Team size: 10

What are the projects that you are most proud of working on over the past 12 months?

I’m incredibly proud of the progress and achievements our team has made over the past years. We’ve navigated several significant challenges, including seven changes to our board, a transition in CEO, and the complexities of redomiciling our company, all while strategically revamping our corporate strategy. One of the hallmark successes was shifting our team’s role from being perceived as reactive “firefighters” to being proactive strategic enablers within the organisation. This transformation involved rebuilding our team, fostering a culture of innovation, and enhancing our capabilities to handle new ventures. Notably, we successfully worked on crypto in the crypto boom that aligned seamlessly with our diversification strategy. Despite its novelty, we were able to leverage our sharpened institutional knowledge and skills to ensure its successful development.

What strategies do you employ to ensure the successful digital transformation of a legal department while maintaining compliance with your country’s data protection laws?

To successfully steer the digital transformation of our legal department while ensuring compliance with our country’s data protection laws, we employ a multi-faceted strategy. Our approach is proactive and adaptive, involving continuous research and analysis of emerging technologies and trends within the digital landscape. As a fintech firm, we are committed to harnessing technology to enhance our operations and drive innovation.

Recognising the fast-paced nature of digital transformation, we embrace an iterative process of trial and learning, which allows us to refine our strategies continually. This approach also helps us to effectively manage varying mindsets within our team, especially among those who may lean towards traditional methods.

Crucially, we embed data protection as a core element of our decision-making and implementation processes. Each use case is rigorously evaluated to ensure that our technological advancements align with regulatory standards, safeguarding the integrity and privacy of our data. By doing so, we not only stay compliant but also build a secure and resilient digital infrastructure.

Have you had any experiences during your career as a lawyer that stand out as particularly unique or interesting?

Throughout my career, one of the most compelling experiences has been holding dual roles as both the Global Head of Legal/General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. While this combination is not entirely unique, it is relatively uncommon and offers a deeply enriching perspective. Balancing these responsibilities presents unique challenges but also creates a synergistic effect, as the insights and strategies from each role can reinforce the other.

At Flow Traders, I’ve navigated a diverse range of themes and issues inherent to both positions, making the experience particularly stimulating and demanding. This dual capacity has enabled me to address complex legal, governance, and strategic matters with a comprehensive approach, ensuring our organisation is legally robust and primed for innovation.

I’m immensely grateful to my team, whose support and collaboration have been instrumental in achieving success across various fronts. Together, we’ve crafted a dynamic and effective legal strategy that has propelled our firm forward.

What do you think are the most important attributes for a modern in-house counsel to possess?

For a modern in-house counsel, possessing a deep understanding of the business and the strategic focus areas of supporting departments is paramount. Legal professionals must act as both gatekeepers and connectors, bridging gaps between various departments and fostering collaboration across the organisation.

Strong analytical skills and clear, effective communication are essential attributes. These skills should be leveraged not only to navigate legal complexities but also to craft solutions that drive the business forward strategically. The role of in-house counsel should extend beyond merely providing legal advice; it involves delivering insights and guidance that elevate the business, support innovation, and enhance organisational growth.

Modern in-house counsel should be adaptable, proactive, and innovative, always seeking ways to integrate legal strategy with broader business objectives to create tangible value for the organisation.