Paul McDermott

A highly experienced regulatory consultant and former Compliance Director, with extensive senior leadership experience as SMF16/17 Head of Compliance and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) across a range of regulated firms. Specialising in regulatory transformation, governance, risk and compliance, Paul has successfully supported organisations through periods of growth, regulatory change, FCA scrutiny, authorisation applications, Section 166 reviews, and complex remediation programmes.With a strong commercial background spanning financial services and legal operations, he provides extensive and practical expertise across Regulatory Supervision, Systems and Controls, Consumer Duty, Conduct Risk, Client Money and Client Assets (CASS), Operational Risk, and Financial Crime compliance. Recognised for a pragmatic and results-driven approach, Paul has led the development of regulatory frameworks, ICARA and financial reporting processes, governance structures, and compliance monitoring programmes. Drawing on his background as an experienced trainer and mentor, he has and continues to work closely with Senior Management and Boards to strengthen regulatory understanding, embed effective compliance cultures, and deliver sustainable business improvements.