Paul Adeniji
London, England, United Kingdom,United Kingdom
Summary
Proven expertise in developing and implementing compliance policies in dynamic environments, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards. Skilled presenter with experience delivering reports to management and Board members. Extensive knowledge of regulatory interpretation, particularly regarding Conduct matters, FCA Handbook, and JMLSG. Strong background in leading projects, creating compliance frameworks, and training diverse teams.
Driven professional with focus on compliance and regulatory standards. Combines analytical thinking and robust communication skills to navigate complex legal landscapes and foster organisational integrity. Poised to enhance operational efficiency and ensure adherence to regulations.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
2018
2018
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Compliance Officer
Melli Bank PLC
London
09.2020 - 01.2026
- Provided legal advice on regulatory compliance topics, emphasising AML, CFT, MiFID, PSD, and anti-bribery.
- Developed and maintained in-house regulatory policies to mitigate compliance risks effectively.
- Advised Board of Directors and Senior Management on compliance issues including SMCR.
- Managed installation of KYC and transaction monitoring systems, overseeing user acceptance testing.
- Guided stakeholders in regulatory dealings and liaised with PRA and FCA to meet requirements.
- Undertook MLRO responsibilities, assessing high-risk referrals and suspicious activity reports.
- Negotiated SaaS agreements with financial institutions and technology suppliers for compliance solutions.
- Designed and delivered compliance training programmes, fostering a culture of ethical conduct.
- Investigated suspicious, irregular or non-regulatory compliant activities.
- Managed complex regulatory projects from inception through completion, providing seamless execution.
- Delivered comprehensive training sessions on compliance matters to staff, enhancing overall understanding and adherence to policies.
Compliance Officer
Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen Bank
London
02.2020 - 05.2020
- Advised Company’s Board of Directors and Senior Management on compliance issues.
- Prepared heads of terms, convertible loan notes, and lease agreements.
- Drafted investment-related documentation, including IMAs, GCAs, and broker agreements.
- Conducted due diligence on potential investees and performed KYC checks prior to fund drawdown.
- Executed regular compliance risk assessments and implemented necessary controls.
- Conducted regular reviews on new laws or regulations affecting the company's operations.
Compliance Officer
Santander
London
09.2016 - 02.2020
- Promoted positive risk and compliance culture in FinCrime through strong stakeholder relationships.
- Conducted regular risk assessments to identify compliance and ethical risks.
- Developed and implemented effective strategies to mitigate identified risks.
- Managed regulatory reporting requirements to ensure compliance with relevant standards.
- Analysed transactional data trends to detect emerging risks and suspicious activities.
- Established and maintained comprehensive in-house regulations, including AML and data protection policies.
- Drafted NDAs, loan agreements, and various contractual documents.
- Liaised with FCA and PRA for timely submission of regulatory reports and documentation.
- Conducted compliance audits to ensure adherence to regulations.
- Analysed written reports and statements to verify regulatory compliance.
Legal and Compliance Officer
Griffins Insolvency Practitioners
London
09.2009 - 05.2016
- Conducted internal investigations into compliance and ethics issues, ensuring thorough documentation of findings.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of regulatory developments to enhance the compliance framework.
- Managed relationships with external service providers, accountants, and law enforcement agencies, including NCA.
- Advised senior management on regulatory matters, reducing risk exposure dramatically.
- Responded efficiently to internal and external requests for contract reviews, ensuring prompt resolution.
Legal and Compliance Officer
The Insolvency Service
London
05.2005 - 04.2009
- Conducted investigations into compliance and fraud issues, ensuring thorough documentation of findings.
- Arranged provision of legal advice for asset recovery to maximise success in proceedings.
- Interpreted laws, rulings, and regulations for specific cases resulting in clear guidance for the team.
- Managed all legal and regulatory documentation for accuracy.
- Completed gap analysis, comparing required compliance documentation to received compliance documentation.
- Helped internal and external audits to confirm compliance team met accreditation standards.
Legal and Compliance Officer
Allen & Overy, Norton Rose, and Clyde & Co solicitors
London
10.2000 - 05.2005
- Delivered comprehensive legal and compliance support across corporate finance and commercial litigation.
- Assisted in negotiating SaaS agreements and master service arrangements with major financial institutions.
- Drafted NDAs, facility agreements, loan agreements, and other contractual documents.
- Managed all legal and regulatory documentation for accuracy.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with external solicitors and counsels.
- Analysed proposed new laws; provided feedback on potential business impacts.
- Interpreted laws, rulings, and regulations for specific cases resulting in clear guidance for the team.
Education
International Diploma - AML
ICA
05.2020 - 03.2021
Financial Crime Prevention -
ICA
10.2016 - 03.2017
Certified Fraud Examiner -
ACFE
LLM - Banking and Finance Law
UCL
Legal Practice Course -
College of Law
LLB (Hon) - Law
Sussex University
Skills
- Knowledge of JMLSG and FCA Handbook regulations
FATF recommendations and Wolfsberg standards expertise
Compliance with MiFID and AIFMD
Understanding GDPR and UK laws
Expertise in money laundering regulations
Bribery Act and Proceeds of Crime Act knowledge
Payment services regulation (PSD2)
EMEA regulatory compliance frameworks
Compliance with sanctions (OFSI, OFAC, EU)
Timeline
Compliance Officer
Melli Bank PLC
09.2020 - 01.2026
International Diploma - AML
ICA
05.2020 - 03.2021
Compliance Officer
Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen Bank
02.2020 - 05.2020
Financial Crime Prevention -
ICA
10.2016 - 03.2017
Compliance Officer
Santander
09.2016 - 02.2020
Legal and Compliance Officer
Griffins Insolvency Practitioners
09.2009 - 05.2016
Legal and Compliance Officer
The Insolvency Service
05.2005 - 04.2009
Legal and Compliance Officer
Allen & Overy, Norton Rose, and Clyde & Co solicitors
10.2000 - 05.2005
Certified Fraud Examiner -
ACFE
LLM - Banking and Finance Law
UCL
Legal Practice Course -
College of Law
LLB (Hon) - Law
Sussex University