Mohammed Abthahee Kamaly- Risk and Compliance Manager- BA Geography
What attracted you to the course at Queen Mary?
I have always enjoyed politics and discovered that Geography uniquely intersects with contemporary global issues, especially through a political lens. One module, Science and Politics of Climate Change, was particularly influential. It provided valuable insights into how global climate policies are formulated, contested, and implemented, which deepened my understanding of the nuances behind political decision-making processes.
Where do you currently work, your job title, and a brief description of your day-to-day role?
I am currently a Risk and Compliance Manager at Lumon Pay. My role involves closely collaborating with various business areas to identify, assess, and mitigate their risks. Often, teams are heavily focused on their immediate goals and may lack the capacity to fully appreciate emerging risks within their areas. Risk professionals like myself provide that oversight, helping these teams understand changes in their risk profile and how these might impact the broader organisation. A significant portion of my role revolves around stakeholder management. To quote one of my favourite managers: "aim to win hearts and minds." This means building strong relationships and effectively communicating the value of proactive risk management, rather than simply enforcing compliance as a tick-box exercise. Good risk management benefits everyone, and I particularly enjoy holding the business accountable while working collaboratively at all levels to develop practical solutions.
How did your time and studies at Queen Mary help you decide on the career path you wanted to pursue?
Many Geography students graduate equipped with diverse and versatile skills, opening pathways to numerous career opportunities, which can initially feel overwhelming. This was certainly my experience. My Geography BA degree provided exposure to a broad range of fields, prompting me to pursue a general management graduate scheme. This scheme gave me invaluable experience across insurance, retail, and compliance sectors, and it ultimately guided my interest toward financial services. Through these experiences, I identified risk and compliance as areas where I could further develop my skills and build my career.
Do you have a favourite spot on campus? / Did you enjoy studying at a campus-based university?
There are so many to choose from! One of the great benefits of studying at Queen Mary is its distinctive campus-based environment which helps facilitate a strong sense of community and belonging, making it easier to meet new people, build lasting friendships, and feel supported academically and socially. It also provides the convenience of having everything you need, including all the lecture halls, library space, cafés and leisure spaces right at our doorstep. This meant that I had a number of places that I really enjoyed visiting on campus. That said, the spot on campus where I have the most memories is definitely the Geography Computer Room located in the Geography Building. I recently revisited it and saw that it has changed significantly since my student days (which definitely made me feel old!). Despite the changes, the memories of coursework sessions, revision periods, and the socialising made the space feel like a natural home for many of the highs and lows of our time, but it was being around my friends through it all that made it so special.
How was your time in London when studying? Do you feel being in the city helped your career prospects?
Absolutely! Studying in London provided access to a wealth of opportunities. During my time at Queen Mary, I worked part-time as a Play Worker for a local charity. This experience allowed me to engage with the local community, acquire diverse skills, and develop capabilities I continue to use professionally (managing a room full of energetic 4-11 year-olds certainly equipped me with valuable communication skills that were transferable to corporate environments!). Moreover, London's diverse cultural landscape provided the perfect metropolitan setting. Queen Mary’s campus reflected this vibrant atmosphere, offering the best aspects of London in one location. Studying here significantly enhanced my perspective on career possibilities, especially within financial services, given London’s status as a global financial hub.
Do you have any advice for prospective students about a career in your field?
Effective risk management relies on clearly conveying and contextualising actions to ensure business risks are managed thoughtfully and responsibly. To excel in this field, you need a strong sense of justice, a drive to make a positive difference, and the confidence to assert views that might sometimes be unpopular. Be prepared to challenge and be challenged, strategically choosing which debates add the most value.
Since risk management often involves managing people’s perceptions and responses, building strong relationships and excellent communication skills are crucial. Take time to deeply understand the areas you support, potentially shadowing colleagues to immerse yourself in their work. This deep understanding encourages stakeholders to buy into your advice and perspectives! Finally, remain pragmatic, knowing when to stand firm and when compromise is necessary. And always keep your technical knowledge sharp, as stakeholders rely on you for informed advice backed by data and logical reasoning.
Learn more about our Geography BA Course