Joint Quarterly MLRO Forum with Michelman Robinson
Governance and culture failings and how the sector can respond and improve sustainably
We are delighted to invite the MLRO community to join us for a highly interactive roundtable focused on the practical realities of financial crime governance, influence and impact. Facilitated by Michelman Robinson UK LLP, The Institute, and BeyondFS, this session will bring together MLROs for a candid, Chatham House discussion on how the second line can operate more effectively within modern financial services firms. Against the backdrop of recent FCA enforcement activity, the session provides a timely opportunity to reflect on how governance and culture have contributed to failings and, importantly, how the sector can respond and evolve to make an impact and support sustainable growth. Attendees can expect to leave with the following key takeaways:
- Understanding how you can better influence senior management to put financial crime compliance at the heart of business decision-making
- Exploring how to foster collaborative and impactful relationships with first line colleagues to strive towards the same, common goals
- Sharing experiences with peers, and learning from theirs, to enable you to grow and evolve in your role
This is not a panel session. Attendees will be seated in small, cabaret-style groups and will be encouraged to actively participate, share experiences and challenge perspectives.
The discussion will centre on two core themes:
Building influence and credibility as MLRO: How do you secure and retain a meaningful seat at the table? This part of the discussion will explore practical strategies for engaging boards and senior management, communicating financial crime risk in a way that resonates with commercial stakeholders, and navigating the tension between regulatory expectations and business priorities.
Reframing the second line as an enabler: How can the financial crime function move beyond being seen purely as an oversight or control function? We will examine how second line teams can work more effectively with the business, provide pragmatic and actionable guidance, and support growth while maintaining robust challenge and independence. The focus will be on practical approaches to governance, risk frameworks and day-to-day engagement with the first line.
Designed as an open, collaborative forum, the session will give participants the opportunity to exchange practical insights, test ideas and learn from peers facing similar challenges. Attendees will leave with fresh perspectives on strengthening financial crime governance, increasing their influence within their organisations and positioning the second line as a trusted and effective partner to the business.
Registration is now open. If you would like to attend, please email [email protected] with your name, job title and company. Registration closes on Friday 10 April and all those who are successful will be notified by Tuesday 14 April, with a shortlist in operation thereafter. Places for this roundtable are extremely limited, those who miss out on a place this time will automatically be afforded priority list for our next MLRO Forum.
