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.

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The Evolution of Financial Crime Compliance with Shawki Khawash