Episódios
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In this episode of 3LoD Unlocked, host Ghassan Zeidan is joined by Shawki Khawash, a leading expert in financial crime compliance with over 20 years of experience. Shawki brings deep insights into cross-border payments, correspondent banking, KYC, trade finance, sanctions, and AML/CFT (Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism). Having served as an MLRO and Head of Sanctions in the Lebanese banking sector for a decade, Shawki now focuses on training and consulting, working with institutions across the globe, including PwC’s Academy and ACAMS in the Middle East.
Shawki and Ghassan discuss the shifting landscape of financial crime compliance, the impact of global sanctions, and how geopolitical events shape financial regulation. Shawki explains the importance of staying ahead of financial crime risks by going beyond surface-level compliance and embracing ethical standards. He also shares practical career advice for compliance professionals, emphasizing emotional intelligence, creativity, and continuous learning as critical skills for the field.
If you want to understand how financial crime compliance is evolving or are looking to advance your career in the GRC space, this episode offers essential insights.
Timestamps
• [0:00] – Introduction to Shawki Khawash and Overview of His Career
• [3:04] – Regulatory Compliance vs. Financial Crime Compliance
• [7:55] – Impact of Geopolitics on Sanctions and Financial Crime
• [10:07] – Expansion of Predicate Offenses and New Criminal Risks
• [13:18] – UAE’s Removal from the FATF Gray List: Lessons Learned
• [17:04] – Importance of Certifications, Training, and Continuous Learning
• [22:10] – Key Skills for Compliance Professionals: EQ, Creativity, and Stress Management
• [27:26] – Ethics in Compliance and the Role of ESG
Quotes to Remember
• “Financial crime compliance is about going beyond rules—it’s about understanding the risks behind the transactions.”
• “Compliance professionals must embrace continuous learning—there’s always something new to understand in this evolving field.”
• “Emotional intelligence and creativity are just as important as technical knowledge in compliance roles.”
• “The UAE turned gray listing into an opportunity for improvement—showing resilience and commitment to global standards.”
Conclusion
This episode offers a deep dive into the world of financial crime compliance, with Shawki Khawash providing expert insights on regulatory trends, sanctions, and career development. Shawki emphasizes the importance of going beyond surface-level compliance by focusing on ethics, continuous learning, and emotional intelligence. Whether you’re new to the field or an experienced professional, this conversation provides valuable takeaways on building a successful career in the evolving GRC space.Connect with Us
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📧 For enquiries or to suggest topics, contact Ghassan Zeidan -
In this episode of 3LoD Unlocked, host Ghassan Zeidan is joined by Oscar Oriana Haider, co-founder of Cordell Partners, a boutique headhunting firm in the Middle East. Oscar brings years of recruitment experience, having worked with FTSE 100 companies in London and leading financial services firms in the region. The conversation dives into recruitment challenges in the Middle East, the growth of GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance), the role of ADGM and DIFC in attracting talent, and practical career advice for professionals seeking roles in the region.
Oscar shares insights on the evolving recruitment landscape, differences between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and the increasing role of risk and compliance functions. He also provides guidance for candidates looking to enter the Middle East job market, emphasizing the importance of commitment to the region and cultural adaptability.
Whether you’re a job-seeker considering a move to the Gulf or a professional curious about market trends in GRC and recruitment, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.
Timestamps
• [0:00] – Introduction to Oscar Oriana Haider
• [1:13] – Overview of Cordell Partners and GRC Recruitment Trends
• [2:16] – ADGM vs DIFC: Comparing Growth and Opportunities
• [6:12] – Recruitment Challenges: Authorized Individuals and Regulatory Requirements
• [8:20] – Risk vs Compliance: Salary Differences and Market Trends
• [13:18] – Impact of the UAE Exiting the FATF Gray List
• [15:46] – Advice for Job Seekers: How to Approach the Middle East Market
• [21:00] – The Importance of Workplace Culture in Employee Retention
• [25:04] – Where to Connect with Oscar and Final Thoughts
Quotes to Remember
• “ADGM’s growth has been faster than the DIFC’s in its early years—it’s impressive what they’ve achieved.”
• “Compliance is still the biggest area of hiring, but risk is catching up, especially with fintechs entering the market.”
• “Persistence is key—if you want a job in the Middle East, show commitment, network, and keep coming back.”
• “Cultural adaptability is essential — business here is based on relationships and trust.”
