The role of a Chief Legal and Compliance Officer is pivotal in ensuring that an organization adheres to legal standards, regulations, and ethical practices. Combining legal expertise with a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks, this role aims to mitigate legal risks and foster a culture of compliance within the company. Charu Vyas, the Chief Legal and Compliance Officer at GTN ME, is an accomplished professional with a strong foundation in law. Having earned an LL.B degree with a gold medal from Bareilly and an LL.M from NLSIU, Bangalore, and a certification in leadership from Yale University, Charu has demonstrated a commitment to legal excellence from the outset. Her international exposure, gained through internships with organizations such as the United Nations, has enriched her global legal perspective.

Charu's journey in the legal and compliance field took a significant turn during her 13 years in the UAE, where she honed her expertise across various financial sectors, including insurance, investment firms, banks, and brokerages. Her diverse experience has not only deepened her understanding of legal intricacies but has also solidified her dedication to upholding ethical standards and legal integrity in the corporate domain. Charu Vyas brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record to her role as the Chief Legal and Compliance Officer at GTN ME, where her strategic leadership and commitment to compliance contribute to the overall success and integrity of the organization. Let’s read more about her.

Guide us through the formative years of your life. What were some significant early influences that molded you into the person you are today?

My upbringing in Bareilly, India, was profoundly influenced by my family. Accompanying my lawyer father to court ignited a curiosity for the complexities of legal discourse. My mother, an entrepreneur, exemplified resilience and determination, instilling a love for learning and literature in me. Fortunate to have a supportive husband with shared principles, he plays a pivotal role in my journey. Guided by mentors and colleagues, my character has been shaped. Rooted in familial experiences, my formative years laid the foundation for a lifelong passion for knowledge, leadership principles, and feminist ideals, contributing to the person I am today.

"Embracing emotional intelligence is not just a choice; It's a pathway to success"

Share with us the primary areas of proficiency you've cultivated throughout your tenure as a compliance executive.

In my role as a legal and compliance executive, I have refined my expertise across pivotal domains such as Regulatory Compliance, Risk Assessment, Policy Development, Training, Monitoring, Investigations, Ethics Promotion, Cross-functional Collaboration, and Adapting to Emerging Regulatory Trends. Diligent oversight underpins my commitment to ensuring compliance with a myriad of laws and standards, while my strategic risk management approaches act as a bulwark against potential threats. Taking the lead in driving policy initiatives, implementing effective leadership strategies, and nurturing ethical cultures are integral aspects of my professional approach. Additionally, my collaborative efforts with various departments and adaptability to evolving regulatory landscapes further underscore the value of my contributions.

Introduce us to GTN ME and elaborate on the diverse responsibilities you manage as the company's Chief Legal and Compliance Officer.

GTN ME stands as a trailblazing fintech entity, boasting decades of success and holding broker-dealer and capital markets services licenses across several jurisdictions. Through subsidiaries located in Dubai, Singapore, South Africa, the UK, and the US, we are dedicated to empowering brokers, banks, asset managers, and fintechs by providing scalable and innovative investment and trading solutions. In my capacity as the Chief Legal and Compliance Officer at our Middle East subsidiary, which is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority under category 3A license, I bear the responsibility for overseeing all regional legal, risk management, and regulatory compliance functions for GTN ME.

A business leader's journey is marked by numerous challenges. Could you shed light on the primary obstacles you face in your current position at GTN ME and how you navigate them?

In my capacity at GTN ME, I confront substantial challenges related to managing legal, regulatory, and risk complexities, all while spearheading strategic initiatives and the development of new products. Maneuvering through operational intricacies amidst dynamic market shifts, technological advancements, and regulatory changes stands out as a central challenge. In response to this, I prioritize agility and innovation, nurturing adaptability and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the organization.

Another major challenge lies in striking a balance between short-term priorities and long-term goals. To tackle this, I emphasize strategic planning and alignment across all levels, empowering teams to ensure that their actions align seamlessly with overarching aspirations.

In your view, what are the most noteworthy achievements in your professional journey so far, and what guiding principles have fueled your success over the years?

When reflecting on my professional path, I recognize that the most significant 'wins' often arise from the accumulation of smaller victories, each contributing to more substantial accomplishments. Among these victories, I place particular importance on achieving clean regulatory risk assessments. These assessments serve as the cornerstone for ensuring compliance and mitigating potential risks, forming the basis for tackling broader challenges such as combating money laundering and terrorist financing. Addressing these challenges necessitates a comprehensive approach, blending regulatory expertise, technological advancements, and collaboration with law enforcement agencies.

As for my guiding principle or success mantra, I draw inspiration from Ayn Rand's words: 'The question isn't who is going to let me; it's who is going to stop me.' This philosophy underscores my determination and resilience in pursuing and achieving professional goals.

How do you foresee the field of business compliance landscape evolving in the near future? Which industry trends will have the most impact on UAE’s compliance advisory landscape?

The business compliance landscape in the UAE is poised for transformation, influenced by several key trends. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to revolutionize compliance practices, offering data-driven insights and automation capabilities. The rise of cryptocurrencies presents new challenges related to anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations. Sanctions compliance, especially amid geopolitical shifts, remains a crucial concern. The recent exit of the UAE from the FATF (Financial Action Task Force) grey list has boosted confidence in the country's compliance standards, signaling enhanced regulatory compliance and potentially prompting adjustments in strategies to align with evolving standards, further shaping the future of compliance in the UAE.

Message for Aspiring Women Leaders:

Embracing emotional intelligence is not just a choice; it's a pathway to success.

Charu Vyas, Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, GTN ME

Charu Vyas, GTN ME's Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, brings extensive legal expertise and a commitment to ethical standards to her pivotal role. With a background rooted in familial influences and enriched by international experiences, Charu's journey reflects a dedication to legal excellence and compliance.