
BRG Expands Expertise in Financial Crime
In an age marked by escalating geopolitical tensions and sophisticated cybercriminal activity, BRG—a global expert services and consulting firm—has made significant strides in expanding its Financial Institution Advisory practice. The firm has announced the addition of Managing Director Samantha Welch and Directors Gene Bolton and Kristin Wenske to its team in New York. These new hires are not just experienced professionals; they bring extensive backgrounds in anti-money laundering (AML), counterterrorism finance, fraud, and corruption that will be indispensable in combating financial crimes.
Understanding the Growing Threat Landscape
Paul Noring, head of BRG's Financial Institution Advisory practice, anticipates that the prevalence of financial crimes will grow substantially in the next decade. He emphasizes the seriousness of compliance, stating, "the penalties imposed on businesses for not mitigating these risks will grow in kind." This is reflective of a broader trend within finance and consulting, where firms must adapt to rapidly evolving threats.
Meet the New Power Trio in Financial Crime Policy
Samantha Welch's impressive experience spans both in-house roles at leading financial institutions and consultancy. She has effectively guided banks, payment providers, and digital asset companies through complex regulatory challenges. Welch expresses her enthusiasm about joining BRG: "Gene, Kristin and I are excited to join the firm and take our work guiding clients through financial crime risk mitigation and compliance to the next level."
Gene Bolton's background has largely focused on addressing regulatory issues concerning governmental agencies like the Department of Justice. With years in financial crime compliance, he brings critical insights into how companies can effectively address their internal governance challenges.
Kristin Wenske complements the trio with over 15 years of experience in financial crime risk management, specializing in operational efficiency within compliance frameworks. Her leadership in transaction monitoring units positions her as a key asset for firms navigating complex regulatory requirements.
The Need for Innovative Solutions
The hiring of these experts underscores a significant trend: financial institutions must reevaluate their compliance frameworks to handle not only existing regulations but also the emergence of new technologies used by criminals. This is particularly relevant as more financial crimes are committed using AI-powered tools, making regulatory compliance more challenging.
Why This Matters to Businesses
For financial institutions and other industries, the urgency of understanding and mitigating financial crime risks cannot be overstated. The implications of falling short in compliance can be exceedingly high, not just in terms of regulatory penalties but also reputationally. BRG’s new hires bolster their capabilities, allowing them to cater effectively to businesses facing these mounting challenges.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
As BRG strengthens its Financial Institution Advisory team, it paves the way for providing robust, high-impact solutions to help clients navigate the treacherous landscape of financial crime risks. Businesses are encouraged to evaluate their compliance strategies and partner with experts who can guide them through the complexities of modern regulation. Staying ahead in this evolving arena may very well determine a firm’s future success.
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