The Axiol Roundtable series brings together senior compliance professionals, risk leaders and decision-makers to discuss the challenges and opportunities driving today’s regulatory environment. Each event provides practical insights, peer perspectives and expert commentary designed to support better governance, stronger oversight and smarter automation.
upcoming Axiol Roundtable Events
Axiol’s 2026 Roundtable Series brings together industry leaders for focused discussions on risk, compliance, governance and technology.
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Registration is open. Participants may register interest in any future Axiol Roundtable events.
We look forward to bringing together thoughtful and engaged groups of professionals for high-value discussions.
Previous Axiol Roundtable Events
Women in Risk & Compliance - Tales from the Frontline
Jennifer Geary – Ambassador, Risky Women
Jennifer Geary is an MD, COO and CRO with over 25 years of experience across operations, technology and risk in financial services, fintech, software and the not-for-profit sector. An ambassador for Risky Women, she has held senior roles including Managing Director, EMEA for a Nasdaq-quoted software company, COO and CRO at several UK and US fintechs, and COO of Save the Children UK. She previously spent 13 years at Barclays and began her career at Arthur Andersen.
Jennifer is the author of five bestselling business books, hosts The C-Suite Framework podcast, and is a Non-Executive Director of an operational risk management software company.
Claire Cummings – Founder, Cummings Pepperdine
Claire Cummings is a leading solicitor specialising in crypto law, hedge funds and derivatives with a strong focus on regulation, risk and compliance. She is the founder of Cummings Pepperdine, a specialist firm advising alternative investment managers and digital asset businesses navigating complex regulatory frameworks.
Her work includes advising on FCA regulation, AIFMD, MiFID II and EMIR, as well as compliance structures for cryptocurrencies, token issuances and funds. Claire has acted as a compliance officer, MLRO and director of an FCA regulated fund manager and was qualified under SIB to trade derivatives.
In March 2026, Axiol hosted a roundtable on Women in Risk & Compliance: Tales from the Frontline, held in recognition of International Women’s Day. The session brought together industry professionals to celebrate the contributions of women working across risk and compliance while sharing experiences from the frontline of governance and regulation. We had the privilege of welcoming guest speakers Jennifer Geary, Ambassador of Risky Women and Claire Cummings, Founder of Cummings Pepperdine.
The discussion explored the evolving role of risk and compliance functions as organisations navigate increasingly complex regulatory environments and shifting industry expectations. Participants reflected on the challenges of balancing regulatory obligations with business priorities, as well as the importance of strong leadership, collaboration and diverse perspectives within the profession.
Alongside these themes, attendees also touched on emerging developments shaping the industry, including areas such as crypto and digital assets, and the considerations they present for risk and compliance teams.
AI in Risk & Compliance
Kee-Meng Tan – COO, TurinTech AI
Kee-Meng Tan is Chief Operating Officer at TurinTech AI, where he works with financial institutions, technology companies, consultancies, and organizations across sectors including retail and life sciences to adopt AI safely in high-risk and regulated engineering environments. TurinTech’s flagship platform, Artemis, focuses on validating, optimizing, and governing AI-generated code, helping organizations manage the operational, security, and compliance risks introduced by model-driven software development.
Kee-Meng began his career in sales and trading, working across equities and derivatives with a focus on portfolio trading and algorithmic execution. He previously held senior roles at BNP Paribas, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan, in highly technology-intensive trading environments where automation, model risk, and control frameworks were central to performance and regulatory compliance. This background led to deep involvement in the technology and governance aspects of production systems.
Oliver Pinson-Roxburgh – CEO & Co-Founder, Defense.com
As CEO and Co-Founder of Defense.com, Oliver Pinson-Roxburgh leverages over twenty years of comprehensive experience in IT security. His unique strength lies in his ability to bridge deep technical insight with business strategy, allowing him to guide organisations in overcoming future security hurdles through innovation and practical application.
Recognising that AI is fundamentally reshaping the threat landscape, empowering both the defender and the adversary, Oliver focuses on harnessing AI to extend business capabilities while mitigating its risks. His hands-on experience in building AI-powered defence systems ensures that organisations don't just survive the era of automated threats but use AI to level up their internal efficiency and resilience.
