Tell us about yourself and what you do at Davies.

I have been a coach within apprenticeships for nearly four years now, I started in retail banking when I was 18 and progressed to a banking consultant. I became established in the role and would support new apprentices within the bank to develop their knowledge and experience, which led me to a coaching role, and finally where I am now as a Compliance and Risk Coach at Davies.

How will the compliance and risk apprenticeship benefit financial services organisations?

The programme is suitable for new or existing staff and is available at Level 3 or Level 6. It aims to increase the knowledge and understanding of relevant legal and regulatory requirements, so that employees can always ensure compliance. Learners achieve an awareness of threats and potential risks along with the knowledge of how to mitigate harm or exposure, as well as a greater understanding of how the external environment can impact organisations.

The qualification ensures employees apply knowledge to the wider industry and have a more diverse skill set which enables professional growth, increased productivity, innovative thinking, and enhanced decision making. We partner with the ICA professional body, who provide a wide range of qualifications for those working in this area who wish to develop their skills or those aspiring to have a career within risk and compliance.

Why is Compliance & Risk an important topic in Financial Services?

As Financial Services is heavily regulated, compliance and risk have an essential role in ensuring rules and regulations are adhered to. There are severe penalties that relate to non-compliance which makes it pivotal that firms within Financial Services meet their obligations and manage risks. This can range from fines, penalties to public censure. Compliance and risk plays a much wider role, in ensuring that firms operate with appropriate conduct, to uphold the soundness and integrity of the financial market.

What do you enjoy most about coaching Risk & Compliance?

As regulations and new risks are ever evolving, I enjoy keeping up to date with these changes and supporting learners in achieving the required knowledge and skills to become fully competent compliance and risk professionals.

What are your top 3 studying tips for apprentices?

Tip 1: Block out time weekly/devise a study plan with clear milestones of what needs to be achieved to be ready by the exam date. Aim for bitesized chunks, to make the study more engaging and not overwhelming.
Tip 2: Ensure all content has been understood prior to attempting mock exams. It is important you are confident with the knowledge gained and feel ready to sit the exam.
Tip 3: Consider the best approach that would suit your learning style, draw symbols, pictures or take notes to prompt and aid learning.

Our Professional Education team delivers a range of apprenticeship programmes across insurance & financial services. Get in touch to find out how we help businesses build a more diverse and talented workforce with use from the apprenticeship levy.

Maida Bell
Compliance & Risk Coach
maida.bell@davies-group.com