Conclusion
In this insightful episode, Oscar Oriana Haider offers a deep dive into recruitment trends, challenges, and opportunities in the Middle East. He sheds light on the growing importance of GRC roles, the dynamic between ADGM and DIFC, and the evolving workplace culture in the UAE. With practical advice for job seekers and a unique perspective on market trends, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating the Gulf job market.Connect with Us
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📧 For enquiries or to suggest topics, contact Ghassan Zeidan -
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In this episode of 3LoD Unlocked, Ghassan Zeidan welcomes Tomell deSilva Ceasar, a seasoned GRC professional with nearly two decades of experience across public and private sectors. Tomell has held leadership roles at companies such as Total, Emirates National Oil Company, and Careem. He is the co-founder of the Middle East and Africa Compliance Association (MIACA) and founder of Caliber Advisory. Tomell’s articles on ethics and compliance have been featured in Forbes, and he is currently working on a book addressing systemic corruption and governance challenges.
Tomell shares his journey of self-discovery within the GRC space, explaining how he found a deeper purpose in his work. He emphasizes the importance of asking “Why?” and discusses how GRC professionals play a vital role in shaping an ethical corporate world and fostering global stability. The conversation also touches on the challenges of working across different industries and jurisdictions, the evolution of compliance in the Middle East, and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
This episode offers valuable insights for GRC professionals, compliance officers, and those looking to build purpose-driven careers in governance and ethics.
Timestamps
•[0:00] – Introduction to Tomell deSilva Ceasar
•[3:01] – The Global State of Poverty and Corruption
•[5:26] – GRC as a Force for Good: Shaping Ethical Business Practices
•[7:12] – Writing a Book on Corruption and Governance
•[12:04] – GRC Across Sectors: Industry-Specific Challenges
•[17:04] – GRC Growth in Saudi Arabia and Vision 2030
•[22:31] – Founding MIACA: Empowering Compliance Professionals
•[25:01] – Launching Caliber Advisory: Supporting Companies on Their GRC Journey
•[28:00] – Final Thoughts and Where to Connect with Tomell
Quotes to Remember
•“GRC professionals are the ethical compass of the corporate world.”
•“Understanding the ‘why’ behind your work is essential to staying motivated and making a difference.”
•“Breaking down silos between industries is key to solving systemic challenges.”
•“Compliance without ethics is just a checkbox exercise.”
Conclusion
This episode offers an inspiring look into the deeper purpose of governance, risk, and compliance, with Tomell deSilva Ceasar sharing his journey toward finding meaning in GRC. From tackling corruption to navigating industry challenges, Tomell emphasizes the importance of ethics and continuous learning. With insights into the evolving GRC landscape in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East, this conversation is packed with practical advice and thoughtful reflections for GRC professionals and leaders.Connect with Us
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📧 For enquiries or to suggest topics, contact Ghassan Zeidan -
Welcome to the inaugural episode of 3LoD Unlocked! In this solo episode, host Ghassan Zeidan lays the groundwork for what promises to be an insightful and thought-provoking podcast series. With over 20 years of experience in the Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) space, Ghassan introduces the Three Lines of Defense (3LoD) model, its evolution, and its growing importance in today’s risk-conscious organizations.
Ghassan shares his personal journey in the financial services and banking sectors, reflecting on the challenges of siloed operations, the value of integrated assurance, and how the 3LOD model provides accountability and structure. He also addresses criticisms of the model, highlights opportunities for improvement, and explains why the name “Three Lines of Defense” continues to resonate within the industry.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a newcomer curious about GRC, or someone looking to gain a better understanding of risk management frameworks, this episode sets the stage for exciting future discussions and expert interviews.
Timestamps
•[0:00] – Introduction to the Podcast and Host
•[2:16] – What is the Three Lines of Defense (3 LoD) Model?
•[4:00] – Common Challenges with the 3LoD Model
•[6:10] – Roles and Responsibilities Across the Three Lines
•[6:56] – Integrated Assurance and Technology Trends
•[7:36] – The Board’s Role in the 3LoD Model
•[8:17] – Why the 3LoD Name Still Matters
•[8:44] – The Format of Future Episodes
•[9:26] – Call to Action: Your Feedback Matters
Quotes to Remember
•“Risk is the price of innovation. Without risk, there is no reward.”
•“The 3LoD model provides a baseline, but collaboration is what truly makes it effective.”
•“The name ‘Three Lines of Defense’ isn’t the issue—it’s how you interpret and apply it that matters.”
•“This podcast is about building a stronger, more connected community in GRC.”
Conclusion
In this kickoff episode of 3LoD Unlocked, Ghassan Zeidan offers an insightful introduction to the Three Lines of Defense model, its challenges, and its evolving relevance in the GRC space. Whether you’re a risk management veteran or exploring these concepts for the first time, this episode provides a solid foundation and a sneak peek into the future of the podcast.
Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this podcast with colleagues who are passionate about governance, risk, and compliance. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes where we’ll dive deeper into methodologies, emerging trends, and inspiring career stories.
Don’t forget to unlock the silos—join us on this journey!Connect with Us
📌 Follow 3LoD Unlocked on LinkedIn
🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform
📧 For enquiries or to suggest topics, contact Ghassan Zeidan