Akber Datoo – Founder & Managing Partner, D2 Legal Technology (D2LT)
Akber Datoo is founder and Managing Partner of D2 Legal Technology (D2LT), he is a FinTech and LegalTech thought leader with over 25 years’ experience in investment banking, who has grown D2LT to 100 consultants globally, advised regulators on digital assets and AI regulation, the current co-chair of the Law Society’s Technology and Law Committee, won FT Innovative Lawyers Awards, and authored the practitioner text, “Legal Data for Banking & Finance”. As a dual qualified lawyer and technologist, Akber is a Professor at the University of Surrey, teaching AI, Financial Regulation & Fintech Policy and Cyberlaw to both the undergraduate law school and Business School.
In March 2026, Axiol hosted a roundtable on AI in Risk and Compliance, bringing together industry professionals to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way organisations approach governance, risk management and regulatory compliance. This session hosted guest speakers Kee-Meng Tan, Oliver Pinson-Roxburgh and Akber Datoo. The session focused on the practical implications of integrating AI into regulated environments and the evolving expectations placed on firms as these technologies become more widely adopted.
The discussion examined how AI can support more effective risk identification, monitoring, and decision making, while also introducing new operational, ethical, and regulatory challenges. Participants explored the need for clear governance frameworks, transparency in AI driven processes, and stronger oversight to ensure that the use of AI aligns with regulatory requirements and organisational accountability.
The roundtable also addressed the growing importance of balancing innovation with control, particularly as regulators and organisations work to understand the risks associated with automated systems and complex algorithms. Topics included responsible AI adoption, managing model risk, ensuring data integrity, and strengthening compliance functions through advanced analytics and automation.
Overall, the session provided a platform for thoughtful discussion on how firms can harness the potential of AI to enhance risk and compliance capabilities, while maintaining robust governance and adapting to an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.
Controls - How do you sleep at night?
Max Lami – CEO, Oppenheimer European Business
As CEO for Oppenheimer’s European Business, Max Lami oversees the firm’s international and EMEA operations across investment banking, capital markets, advisory and wealth management. With over 15 years at Oppenheimer, Max brings a strategic perspective on the evolving regulatory and operational challenges facing financial institutions.
He will explore how leading firms are adapting to regulatory change, enhancing resilience, and aligning governance with strategic growth.
John Stanton – Founder & CEO, Map Your Process
With more than 20 years of experience in operational improvement and risk management, John Stanton is the Founder and CEO of Map Your Process, where he leads the design and implementation of tailored process mapping strategies. His work focuses on streamlining compliance frameworks, strengthening controls and driving efficiency across complex organisations.
John will share insights on how firms can apply process innovation to achieve operational excellence while maintaining robust governance and accountability.
In November 2025, John Stanton spoke about why controls in financial services often fail even when nothing appears to be wrong. He observed that the absence of visible problems does not necessarily mean that controls are effective, as weaknesses can remain hidden for long periods before they become apparent.
Drawing on his experience, John outlined several key insights into why control frameworks break down:
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Hidden weaknesses may exist even when no problems are visible.
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The wrong controls are sometimes designed, addressing symptoms rather than the root causes of risk.
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A lack of ownership can blur responsibility for maintaining and reviewing controls.
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Outdated or untested assumptions often lead to blind spots and a false sense of assurance.
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Continuous scrutiny is essential to ensure that controls remain relevant and effective.
To illustrate these points, he shared a short case study involving a train operating company. In that example, important control issues were invisible to senior management, showing how risks can remain undetected until a failure occurs. The situation offered clear parallels with the challenges faced in financial services, where gaps in oversight and accountability can undermine even well-intentioned control environments.
John concluded by stressing that effective control systems depend on clear ownership, regular review and the confidence to challenge assumptions, even when everything seems to be working well.
Max Lami spoke about how Axiol’s Compliance and Risk modules have strengthened the firm’s approach to governance and accountability. He emphasised that collaboration during development made the system practical and well aligned with the way the business operates.
He shared several key insights from his experience:
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Visibility gives senior leaders confidence, with the ability to view risks and controls at a high level and drill down instantly when needed.
