Kevin Barnes

Chief Compliance Officer (SMF 16/17) with 15+ years of experience directing global regulatory compliance and financial crime programs for multi-asset platforms. Expert in building and leading global teams, driving key regulatory change projects, and establishing Board-level risk governance and AML/CTF protocols across multiple jurisdictions.

Chief Compliance Officer - SMF 16 / 17 - LMAX Group

(2017-02)

Global Multi-Asset Group: Spot Crypto Exchange & Custodian, FX/CFD Brokerage, Spot FX Exchange and Multi-Lateral Trading Facility

• Responsible for group Compliance, Financial Crime, Legal and Surveillance teams which consist of 22 individuals.
• Responsible for Governance within the Group and attend multiple entity Boards and Risk committee meetings.
• Assisted in the Groups strategic vision and exponential growth.
• Point of contact for global regulators including the FCA, FMA, FSC, CySEC, FSC, GFSC and MAS.
• Led multiple entities within the group through various regulatory inspections, Audits and Thematic reviews.
• Own the AML/CTF framework for Traditional Finance, Crypto Exchange and the Custodian, including Travel Rule implementation and blockchain risk monitoring.
• Responsible for all regulatory implementation projects, applications and manage the annual Compliance Monitoring Programme (CMP).
• Responsible for Regulatory Reporting across the group.
• Oversee the surveillance function and ensure sufficient market abuse controls are in place.
• Assist in the planning and provision of training for staff in line with current and future regulatory requirements.
• Established the Regulatory Horizon Scanning function, leading policy governance and developing and delivering mandatory staff training to foster a proactive compliance culture.

Deputy Head of Compliance - ETX Capital

(2016-08 - 2017-02)

• Responsible for leading the company through a Section 166 remediation exercise.
• Implemented a compliance programme in step with regulatory developments and changes in market practice.
• Firm representative at the industry association meetings.
• Assisted in developing a Market Abuse programme which identified suspicious trading patterns and a process for escalation to the FCA via a STOR.
• Kept the business appraised of regulatory developments and industry best practice.
• Created an MLRO report for the board of Directors.

Global Compliance Team Leader - Forex Capital Markets Limited

(2012-09 - 2016-08)

• Development and implementation of a Compliance programme.
• Creation of a cross-jurisdictional Compliance team.
• Created Monthly Compliance reports to the UK and EU board of directors.
• Investigated and delivered FCA thematic review responses.
• Creation of Compliance policies and procedures.
• Oversaw the implementation of the Global Compliance monitoring programme. Worked with business to implement areas of failure.
• Implementation of the Treating Customer Fairly (TCF) regime.
• Implemented controls for Appointed Representatives and Tied Agents.
• Created regulation matrix for Money Managers, Introducing Brokers and Omnibus partners.
• Advised the business on impending regulations and directives.

Compliance Manager CF 11 Money Laundering Reporting Officer - XTB UK

(2011-06 - 2012-09)

• Lead the Variation of Permission application with the FCA for the company to be a licensed Broker.
• Produced and maintained all Compliance related policies and procedural documents.
• Responsible for regulatory monitoring, financial promotions approval and company adherence to FCA regulations.
• Employed and managed the Compliance and Operations department including 3 direct reports.
• Reported directly to the board in relation to Legal and Compliance matters.
• Created systems and controls for Client Money Reconciliations (CASS), and Funding solutions for clients.
• Implemented categorisation processes on new clients (Retail, Professional and Eligible-Counterparties in accordance with COBs).
• Responsible for Suspicious Activity Reports and Suspicious Transaction Reporting.
• Oversaw the implementation of an AML programme.

Compliance Assistant - WorldSpreads Limited

(2010-09 - 2011-06)

• Provided generalist advice to the business.
• Resolved initial complaints and responses to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
• Assisted in preparing the firm for an AML Thematic Review.
• Reviewed suspicious trading patterns and creating a high risk book.
• Created reports to SOCA and reporting STRs to the FSA.
• Assisted with the monitoring programme, its completion and reporting findings.

Compliance Specialist - GFT Global Markets UK LTD

(2009-06 - 2010-09)

• Conducted Client Due Diligence on all prospective clients.
• Created reports to (SOCA).
• Created and maintained watch lists for PEPs and other high risk clients identified by Compliance.
• Reported directly to the MLRO in relation to all AML matters.
• Complaint handling.

Diploma - Investment Compliance (CISI)

Master of Laws (LLM) - Advanced Legal Practice - De Montfort Law School

Legal Practice Course (LPC) - De Montfort Law School

Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Law with Accountancy - Brighton University