Can you share a specific instance where you successfully navigated a complex employment law issue or contract negotiation to protect the interests of the Group, while ensuring legal compliance?
When it comes to dealing with complex employment law issues and/or contract negotiations, I believe in a collaborative approach. Of course, each case is heard on its own merit, and it is important to consult with the company’s HR department to ensure that the proper arrangements are made that are not only legally sound but also aligned with the company’s interests and comply with applicable local or domestic employment laws.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of financial regulations, how do you proactively keep the Group compliant while also fostering a culture of innovation and growth?
It’s true that the financial regulatory landscape is ever evolving, and I’ve come to believe that proactive compliance is key. Communication and the implementation of changes across multiple departments in a company are crucial, not to mention on a Group level. Moreover, the company may implement technological innovations to ease the process.
My focus is on finding solutions, understanding market trends, and applying best practices to meet the Group’s needs. It’s also about cultivating an interdisciplinary approach, that is, understanding how technological innovations can be combined with legal practices to support the Group’s growth and compliance efforts.
In addition, I believe that professional development and staying informed about emerging trends and regulatory updates are necessary. Maintaining open communication channels with trusted partners, legal professionals within the fintech sector, and other interested parties assists in anticipating potential legal advancements or challenges.
Given the increasing reliance on technology and innovation in the financial sector, can you highlight a strategy you implemented to effectively protect the intellectual property assets of the Group?
Intellectual property is one of the most important aspects of the Group, and its protection is paramount. We employ various strategies to protect intellectual property, including contractual agreements, trademark and IP registrations, reservation of ownership rights, and robust data protection measures. From securing confidentiality and trade secrets to the maximum extent and limiting exposure, we leave no stone unturned. We adopt a comprehensive approach to safeguarding the company’s valuable assets.
As Fintech continues to reshape the financial industry, can you share how you navigate the legal landscape to support the implementation of innovative technologies within the Group while ensuring regulatory compliance?
As a legal counsel in the fintech industry, I realized that to strike a healthy balance between innovation and compliance, it is essential to acquire a solid understanding of the Group’s purpose, vision, and goals.
Identifying legal concerns, prioritizing practical solutions, and ensuring that the Group is complying at all levels are part of the activities that take place daily. Particularly in the brokerage industry, combining legal research with business intelligence significantly offers added commercial value.
Effective time management and staying abreast of evolving technologies and regulations are also essential to supporting the day-to-day operations of the company, as is excellent communication between the departments in order to have a smooth flow for business operations.
How do you approach Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance within the company’s legal framework, and can you provide an example of how enhanced due diligence processes are applied to manage risks effectively?
Being proactive is imperative when it comes to AML and KYC compliance, and this applies not only to the legal counsel but also to all employees within the company and/or Group. Ongoing employee training and meticulous compliance monitoring for AML and KYC are a must. The company ensures that proper AML and KYC procedures are implemented, conducts risk assessments, and takes customer due diligence measures, including any risk-based approach that may be applied. Our systems are designed for real-time transaction monitoring. It’s all about creating a culture of compliance and diligence, and maintaining this on a daily basis, and taking any measures needed to continue business based on these principles and a good work ethic.
Given the global nature of financial markets, can you share where you effectively coordinated legal strategies to address an international dispute or regulatory inquiry considering diverse legal frameworks and cultural considerations?
Certainly, one of the most important aspects of the profession is having a sound understanding of international law and possessing the interpretation skills to apply its fundamental principles. This involves not only applying expertise in line with local law but also ensuring alignment with specific jurisdictions and/or international standards, where and if applicable. Navigating these complexities with an awareness of cultural differences and coming together from various diversified backgrounds to often find the best solution that fits the Group. Oftentimes, legal ethics are combined with a business flair, ensuring that the Group operates transparently, honestly, and with integrity within the industry and on a global scale.
Helen Michaelou is an experienced in-house lawyer with a demonstrated history of working in the financial services industry. Her career as a legal professional started after she obtained an LLB degree in South Africa, and she practiced law for several years. In 2010, she transitioned to the financial industry sector, where she was able to combine her legal expertise to navigate the complex regulatory landscape. She has a strong focus on fintech and business, which she combines with a legal flair to achieve positive outcomes. Currently, she serves as the Group Legal Counsel for the Tickmill Group.
