WIBF team at AFME’s 8th Annual European Compliance and Legal Conference

This week, we had the pleasure of attending AFME (Association for Financial Markets in Europe)’s 8th Annual European Compliance and Legal Conference, where several WIBF volunteers took part in insightful discussions and thought leadership panels. It was fantastic to see such a strong presence from our community across multiple sessions, with many of our volunteers taking centre stage and sharing their expertise.

Spotlight on the Future Leaders Roundtable

One of the standout sessions was the Future Leaders Roundtable, featuring WIBF’s Future Leaders Shadow Board members –  Lucy Ellis-Keeler, Rachel Mann, and Shannon Oleson. The discussion centered on the importance of identifying your network, finding gaps, and developing and maintaining those critical connections throughout your career. This session offered invaluable insights for the next generation of leaders in compliance, providing practical advice for those looking to navigate and grow within the sector.

The energy and engagement during the conversation highlighted the importance of networking and mentorship. We look forward to seeing more from our Future Leaders Network at a networking event at Lloyds Bank in London on Tuesday 1 October. You can register here.

Diversity & Inclusion: The Most Engaged Session of the Day

Another standout moment came during the Diversity & Inclusion panel, where WIBF’s Annie Danhe Ren and Abisola Barber Sherwood, CMgr CCMI took the stage. This panel was noted as the most engaged session of the day, receiving the highest audience participation via Slido.

The conversation expertly balanced regulatory guidance with practical perspectives and actionable advice, leaving a strong impression on the audience. Abisola shared some of the powerful feedback she received during the networking session afterward, which underlined the impact of the discussion:

💬 “I didn’t appreciate, as a middle-aged white man, that D&I is my problem too. I have a role to play here.”

💬 “Thank you for explaining and bringing to life a topic I thought, as a Compliance Officer, wasn’t my job to care about.”

These comments reflect the growing understanding that diversity and inclusion are issues that must be addressed by everyone, regardless of role or background. It is truly rewarding to see how this conversation resonated with so many in attendance.

Looking Ahead

AFME’s conference provided an excellent platform for WIBF volunteers to share their knowledge and passion, and we are incredibly proud of their contributions. The discussions sparked new ideas, fostered connections, and brought vital topics to the forefront of the financial services industry. As we look ahead, we are excited to see these discussions continue at future events, including our upcoming FLN session.

If you aren’t already a member of WIBF, find out more about our membership options here.