The FincTank

Jessica Hamilton

Real conversations with real leaders in financial crime compliance.

  1. 12/01/2025

    AI, Ethics, and the Future of Compliance: Mary Kirwin on Challenging Cultures and Creating Change

    In this episode of Finc Tank, I sit down with Mary Kerwin, a seasoned compliance leader who’s held top roles at major banks like JP Morgan, Deutsche Bank, Allied Irish, and Credit Suisse. Mary shares her unconventional journey from working-class Dublin to the upper echelons of global finance, reflecting on breaking barriers as an Irish woman in male-dominated environments, building diverse and connected teams, and navigating the evolving landscape of compliance and financial crime. The conversation also delves into her hands-on management style, lessons learned from international moves, the realities and myths of AI in financial services, and her passion for mentoring and writing. Mary’s candid insights offer inspiration and practical advice for anyone looking to make an impact in compliance, leadership, or beyond. -- Follow Us:TikTok: @thefinctankInstagram: @thefinctankYouTube: @thefinctankWebsite: fincselect.com Get In Touch with Jessica :https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicahodson/Jessica@fincselect.com -- Brought to you by FincSelect:The financial crime career consultancy. Whether you’re hiring or job-hunting, we provide ongoing guidance and support beyond the contract.We never send CVs without permissionWe offer free market updates and benchmarkingWe care about how you're seen in the marketGet in touch to build your FincSelect partnership: fincselect.com

    52 min
  2. 11/09/2025

    Building Risk Frameworks: Insights from IFX’s Chief Compliance Officer, Sara Cass

    In this episode, we welcome Sara Cass, Chief Risk and Compliance Officer at IFX Payments, for an engaging conversation spanning her unique career journey from geology and brick sales to leading compliance in high-growth fintech. Sara opens up about how curiosity and resilience drove her from inspecting quarries and aggregates to steering risk and regulatory frameworks at innovative firms like WorldFirst and IFX. We discuss the cultural contrasts between fast-paced fintech and traditional asset management, the evolving nature of compliance leadership, and the personal challenges of balancing senior roles with family life—especially from the rarely heard perspective of a mother commuting long distance. Sara shares insight into nurturing career growth in compliance, the importance of building frameworks from scratch, the value of curiosity and learning by doing, and what makes a company culture truly supportive during life’s toughest moments. We talk about hiring trends for MLROs, how to stand out as a compliance professional, the role of mentorship, and why asking the right questions during interviews matters. Finally, Sara shares her current studies in cybercrime, her thoughts on AI in financial crime prevention, and the future of fraud detection and digital risk. Whether you’re a compliance novice, aspiring leader, or just fascinated by non-linear career paths, Sara’s story is packed with practical advice, candid reflections, and a few fun facts (such as why badgers are her new role model). Tune in for an inspiring and honest look at building a meaningful fintech career while making space for real life. -- Follow Us:TikTok: @thefinctankInstagram: @thefinctankYouTube: @thefinctankWebsite: fincselect.com Get In Touch with Jessica :https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicahodson/Jessica@fincselect.com -- Brought to you by FincSelect:The financial crime career consultancy. Whether you’re hiring or job-hunting, we provide ongoing guidance and support beyond the contract.We never send CVs without permissionWe offer free market updates and benchmarkingWe care about how you're seen in the marketGet in touch to build your FincSelect partnership: fincselect.com

    49 min

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Real conversations with real leaders in financial crime compliance.

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