Founder

Simon worked in financial services for over 20 years before founding our business in 2015. He set out to build something that would provide subject matter expertise alongside broad delivery capability, enabling our clients to take advantage of expertise we believe is unrivalled in some areas. Simon is still very much involved in the delivery, as he brings specific capabilities with respect to the trading, broking, payment services and e-money sectors. He has an interesting set of personal experiences too, which when appropriate he incorporates in our engagements to bring the subject to life. Simon is a keen cyclist, fair-weather runner and a PADI Dive Master.

Senior Consultant

25+ years in financial services and consulting. Karen is an adaptable consultant with broad client engagement experience across banking, investment management and general insurance. Since 2012 Karen has worked with firms ranging from small, growing financial services companies through to global banks, helping to ensure the success of their business and IT-enabled change initiatives. An exercise enthusiast who enjoys lifting weights, yoga and walking her dogs … and is also a reputed dab hand at soft furnishings!

Senior Consultant

15+ years’ experience within the financial services industry, with particular focus on anti-financial crime including training, bespoke KYC/AML policy and procedures, AML/CTF Risk Assessments, client file reviews and implementing sanctions screening capabilities. In Michelle’s spare time she is a keen creative and can often be found with a glue gun or paint brush in her hand!

Senior Consultant

Over a decade delivering transformation across Banking, Broking, Trading and FX, specialising in regulatory change and risk management. Partnered with several firms and has significant in-house experience translating complex regulations into clear business requirements. Cambridge Master’s in AI Ethics.

Senior Consultant

25+ years’ experience in financial services. She has held senior positions in risk, valuations and capital analysis groups at JP Morgan Chase, Credit Suisse and Mizuho. Solène joined Shapes First in 2016 and has helped a number of clients with their risk management frameworks, ICAAP review and ICARA implementation and stress testing framework. Solène gained her black belt in karate and ran her first marathon in 2020. She proudly won a gold medal in kata in the Funakoshi Shotokan world championships in 2018.

Senior Consultant

25+ years’ experience in the financial services industry specializing in Market Risk, Compliance, Anti-financial Crime and Whistleblowing, delivering commercial priorities within the boundaries of regulatory requirements and internal policy and control frameworks. Donna enjoys the outdoors and has a passion for skiing and diving.

Senior Consultant

25+ years of experience in the banking, finance & consulting sectors. Chris has a solid track record in combining expertise in operating models, risk management, and business processes with knowledge of the best practice in technology solutions. Highly respected for pragmatic strategic corporate business and governance advice, and for the definition, delivery, and oversight of global business & technology transformation programs.  A water sports fanatic often found near aquatic environments worldwide!

Senior Consultant

20+ years in financial services. Karen started out as a hedge fund software developer, later transitioning into Change Management and leading global teams, focussing on large scale regulatory change and complex business and IT programmes. More recently she has assisted businesses from within the Compliance function providing advice and support for complex regulatory change. In her spare time, she can be found enthusiastically taking photos, on top of a surfboard, or attached to a yoga mat.

Senior Consultant

25+ years' experience in financial services, including 11 years in specialist risk and supervision roles at the Financial Services Authority, covering investment banking, client assets requirements, financial crime and wholesale conduct of business. Founding member of the FSA’s Client Assets Unit. James is a leading expert on client money/assets risk management, oversight and controls. James' marathon running days are over, but he still enjoys skiing downhill!

Senior Consultant

25+ years in financial services managing and delivering strategic change. Mike draws on his Front Office business and IT background, with proven experience in managing delivery of front-to-back business improvements. A highly capable, hands-on programme and project manager with a successful track record of identifying, managing and delivering change programmes. Mike plays guitar and enjoys spending time in his recording studio.