Shortlist synopses - Compliance Leader of the Year

Lukasz Wozniak, ADQ

This nomination recognises Lukasz Wozniak’s exceptional impact as a Compliance mentor and leader at ADQ. Through his values‑driven leadership style, Lukasz has shaped not only individual professional growth, but also a culture of trust, collaboration, and purpose‑led compliance. His mentorship goes beyond technical guidance. He empowers people to grow, challenges them constructively, and reinforces that compliance is an enabling function grounded in integrity, humanity, and long‑term value creation.

Muhammad Rizwan Khan, AJMS Global Consultancy

PHONEIX VENTURE PARTNERS (venture Capital Fund Management) Regulatory compliance as per FSRA Expectations I as a approved Compliance Manager met all regulatory expectations for year 2025. 

Meanwhile also conducted AML /CFT /  CPF trainings for all stake holders with in the Fund., I ensured all KYC updating , Transaction Monitoring and Risk assessment  methodologies of clients for the firm.

Dr Abhishek Jajoo - AJMS Global Consulting

Dr Abhishek Jajoo, Group CEO of AJMS Global Consulting, is widely recognized for his visionary leadership in Compliance and AML-CFT. He has championed proactive compliance frameworks, technology-driven risk management solutions, and industry-focused training initiatives that strengthen regulatory standards across the UAE. Under his leadership, AJMS has developed innovative RegTech solutions and supported organizations in achieving robust AML-CFT compliance. His strategic foresight, policy advocacy, and commitment to ethical governance have positioned AJMS as a trusted compliance partner and thought leader in the region.

Mostafa Essa, Azimut Investments - Egypt

Led the integration of Governance, Risk, Compliance, AML, and Legal functions into a unified GRC framework within a regulated asset management environment, strengthening internal controls, regulatory alignment, and decision-making efficiency through digital transformation of compliance monitoring, reporting, and governance processes. I implemented technology-driven solutions to enhance oversight, automate reporting, and improve risk visibility across the organization under evolving FRA requirements. In parallel, I founded and chaired the Egyptian Compliance Society (ECS), contributing to the development of professional standards, knowledge sharing, and capacity building for compliance practitioners in Egypt, while supporting the advancement of the compliance profession at industry level.

Haseeb Ansar - Emirates Islamic

I am currently the Chief Compliance Officer at Emirates Islamic PJSC (part of the Emirates NBD Group) having more than 29 years of international banking experience, including effective management of Regulatory and Financial Crime Compliance frameworks, as well as Governance and Operations. I am also the Vice Chairman of the UAE Banks Federation (UBF) Compliance Committee and member of the Market Conduct & Consumer Protection Committee. Previously, I was the Chief Compliance Officer at United Arab Bank, Regional Head of Compliance for the Middle East at Barclays Bank PLC, while having started my career at Citibank.

Khalid Abdullah Alayed from Etihad Etisalat Company (Mobily)

Khalid A. Alayed is a distinguished compliance leader recognized for developing and elevating the organization’s compliance program maturity while embedding a strong culture of integrity. He has advanced risk‑based governance, strengthened internal controls, and ensured alignment with applicable external regulations, corporate policies, and relevant authorities. His collaborative leadership reinforces cross‑functional accountability and operational consistency across the organization. Through structured program enhancements, effective communication, and capability building, Khalid has significantly strengthened organizational resilience and reduced compliance exposure. His forward‑looking leadership and ability to shape a robust, enterprise‑wide compliance eco‑system position him as a standout candidate for Compliance Leader of the Year.

Sanober Pathan, FMJ Accounting and Tax Consultant

End-to-End AML Compliance Transformation

Over the past 12–18 months, CA Sanober Pathan has led a comprehensive AML compliance transformation for over 50 real estate companies, including 20 of Dubai’s top brokerage firms. Her team provides end-to-end solutions: regulatory registrations, AML policies and procedures, internal audits, surveys, and document management. She has successfully represented clients in regulatory inspections, including securing the waiver of AED 750,000 in penalties for Alaa Mohra. Under her leadership, all clients achieved 100% compliance, strengthened internal controls, and mitigated risk. The project established long-term frameworks that continue to ensure operational excellence and regulatory adherence.

Mahmoud Shaarawy, HSA Group

Mr. Mahmoud Shaarawy has provided exceptional leadership in building and elevating HSA Group’s compliance and governance framework in one of the most complex operating environments in the region. Over the past 12–18 months, he has guided the organisation through regulatory, governance, and cultural transformation—introducing global speak‑up systems, international standards, structured third‑party due diligence, enterprise‑wide training, and robust investigation mechanisms. His pragmatic, business‑focused leadership has raised the profile of compliance across senior management, employees, and business partners, positioning HSA as a market leader in compliance and integrity in Yemen.

Pedro Filipe Carvalho de Braganca Ferreira, Innovation Star Consultants

Pedro Ferreira has positioned compliance as a strategic enabler of trust, growth, and national credibility. At Innovation Star Consultants, he has been instrumental in advancing AML/CFT maturity across the UAE—particularly within the DNFBP sector—supporting organisations across all seven emirates. His leadership combines robust risk-based frameworks with innovation, including the deployment of five AI-driven solutions across AML screening, training, and business integration. He also represented the UAE private sector during FATF evaluations, contributing to the country’s removal from the Grey List. This impact is reflected in market leadership, a 5.5% UAE market share, and multiple regional AML industry awards.

Sophia Ashcroft, Providence

Sophia has successfully positioned compliance as a strategic, "risk-centric" function that balances rigorous governance with commercial agility. Over the last 18 months, she has spearheaded the modernization of financial crime controls and achieved a 97% underwriting consistency level, ensuring the business exceeds international regulatory expectations. Beyond technical milestones, Sophia is a dedicated mentor who has personally coached several team members through professional certifications. Her leadership, characterized by a commitment to "doing the right thing", has delivered significant operational savings, strengthened Board-level engagement, and established a high-performance compliance culture recognized by global industry partners as a definitive industry standard.

Lian Maders from White & Co Group

Over the past 12 months, as Head of Compliance at White & Co Group, Lian designed and implemented a comprehensive compliance framework aligned to the evolving regulatory landscape of the UAE real estate sector. Operating within Dubai’s dynamic property market, the framework addressed heightened regulatory scrutiny, AML obligations, and operational risk exposure. Fragmented processes were transformed into a structured, risk-based model aligned with UAE AML regulations and governance standards. By embedding monitoring systems, mandatory training, and board-level reporting, the initiative reduced manual oversight gaps and strengthened accountability across sales, leasing, and property management.