What do you enjoy about working in compliance?
Liesbet Demasure previously worked as a lawyer before joining KBC's compliance team a year ago. She now works alongside colleagues with a diverse array of backgrounds, which is why she always prefers a constructive conversation to sending an e-mail. In this article, she explains why she loves her job as a Compliance Officer.
What exactly does your job involve, Liesbet?
Everyone on our team works for specific business units at KBC. It’s my job to support the Bolero investment platform and the Security Services department, primarily by providing advice on compliance issues. For example, I help ensure that marketing campaigns comply with all the applicable regulations. In addition, colleagues from those business units can come to me for advice if there are any complaints or questions.
Another important task is reporting. I provide management and supervisory authorities with information about any compliance-related audits we’ve done and tell them what the findings were. I definitely enjoy the challenge and tight deadlines involved, and there’s always more to learn.
How does the job suit your interests and strengths?
Before doing this job, I worked at court and in legal positions where the focus was on contracts. I learned a lot in those roles, but compliance goes beyond the legal aspects. In my current job, I really enjoy project management and interacting with business stakeholders.
Working with colleagues to find a compliant way forward is a part of the job that appeals to me, especially when you can chat to colleagues over a cup of coffee and work out the best possible approach together. If I can return to the example of marketing campaigns, there are all kinds of rules within marketing which can make it a challenge to carry out creative work effectively. That’s why I’m there to provide support.
My current focus isn’t necessarily on building a career so much as performing my role as best I can and adding value.
What were your expectations when you started at KBC?
Given that three family members of mine work at KBC, I already had a good idea of what it’s like to work here. You get to work with colleagues who have all kinds of skills and the atmosphere is always friendly. The company culture is focused on the people, and that’s important to me.
I had already heard that there’s a pleasant atmosphere. It’s nice and busy. Our team has recently started trying to celebrate our successes more often and take the time to reflect on what we’ve already achieved. It’s so important to appreciate each other, which is why we like to highlight certain individuals now and again. We help each other, have plenty of laughs and get to choose from different activities organised by KBC. This lets us get to know our colleagues in a different light.
Having a barista at head office was certainly a nice surprise. I get up early and come straight to work, so I certainly appreciate being able to enjoy a delicious coffee.
Do you have any tips for those considering a job at KBC?
If you use KBC Mobile, you can ask Kate to suggest suitable vacancies to you. That's how I became aware of the position of Compliance Officer. It was only one month later that I heard I could start my new job.
Don't assume it's the same everywhere. KBC has managed to create an environment where you are valued, can connect with others and grow.
