Island conference ‘perfect fit’ for dynamic economy
More than 50 risk and compliance professionals have attended a prestigious compliance conference held to raise awareness of the risks of conducting business in the digital world.
Accounting and audit company Grant Thornton sponsored the event, brought to the Island for the first time via a partnership between ‘Great Chatwell Academy of Learning’ and Intelect, an Island based investigation, training and data security consultancy.
Enterprise Minister Laurence Skelly officially opened the conference, hosted at the iMuseum in Douglas, before delegates heard from experts in anti-money laundering, blockchain, cryptocurrency, online investigations and due diligence.
Grant Thornton Isle of Man Director of Client Development Lee Penrose said: ‘This conference was hugely relevant for many in our dynamic Island economy and therefore a perfect fit for us to support.
‘Great Chatwell represents an international association of risk and compliance professionals who have formed together to create an exciting new risk and compliance advisory service.
‘This was an ideal opportunity to share experiences and network with fellow data security, training and compliance professionals, particularly those working in legal or financial services and those working with crypto currencies.
‘I’m sure it was a memorable experience for the delegates who attended and will prove to be beneficial to their businesses.’
Among the speakers were Colin Tansley, Director of Intelect, Mark Rutherford, deputy chief executive of the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission; Pawel Kuskowski, CEO of Coinfirm which provides Blockchain, AML and risk and compliance solutions, Samantha Sheen, financial risk expert, and Hazel Dawson, Senior Associate at DQ Advocates.
They also included the founder of Great Chatwell Academy of Learning, Lee Byrne, a leader in the field of Anti Money Laundering and relevant financial crime issues.
Attendees were able to experience a virtual reality interactive programme he has developed, tailored specifically for data security.
Lee added: ‘It was fascinating to see the reaction to the such an innovative, hands-on learning approach which can train staff on the fundamentals of information security and enhance data security in the workplace.
‘Developments in technology and globalisation have made the world a smaller, better connected place but that growth has also provided new opportunities for financial crime.
‘Hopefully this event helped us learn how to better manage and mitigate these challenges through improved customer due diligence.’