Steve Smith

Steve is one of the few people who has defended, prosecuted and worked within the industry at the highest levels. His experience and approach have enabled him to become a “go to” lawyer for firms and money laundering reporting officers, given his background within the industry and 360-degree view on financial crime compliance issues.  He draws on his 25 years’ experience as a defence lawyer, former senior prosecutor for the Financial Conduct Authority and his experience working as Head of Financial Crime Advisory for Barclays Wealth & Investments and Deputy MLRO for Nomura International to advise on a broad range of financial crime related issues, with a particular emphasis on AML systems and controls. He recently completed a secondment to Nationwide Building Society where he was the interim MLRO and Head of Economic Crime Advisory.

Steve is recognised as a leading expert in financial crime and a trusted advisor to a wide range of firms – from large financial institutions to professional services firms. His work spans regulatory compliance, enforcement, governance and risk management. He both supports clients in achieving compliance and defends them when investigated and prosecuted for financial crime offences brought by the NCA, FCA, HMRC and SFO.  His depth of experience means that he is regularly appointed as a Skilled Person by the FCA to investigate and report on the adequacy of financial crime systems and controls with a particular focus on anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing. His practice is cross sector, ranging from regulated financial services firms through to professional services firms and corporates in the wider non-financial services industries.