Insights
Meet Shaid Moughal, Head of Client Asset Sourcebook (CASS) at Aberdeen, who shares his journey from investment banking to becoming a champion for investor protection. He talks about leading through regulatory transformation, the value of soft skills, and how decentralised finance could reshape the future of compliance. Plus, his football loyalty might surprise you!
What inspired you to pursue a career in regulatory compliance (specifically CASS)?
I started out in investment banking, but the financial crisis was a turning point. Seeing the systemic failures and how they affected everyday people made me realise the importance of safeguarding client assets. That’s what led me to shift into investor protection and CASS. It’s about ensuring the system works for everyone, not just the institutions.
Can you share a memorable moment or accomplishment in your career that you’re particularly proud of?
Transforming the mindset of an entire organisation to prioritise regulatory compliance and investor protection is something I’m proud of. Initially, there was resistance. But now, it’s part of the company’s DNA. Shaping that cultural shift was incredibly fulfilling.
What skills do you think are most essential for future leaders in regulatory compliance?
Soft skills are critical, especially listening and communication. Leadership in compliance isn’t about taking the spotlight. It’s about championing your team, enabling others, and guiding through complexity with empathy and clarity.
If you weren’t in assurance, what career do you think you would have pursued?
I’d have probably gone into entrepreneurship. I really enjoy building things from the ground up and the learning journey that comes with it. There’s something energising about creating something new and connecting with people along the way.
What’s one thing you wish people understood better about regulatory compliance?
Regulatory compliance isn’t just about rules, it’s about people. These rules exist to protect individuals and their financial wellbeing. When you connect the dots between regulations, customer outcomes, and business practices, you begin to see how compliance adds real value.
What skills do you think are most important for success in compliance roles?
Curiosity is key. You must be eager to understand complex information and simplify it. But it goes beyond technical knowledge, you need to understand your business, the people within it, and the regulatory principles you’re working with.
Can you share a memorable experience that shaped your view on regulatory compliance?
Working through the financial crisis was eye-opening. The disruption showed how interconnected and vulnerable financial institutions really are. That experience cemented my belief in the importance of regulatory controls, especially when it comes to safeguarding client assets.
What’s your top tip for handling a crisis?
Stay calm and don’t panic. Break things down into manageable steps, bring the right people in, and communicate clearly. Focus first on containment, address the immediate issues rather than becoming overwhelmed.
What’s a compliance trend that most excites you right now?
The shift towards principles-based regulation, like the Consumer Duty, really excites me. It focuses on outcomes rather than just ticking boxes. It’s about doing the right thing for the customer and that’s what compliance should be about.
Which is the most successful regulatory regime?
I wouldn’t say any regime is perfect, but I appreciate the evolution towards outcome-based regulation. We’re seeing more flexibility that aligns with real-world complexities, and I think that’s a step in the right direction.
If you had the choice, which regulator would you most want to be regulated by and why?
The ideal regulator would be one that balances consumer protection with practical, business-savvy oversight. The reality is that regulators are under pressure too; trying to keep pace with globalisation and digitalisation while ensuring markets remain safe and accessible.
What do you see as the biggest future trend or change in regulatory compliance?
The digitisation of finance and the rise of decentralised systems. As these evolve, they’ll challenge the relevance and control of central banks and governments. Compliance will need to keep up with technologies that don’t fit traditional regulatory models.
Who is your favourite superhero?
I prefer complex anti-heroes over perfectly righteous ones. There’s more depth and relatability in characters who are flawed but still strive to do good. If I had the chance, I’d probably create my own superhero.
What’s your favourite song?
Champagne Supernova by Oasis.
What’s your favourite sports team?
Manchester City. Even though I’m based in Scotland, I grew up with older siblings who were fans, so that loyalty stuck.
Who is the best compliance consultancy business with L and C in the name?
Leaman Crellin—of course! They have great openness and a two-way communication and knowledge-sharing approach. I think that LC bridges the gap between consultants and practitioners, offering real-world insight that benefits both sides.
