James Dickson

Experience

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  Freeman Isowo & Co. (Chartered Accountants)

  Nov 2011 - Oct 2014

  Audit Senior Associate

  - Participated and led the execution of multiple financial statements audit engagements, accounting advisory and tax compliance services to clients operating mostly in the consumer and industrial markets, public sector and NGOs.- Performed first level review of audit work papers prepared by junior team members and submit draft audited financial statements, management representation letter and audit report to the Engagement Manager and/or Partner for review and sign-off. - Coordinated engagement pre-fieldwork and post-field activities such as organising kick-off meeting, client interviews, preparing of engagement letters, creation of information request list, billing and collection, file completion and file archiving Show less

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  Heritage Bank Plc

  Oct 2014 - Jan 2017

  Internal Audit & Control Officer

  - Performed internal audits, investigations and spot checks on the Bank’s Processes, Practices & Procedures (3Ps) in the Head Office and across its Branches in order to ascertain the efficiency and operating effectiveness of the established controls. - Reviewed the Bank’s financial reports/transactions and General Ledgers on daily basis to ensure integrity, accuracy and validity of the processed/posted transaction.- Monitored various operations of the Bank’ including its risk assets portfolio (credit facilities), clearing operations, trade and treasury operations, term deposit transactions, E-channels support, E-payment solutions (NIBBS, Autopay & remittances), Alert platforms, card operations, Interswitch products, and expenses (CAPEX/OPEX) etc.. in order to mitigate against compliance risk, frauds and other irregularities.- Provided policy guidance to staff on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) issues with emphasis on KYC/CDD, PEP and FEP requirements.- Drove staff compliance culture through facilitation of monthly compliance training and awareness session in the Bank’s Branches and liaised with regulatory authorities during inspections Show less

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  KPMG Nigeria

  Jan 2017 - Jul 2022

  Manager, Risk Management and Compliance

  Managed and led the delivery of several projects covering:- The design and implementation of Enterprise Risk Management framework - Internal audit assignment on different support functions (Finance, HR, Business Development, IT functions)- Design and implement Compliance Monitoring Programs (CMP): current state and gap assessment of compliance processes - AML/CFT framework implementation- Anti-Bribery and Corruption (ABC) Risk Assessments - Data Privacy (GDPR) assessment- Ethics & misconduct Investigation (whistleblowing reports) - Development of risks and compliance related policies and procedure manuals- Contract performance reviews- Root Cause Analysis of audit findings- Training and coaching of risk professionals- Risk dashboarding reporting etc. Show less

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  KPMG in the Crown Dependencies

  Aug 2021 - Dec 2021

  Manager (Associate), Risk and Regulatory Advisory

  Supported clients/companies operating in the financial services sectors in the Crown Dependencies (Jersey, Guernsey, and Isle of Man) with risk advisory services such as internal audit, risk management, regulatory compliance, financial crime (AML/CFT) matters, and corporate governance framework effectiveness assessments.

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  KPMG Malta

  Aug 2022 - Jun 2023

  Manager, Risk Advisory Services - Banking and Fintech

  Providing Internal Audit, Risk & Regulatory Compliance Services to clients in the financial services industry encompassing:- Manage internal audit projects (outsourced/co-sourced), including engagement delivery on internal governance effectiveness assessment, board advisory services, AML/CFT compliance services and ESG implementation advisory etc.- Support Banks, FinTech institutions and Insurance companies with the design and implementation of risk management and regulatory compliance requirements.- Provide advisory services to Banks on various aspects of Banking Prudential Regulations (focusing on the European Union and Malta's banking rules & guidelines such as MFSA/ECB/EBA rules, ICAAP/ILAAP framework review, CRR/CRD, Stress testing, Basel framework, and License Application support etc.) - Provide advisory services to Insurers relating to Solvency II requirements in line with EIOPA guidelines and the Insurance Act. Show less

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  DLocal

  Jul 2023 - Aug 2024

  Head of Risk - EMEA

  As the Head of Risk - EMEA, I was responsible for maintaining the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework for dLocal entities in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region - Malta, UK, UAE, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Egypt, and Morocco, Key responsibilities include: - Establishment of adequate risk management policies and procedures, and the Risk Appetite Statement (RAS); - Ensuring that the existing and emerging risk exposures of dLocal companies in these regions are identified and managed in line with the Risk Appetite Framework and Tolerance levels of the Company; - Proactively identify and propose modifications to the Company’s controls and procedures according to the outcome of the risk assessments and other risk events; - Conduct independent horizon scanning exercise of the business environment to identify other key risks that may be applicable to the Company; - Perform continuous and ongoing monitoring of the material risks and associated mitigating actions and the KRIs to ensure adequacy and effectiveness of risk responses; - Monitoring of the Company's activities, processes and systems to manage all forms of risks; - Periodic reporting of risk status and key risk indicators to the Board of Directors, Risk Committee, and Country Managers;- Training of staff members in relation to risk related matters; - Ensuring timely submission of statutory and ad-hoc reporting related to the Company’s Risk Management framework as required by local authorities.Approved (PQed) by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) as the Risk Manager for the licensed entity in Malta. Show less

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  PingPong Payments

  Sept 2024 - now

  Senior Manager & Head - Risk Management (EU & UK)

  PingPong Europe S.A. - Luxembourg is a licensed Electronic Money Institution (EMI) providing cross-border payment services including payin collections & payout, card acquiring and issue, merchant acquiring and FX conversion services.As the Senior Risk Manager and Head of Risk department, I am responsible for leading and overseeing the design and implementation of PingPong's risk management strategy in Europe (EU and UK). I also assume the role the Data Protection Officer (DPO) and Information Security Officer (ISO) of the Company.As the DPO and ISO, I am in charge of GDPR compliance and manages information security and cyber risk, define security requirements by establishing a comprehensive framework including policies, procedures and controls to respond to evolving threats and regulatory requirements. I work closely with the Head of IT to ensure that security practices are implemented.In this role, I report directly to the Authorised Managers and Board of Directors. Show less