Nick Walling

Partner and Head of UAE

Nick has over 47 years of experience in financial services, including banking in the UK and regulatory experience in the UAE.  More recently, he has worked in compliance consultancy, again in the UAE.

Prior to joining Optima, Nick was Head of GRC, DIFC at Equiom Corporate Services Ltd, a DIFC based corporate service provider.  He was in charge a team of compliance professionals, providing registration and outsourced compliance/MLRO services, to DFSA regulated firms.

Nick also held prior positions at:

• Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) – licensing and supervision, with a particular focus on managing new applicants through the licensing/setup process.
• Central Bank of the UAE – onsite risk assessment team member.
• NatWest Bank – a variety of roles, including retail banking and head office project work.

At Optima, Nick works with hedge fund/private equity fund managers, wealth managers and IFAs, payment service and insurance applicants.

He acts as both an outsourced CO/MLRO and as head of the local Optima teams in the DIFC and ADGM.

With his previous knowledge of the DFSA, he is also able to provide guidance and horizon scanning, for DFSA regulated firms.

Notable Areas of Expertise

DFSA/FSRA:

• Licensing and ongoing supervision
• Outsourced CO/MLRO
• Advisory and project work.

Education

• BSc in Financial Services, University of Manchester 2004
• Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (FCIB) 2001
• Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (ACIB) 1987
• ICA International Diplomas - Anti Money Laundering, Compliance & Financial Crime Prevention