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Ownership of risks and controls across the business ensures SMCR responsibilities are clearly managed and evidenced.
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Efficiency has improved through automation, freeing teams to focus on analysis rather than administration.
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Governance has been enhanced through live, accurate information available to Executives, the Board and Auditors.
Max concluded that Axiol has helped make risk management part of everyday business rather than a separate exercise, delivering greater clarity, stronger control and increased confidence across the organisation.
Stunt Co-ordination and Finance: The Art of Risk Management
Ian Pead – Stunt Co-ordinator
With more than two decades of experience in the film industry, Ian Pead has built a career managing some of the most complex and high-risk stunt sequences in modern cinema. His credits include Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and many other global productions.
Ian began his career as a stunt performer before moving into co-ordination, where he leads teams through high-intensity, precision-driven environments that demand meticulous planning and risk assessments. His approach to safety management, communication, and preparation offers a unique perspective on how to control risk in any field — from the film set to the financial sector.
July 2025’s Axiol Roundtable offered a completely fresh perspective on risk management, featuring guest speaker Ian Pead.
Ian’s world may involve controlled explosions and high falls, but his insights revealed striking similarities between the disciplines of film and finance: every action is planned, every decision is deliberate, and every risk is carefully managed.
The session was fully booked sparking lively discussion on the parallels between physical and financial risk. Ian’s behind-the-scenes stories demonstrated how preparation, communication, and teamwork underpin safety in the stunt industry, just as they do in effective compliance and governance frameworks.
Key Insights:
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Effective risk management, whether physical or financial, relies on planning, communication, and control.
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Scenario testing and contingency planning are essential to achieving resilience in high-risk environments.
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Leadership under pressure defines success, from the film set to the boardroom.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to Ian for an engaging and thought-provoking talk. His perspective reminded us that while industries may differ, the principles of strong risk management remain universal.
Breakfast Roundtable: The Crucial Challenges for Compliance
March 2025’s Axiol Breakfast Roundtable brought together compliance leaders for an engaging and collaborative discussion on the Crucial Challenges for Compliance.
Over coffee and conversation, attendees shared first-hand experiences from across sectors – highlighting the pressures of evolving regulation, increasing accountability, and the growing demand for efficient compliance frameworks.
A live demonstration of Axiol Compliance in Action showcased how automation and visibility can help teams stay ahead of regulatory change. Real-world use cases illustrated how technology can streamline processes, enhance oversight, and empower compliance teams to move from reactive to proactive management.
The session concluded with an open Q&A, where participants explored practical solutions for building resilience and maintaining agility in a fast-moving regulatory landscape.
Key Insights:
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Collaboration and knowledge-sharing are essential for tackling the complex compliance challenges of 2025.
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Technology plays a critical role in enabling efficient, transparent, and scalable compliance operations.
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The future of compliance lies in proactive management, anticipating change rather than reacting to it.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for an insightful morning of discussion and demonstration.
Breakfast Roundtable: Navigating PA Dealing and Gifts & Entertainment
Axiol’s first Breakfast Roundtable, held in May 2024, brought together a select group of compliance professionals for an in-depth discussion on some of the most persistent challenges facing modern compliance teams, focusing on PA Dealing and Gifts & Entertainment.
Participants shared experiences of fragmented processes where vital data was often scattered across emails, spreadsheets, and manual records, creating inefficiencies and unreliable management information. The conversation highlighted a shared need for greater visibility, consistency, and control across compliance workflows.
Axiol introduced its Compliance Suite as a unified solution and a centralised source of truth designed by industry experts to simplify oversight, enhance data integrity, and reduce administrative burden. Attendees explored how automation and intuitive design can transform compliance from a reactive function into a proactive, insight-driven capability.
Key Insights:
• Centralisation eliminates fragmentation and improves confidence in compliance data.
• Automation allows teams to focus on analysis and oversight rather than manual administration.
• User-friendly technology is essential to driving adoption and accountability across the organisation.
Thank you to everyone who joined our first Breakfast Roundtable. Your insights helped shape future discussions and Axiol’s continued innovation in compliance management.