of Voices in Compliance, host Jason Thomas sits down with Willem Wellinghoff, Chief Compliance Officer at eCommPay, to discuss the evolving intersection of innovation and regulation. With over two decades of experience in the industry, Willem offers a unique perspective on shifting the compliance narrative from a "business blocker" to a strategic "revenue protector". The conversation dives into the sophisticated reality of modern financial crime, the "pendulum swing" of UK and EU regulatory burdens, and the critical importance of a "curious mindset" when building future-ready compliance teams. Whether discussing the nuances of EMI applications or the tactical use of AI in onboarding, Willem provides actionable insights for founders and compliance leaders navigating the high-stakes global payments landscape. Episode Timestamps [00:00:47] Growth and Global Operations: Willem discusses eCommPay’s current growth phase and their strategic presence in London, Cyprus, and Riga. [00:01:44] The Sophistication of Modern Crime: Insights into the dynamic nature of borderless financial crime and why teams need a "curious mindset" to stay ahead. [00:03:25] The "Liveness" Trap: A tactical look at how criminals spoof onboarding security and the simple tests that can stop them. [00:04:38] AI and the Human Element: Why technology is an efficiency enabler rather than a replacement for human oversight in compliance. [00:06:15] Regulatory Intelligence: How the FCA’s approach has evolved from generic guidance to detailed "good vs. bad" thematic reviews. [00:08:41] The EMI Application Conundrum: Why license pass rates are low and how the regulatory "pendulum" has swung toward higher burdens for founders. [00:11:55] Pro-Level AI Prompting: Willem shares his personal process for using AI models to build better compliance frameworks. [00:14:09] The Recruitment Dilemma: Advice on when to hire a senior MLRO versus utilizing fractional support during the licensing journey. [00:17:40] Building a "Marriage" with the Regulator: The importance of openness, transparency, and coming to the regulator with solutions rather than just problems. [00:22:14] Revenue Protection vs. Business Prevention: Rebranding the role of the MLRO as a strategic business enabler. [00:25:45] The UK Tenure Trend: Analyzing why the average UK MLRO stays for only three years compared to longer tenures in other jurisdictions. [00:34:50] The Evolution of Crypto and Stablecoins: Why the industry is shifting toward B2B payments and instant cross-border settlements. [00:40:07] Staying Current After Two Decades: How Willem maintains his passion for the industry through news, AI queries, and community collaboration. [00:43:23] Beyond the Boardroom: Willem shares his background in music and basketball, and his favorite Stanley Kubrick films.

The Future of Compliance Leadership with Jess Cath - Ep.1

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/ Subscribe for more insights into the people behind the policies.