Oluwatobiloba Agboola (Regulation and Compliance MSc, 2023)
"Studying at CCLS also provided a unique opportunity to engage with peers from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. This global perspective enriched my learning experience and broadened my understanding of how compliance and regulation operate across different jurisdictions."
Year of graduation: 2023
Name of programme: Regulation and Compliance MSc
Country: Nigeria
Current Job Title and Company Name: Compliance Associate at M T Finance
Area of Specialisation: Financial Crime Prevention | Corporate Governance | Regulation and Compliance | Risk Management
How did you find the teaching and learning?
The teaching and learning experience at CCLS was truly unique and transformative. From the outset, the program was designed to inspire curiosity, foster critical thinking, and equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
The teaching was captivating, blending deep theoretical insights with real-world application. Collaborative assignments, such as group presentations addressing complex compliance and regulatory challenges, provided invaluable opportunities to tackle practical scenarios reflective of professional environments. These tasks not only prepared me for the demands of the workplace but also sharpened my legal, analytical, teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills.
What made the experience even more impactful was the unwavering support from the academic staff. Lecturers and teaching assistants were approachable, encouraging, and genuinely invested in each student's success. My module leader, Dr Garry Gabison, along with distinguished academics like Professor Peter Alldridge, played a pivotal role in shaping how I think about financial crime, regulation and compliance. Their insightful feedback and mentorship profoundly enhanced my writing, public speaking, and overall confidence, both academically and professionally.
Studying at CCLS also provided a unique opportunity to engage with peers from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. This global perspective enriched my learning experience and broadened my understanding of how compliance and regulation operate across different jurisdictions.
In every sense, the teaching and learning at CCLS exceeded my expectations. It’s a place where you’re not just prepared for a career—you’re inspired to excel in it.
Has gaining a deeper understanding of your specialisation helped your career and how?
Completing an MSc in Regulation and Compliance has been transformative for my career as a compliance associate specialising in financial crime prevention. The program provided a comprehensive foundation in critical areas such as anti-money laundering, sanctions compliance, know-your-customer and know-your-business processes, anti-bribery and corruption, anti-terrorist financing, due diligence, and corporate governance.
This deeper understanding has significantly enhanced my ability to identify and mitigate financial crime risks, conduct thorough investigations, and navigate complex regulatory frameworks. The MSc combined theoretical rigor with practical application, equipping me to interpret legislation, understand supervisory agency guidance, and implement effective compliance strategies in my role.
Through the program, I gained the skills to assess risks comprehensively, design and execute robust compliance controls, and provide strategic advice to stakeholders. It also strengthened my confidence in managing regulatory challenges and engaging with industry professionals and regulators.
The MSc has not only advanced my expertise but has also positioned me as a trusted specialist in financial crime prevention, opening doors to greater career opportunities and enabling me to make a meaningful impact in safeguarding my organisation against financial crime. This deeper knowledge and practical experience continue to shape my professional success and growth.
What piece of insight or advice would you offer for future students?
If there’s one piece of advice I’d offer to future students, it would be to embrace the journey of learning as much as the destination of your career. The road to mastering regulation and compliance can feel challenging at times, but remember that every moment of struggle is an opportunity for growth. Don’t rush to have all the answers, let the process unfold, and trust that the knowledge and skills you’re gaining will come together in ways you might not expect.
Take full advantage of the opportunities to collaborate with others. The connections you make with peers and professors are not just about networking, they will be some of the most valuable relationships in your academic and professional life. The perspectives you share and learn from each other will shape the way you think and approach problems in this field.
Also, don’t be afraid to question and explore beyond the curriculum. Some of the most rewarding insights come when you challenge the status quo and dive deeper into topics that spark your curiosity. This is what will set you apart in the long run, not just knowledge, but a genuine passion for understanding and improving the world around you.
Finally, remember that this journey is about more than just a degree, it’s about becoming a thoughtful, ethical, and resilient professional who can make a positive impact in the world. Keep your purpose at the heart of everything you do, and know that the hard work you put in now will pay off in ways you can’t yet imagine. Stay determined, stay curious, and always believe in the difference you can make.
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