Limara Malouangout – Risk & Compliance Manager – Sandaire
How did you get into Compliance?
I knew I wanted to go into compliance in my final year of my undergraduate programme, after discovering the phenomenon of risk generally. I knew the entry into compliance would be difficult with my joint Criminology and Sociology degree, so I needed to find another way of getting my foot through the door. I decided to do a masters where I could pick up some elective law modules that would put me in a much better position.
Was Compliance your first career choice?
Compliance was not my first career choice. I initially thought I would go into policy, however the two areas are very much intertwined.
How did you obtain your first job in compliance?
My first job in compliance was extremely low paid and within consultancy, but having no former compliance experience I knew it would be a sacrifice that would pay dividends later.
What were you doing before?
My first job straight out of university was a contract job working for Deloitte in the audit department. Again, similar to compliance so I suppose working in compliance was destined.
What attributes do you think have made you successful in your career?
An eye for detail. I scrutinise EVERYTHING. I am naturally curious and want to find better ways of streamlining a process for instance, plus I am quite methodical in my approach. I never give up and continue to persevere in everything I do. If I don’t give something I am working on 110%, then why bother?
Where would you like to be in 5 to 10 years?
In 5 to 10 years I would hope to be able to establish and/or head up my own Compliance consultancy firm.
How do you plan to get there?
Loads of qualifications under the belt, exposure to different and wide-ranging compliance scenarios and making sure I am putting my best foot forward.
I am lucky that currently my role is extremely varied with plenty of exposure as the team only consists of the Head of Risk & Compliance and myself, so I am already getting great amounts of exposure and constantly learning new skills.
With the world of Compliance and regulation being so fast paced and constantly changing, it’s almost impossible to stay stagnant, however it’s important to always have a plan and find someone that will hold you accountable in regards to that plan!
What advice would you give to a junior starting their career?
Do not be discouraged by the competition in the market! If compliance is what you want to do, keep knocking on doors until someone answers. Also sign up to as many compliance specialist recruiters as possible, who can help steer and guide you through the job hunting process.
What do you see as the growth areas of regulation in the next 18 months?
How we handle Brexit and how to advise clients on the changes that may occur (if any), but with all the uncertainty it is difficult to give clear advice.
Last, but not least, when you’re not in work, how do you unwind?
I love to socialise with family and friends. I often go to concerts & travel!
Learn more about Limara by visiting her LinkedIn profile here.
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