Toyosi Ayoola: Vice-President and Compliance Officer
Toyosi Ayoola
LLM International Corporate Governance and Financial Regulation, 2018
Based in: Channel Islands
Formerly from: Ireland
First job:
Working in McDonald’s during my second year of my undergraduate degree. It’s a job I'm really proud of as it taught me a lot about the world of work.
Vice-President and Country Compliance Officer at Butterfield Bank (Guernsey) Limited & Butterfield Trust (Guernsey) Limited.
Describe your current role and what attracted you to it.
My current role is quite dynamic in nature. I lead the development and implementation of regulatory compliance frameworks, while managing critical relationships with regulators and law enforcement. What drew me to this role was the opportunity to combine strategic leadership with technical expertise in a way that directly impacts the integrity of financial services.
What’s your favourite part of the role?
What I find most engaging is the dynamic nature of financial regulation and the constant evolution of compliance requirements. Each day brings new challenges, whether I'm providing subject matter expertise to senior management on complex regulatory matters, developing comprehensive risk management strategies, or ensuring our policies align with evolving regulatory requirements.
What are the key skills you learnt at Warwick that have helped you with your career to date?
My Warwick education laid the groundwork for my career trajectory. The programme's emphasis on understanding global financial regulations and corporate governance prepared me well for the challenges of leading compliance functions in an international financial centre. I was also able to develop the following skills during my time at Warwick:
1. International regulatory framework understanding – my LLM provided deep insight into global financial regulations. This knowledge has been fundamental in my roles at GFSC, HSBC, and now as Vice President Country Compliance at Butterfield, where I navigate complex cross-border regulatory requirements.
2. Advanced research and analytical capabilities – the rigorous academic environment at Warwick developed my ability to analyse complex regulatory issues and create practical solutions. This skill has been invaluable when conducting risk assessments, developing compliance frameworks, and implementing regulatory policies.
3. Strategic communication skills – during my time at Warwick, I was a member of the Public Speaking Society (Warwick Speakers). I always looked forward to our meetings and opportunities to give impromptu speeches. I also represented Warwick at the University of Cardiff's public speaking competition in 2017, which I won. Warwick's emphasis on clear, precise communication through academic writing and presentations has been crucial in my career. Whether I'm drafting policies, presenting to boards, or managing relationships with regulators and law enforcement, the ability to communicate complex regulatory matters effectively has been essential to my success.
Did you have a specific career path in mind when you chose to study at Warwick?
I didn't have a specific career path in mind, but I did have a passion for law and an openness to explore where that passion might lead me. Looking back, this flexibility and willingness to embrace opportunities turned out to be one of my greatest assets, and my Warwick experience opened doors I hadn't even considered.
What top tips do you have for Warwick graduates who would like to work in your sector?
1. Be open to learning and adapting – the sector is constantly evolving. Therefore, being willing to learn and adapt is crucial. My journey from legal practice to compliance leadership demonstrates how versatility can lead to exciting opportunities.
2. Network – the power of networking can never be over emphasised. Be involved in the industry and be willing to learn from those in industry who have more experience.
3. Don't be afraid to start small – not everyone starts as CEO. No experience is wasted or too little. Be content with where you are while also actively seeking opportunities to grow.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My daily schedule varies significantly throughout the year, particularly when important regulatory returns are due. However, a typical day often includes reviewing emails and providing advisory support to senior management on regulatory updates, emerging compliance matters, and ongoing project tasks. This requires me to stay current with regulatory changes and their potential impact on our operations.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given in relation to your career?
"People will either pity you or praise you - choose one. "
It seemed harsh at the time, especially as it came from a sibling, but it has been my fuel to not give up even in the darkest of seasons. Looking back, choosing to pursue praise through hard work and resilience rather than accepting pity has been instrumental in my career journey. It is also a reminder that sometimes the most valuable career advice isn't the most comfortable to hear, but rather the kind that pushes you to exceed your own expectations.
What should current students or recent alumni be doing to move their careers forward?
Keep in touch with opportunities in your desired sector and apply. It's okay if you don't get that opportunity, but it is important you don't give up. You miss out on 100% of the opportunities you don't apply for.