The intersection of technology and compliance is rapidly evolving. How do you see AI revolutionising compliance management, and what are the biggest challenges and opportunities you foresee in this space?

AI is transforming compliance from a reactive function into a proactive, strategic asset. Machine learning can detect patterns of fraud, automate regulatory reporting, and enhance risk assessment with real-time data analysis. The biggest challenge is ensuring AI operates transparently and aligns with regulations, avoiding bias or errors that could lead to compliance failures. The opportunity? AI can make compliance faster, smarter, and more cost-effective, freeing compliance teams from tedious tasks so they can focus on high-value decision-making. For example, AI-powered transaction monitoring systems can now detect suspicious activities within seconds, compared to manual reviews that used to take days.

Compliance is often seen as a burdensome cost, yet many successful companies view it as a strategic advantage. What practical steps can organisations in the broader MENA region take to transform regulatory compliance into a competitive edge?

Compliance isn’t just about avoiding penalties; it’s about building trust, credibility, and long-term business resilience. Companies that integrate compliance into their strategy create a reputation that attracts investors, customers, and partners. 

Practical steps that can be applied by MENA companies are to embed compliance into business culture – make it a core value, not an afterthought – and to use regulatory technology (RegTech). Automating KYC, AML, and risk assessments save time and reduce human error. It is also critical to stay ahead of regulations, companies should engage with regulators early instead of reacting when new rules are imposed.

An example on this is the UAE-based FinTech’s that proactively adopted the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) framework and are now ahead of competitors waiting for enforcement.

In markets where misleading practices and unfair competition are prevalent, how can compliance frameworks be strengthened to protect consumers? Are there specific sectors or industries where these practices are particularly problematic, and could you share examples of effective corporate strategies that have addressed these issues successfully?

Consumer protection requires strict enforcement of fair market practices, especially in industries where deceptive advertising, hidden fees, or aggressive sales tactics are common, such as financial services, e-commerce, and real estate. Therefore, in order to strengthen compliance frameworks, we need the following three things. 

First, clear and enforceable regulations. Authorities must set strict guidelines on advertising, pricing, and contract transparency. Second, strong internal controls and ethics training. Companies should educate employees on ethical sales and marketing practices. And finally, we need whistleblower protection, as this will encourage employees and customers to report unethical behaviour without fear of retaliation.

The best example on this is the EU regulations on unfair commercial practices that forced major tech companies to disclose hidden fees and simplify subscription cancellations, improving consumer trust.

Lebanon’s banking crisis and the resulting loss of trust in financial institutions paved the way for the rise of digital payment platforms and wallets. How is the Lebanese market evolving in this space, and what regulatory gaps currently exist in Lebanon’s digital finance landscape?

Lebanon’s financial crisis accelerated the shift toward digital payments, as cash shortages and banking restrictions drove businesses and individuals to explore alternatives. 

Digital wallets and fintech solutions are rapidly growing, offering convenience and security in a country where cash transactions once dominated. The Banque du Liban (BDL) has made commendable efforts to modernise the financial landscape, promoting digital payments and e-money licenses to facilitate a cashless economy. 

However, regulatory gaps remain, such as the need for clearer oversight on digital wallet interoperability, consumer protection, and anti-fraud measures. Lebanon must refine its framework to ensure digital finance evolves and thrives securely.

With increasing global scrutiny on anti-corruption measures, what key policies and procedures should organisations adopt to build a robust anti-bribery and corruption framework?

Corruption remains a major global risk. Organisations must take a zero-tolerance approach, and building a solid anti-bribery and corruption framework is absolutely key. 

When creating a strong framework, companies should establish a clear code of conduct, so that employees and third parties know exactly what is and isn’t acceptable. Due diligence on partners and suppliers is also vital and companies should screen business relationships to avoid exposure to corrupt practices.  

Strong internal reporting mechanisms ensure employees can report concerns safely and anonymously, while regular audits and independent reviews bolster transparency, which is key to ensuring policies aren’t just on paper but are enforced. Companies that implemented strict anti-bribery controls can see a significant reduction in legal risks and reputational damage.

As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, cybersecurity has become a critical component of compliance and risk management. What are the top debates or trends you’re seeing in this space right now, especially in disaster relief and resilience planning? And what are the most common mistakes organisations make when developing cybersecurity strategies?

Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue; it’s a core compliance function. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, compliance leaders must prioritise resilience planning alongside prevention. Here are some key cybersecurity trends and debates at the moment:

  • AI-powered attacks and defences: cybercriminals are leveraging AI, but companies can use AI-driven threat detection to stay ahead.
  • Regulatory focus on data privacy: governments worldwide are tightening data protection laws, demanding stricter compliance.
  • Cyber resilience vs. cybersecurity: it’s not just about preventing attacks, but also ensuring business continuity when breaches happen.

Some of the biggest mistakes that companies make when developing their cybersecurity strategies are, for example, ignoring insider threats. Employees, whether intentional or unintentional, cause a significant number of breaches. 

Another common mistake that I see is organisations neglecting incident response plans – a company with no recovery strategy will suffer severe operational and reputational damage. And finally, organisations often underestimate compliance risks. Non-compliance with cybersecurity laws, such as GDPR and CCPA, can lead to massive fines and loss of customer trust. 

Nadine Ghosn is a seasoned compliance expert and the Founder & CEO of BeyondComply, a specialised consultancy firm dedicated to helping businesses navigate complex regulatory landscapes. With extensive experience in compliance, risk management, and financial crime prevention, she has played a major role in advising financial institutions, fintech companies, and emerging technology firms on regulatory best practices. Before establishing BeyondComply, Nadine held senior leadership roles in the banking and payments industry. She spent 14 years at CSCBank, where she led key divisions including Private Banking, Treasury, Correspondent Banking, and Compliance. Her expertise in regulatory strategy and financial risk management positioned her as a trusted advisor for major banking and payments institutions in the region. She later took on the role of Director of Compliance & Regulatory Affairs at areeba, where she was instrumental in securing financial licenses across multiple jurisdictions, including the UAE, Qatar, KSA, Cyprus, and Morocco. Beyond her consultancy work, Nadine is a sought-after speaker and trainer, delivering high-impact courses on AML, fraud prevention, corporate governance, financial regulations, and risk management. She has collaborated with regulatory bodies and global organisations to shape compliance frameworks that promote transparency and integrity in financial services. With a passion for innovation, Nadine is a strong advocate for RegTech, AI-driven compliance solutions, and financial inclusion, driving conversations on the future of compliance in an evolving digital landscape.