Built by industry experts with deep experience in compliance and AML
18 Mar 2025
Managing Compliance Obligations in the New Age
azakaw, in collaboration with the MENA Fintech Association, hosted a webinar on the evolving regulatory landscape. Industry leaders highlighted the need for early regulatory engagement, compliance-driven product development, tech-enabled efficiency, and scalable frameworks. As compliance becomes a strategic advantage, firms must adopt proactive approaches for sustainable growth. Watch the webinar now for key insights!
Regulatory compliance is more complex than ever, with evolving frameworks and increasing enforcement shaping the financial and fintech landscape. In this dynamic environment, fintechs, financial institutions, and digital asset companies must adopt a proactive approach to compliance to remain competitive and sustainable.
To explore these challenges and solutions, azakaw in collaboration with the MENA Fintech Association hosted an exclusive webinar featuring industry leaders who shared invaluable insights on compliance challenges, risk mitigation strategies, and the future of regulatory expectations. The discussion featured Jehanzeb Awan (CEO, azakaw & Founder, j. awan & partners), Bryan Stirewalt (Independent Financial Services Advisor and former COO at DFSA), Mo Ali Yusuf (Co-founder & CEO, Fuze), and Nameer Khan (Chairman, MENA Fintech Association and founder of Fils), who brought diverse perspectives on regulatory engagement, technology adoption, and compliance frameworks.
The “Managing Compliance Obligations in the New Age” webinar provided a deep exploration into the challenges and strategic approaches required for effective regulatory compliance in today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape. As innovations in fintech, digital assets, and Web3 technologies continue to reshape the industry, the discussion underscored that compliance is not merely an administrative task but a core component of a sustainable and competitive business strategy.
Early and Transparent Regulatory Engagement is Critical
Experts emphasized that open and early engagement with regulators is essential. Establishing clear channels of communication from the outset allows companies to clarify regulatory expectations and tailor their business models accordingly. Jehanzeb Awan encapsulated this view by stating, “If you have no compliance issues, there’s a problem,” highlighting the need for proactive identification and resolution of regulatory challenges.
Compliance Must Be Embedded into Product Development
A key theme was the importance of integrating compliance into product development. Decisions made during early-stage planning— – such as whether to deploy manual processes or invest in automation— – have far-reaching implications for operational efficiency and timely licensing. Bryan Stirewalt warned, “The biggest mistake firms make is viewing compliance as an extra function,” urging companies to embed compliance into every aspect of their operations to avoid costly setbacks.
Leveraging Technology for Compliance Efficiency
Technology plays a pivotal role in driving compliance efficiency. Panelists discussed how integrating tools like artificial intelligence and blockchain can streamline processes such as KYC/KYB verification and transaction monitoring. Mo Ali Yusuf reflected on his experience, noting, “The key learning is that you really have to understand the regulatory landscape; it’s not the same as it was just a few years ago.” His statement underscores the need for companies to remain agile and informed as regulatory expectations evolve.
Building Scalable and Adaptive Compliance Frameworks
With regulations continuously evolving, firms must invest in compliance frameworks that scale with their business. Nameer Khan advised, “Look ahead to where your business will be in the next 24 months, and choose the right partners accordingly.” This forward-thinking approach ensures that internal processes remain robust and adaptable over time.
The Future: Innovation Labs and Compliance-First Culture
Looking ahead, fintech and digital asset companies must adopt a dual focus on technological innovation and strategic regulatory partnerships. By leveraging regulatory sandboxes and innovation labs, companies can test and refine their compliance strategies in controlled environments. Moreover, embedding a “compliance-first” culture across all levels of the organization is crucial – not only for mitigating risks but also for fostering trust and sustainable growth.
The insights from the webinar highlight that the future of regulatory compliance will be defined by firms that integrate proactive regulatory engagement, technology-driven solutions, and scalable internal frameworks. This comprehensive approach is essential for navigating the complexities of modern financial regulation and building a resilient, innovative business.
For fintechs and financial institutions operating in MENA and beyond, compliance is no longer just a regulatory requirement—it is a strategic advantage that can define long-term success.
About azakaw
azakaw is a reliable and flexible RegTech platform designed for businesses in highly regulated sectors, including finance, cryptocurrency, and emerging technologies. Backed by a team of seasoned compliance and AML experts, azakaw ensures that regulatory requirements are met with the same reliability as traditional systems, but with the added advantage of advanced AI-powered technology and exceptional customization capabilities. Its multitenancy model allows businesses to manage compliance across multiple jurisdictions, making it ideal for organizations looking to streamline compliance efforts globally.
About MENA FINTECH ASSOCIATION
The MENA FINTECH ASSOCIATION (MFTA) is an inclusive, not for profit association that fosters an open dialogue for the MENA Fintech community; shaping the future of financial services in the region. We have a growing community of Fintech startups and SMEs, financial institutions, technology companies, academia, investors, accelerators as well as regulators and policy makers. Plus cross border knowledge exchange platforms and collaborations creating a conducive Fintech ecosystem.
To relive the webinar, click below:
Email: info@azakaw.com | Visit: azakaw.com
18 Mar 2025
Managing Compliance Obligations in the New Age
Regulatory compliance is more complex than ever, with evolving frameworks and increasing enforcement shaping the financial and fintech landscape. In this dynamic environment, fintechs, financial institutions, and digital asset companies must adopt a proactive approach to compliance to remain competitive and sustainable.
To explore these challenges and solutions, azakaw in collaboration with the MENA Fintech Association hosted an exclusive webinar featuring industry leaders who shared invaluable insights on compliance challenges, risk mitigation strategies, and the future of regulatory expectations. The discussion featured Jehanzeb Awan (CEO, azakaw & Founder, j. awan & partners), Bryan Stirewalt (Independent Financial Services Advisor and former COO at DFSA), Mo Ali Yusuf (Co-founder & CEO, Fuze), and Nameer Khan (Chairman, MENA Fintech Association and founder of Fils), who brought diverse perspectives on regulatory engagement, technology adoption, and compliance frameworks.
The “Managing Compliance Obligations in the New Age” webinar provided a deep exploration into the challenges and strategic approaches required for effective regulatory compliance in today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape. As innovations in fintech, digital assets, and Web3 technologies continue to reshape the industry, the discussion underscored that compliance is not merely an administrative task but a core component of a sustainable and competitive business strategy.
Early and Transparent Regulatory Engagement is Critical
Experts emphasized that open and early engagement with regulators is essential. Establishing clear channels of communication from the outset allows companies to clarify regulatory expectations and tailor their business models accordingly. Jehanzeb Awan encapsulated this view by stating, “If you have no compliance issues, there’s a problem,” highlighting the need for proactive identification and resolution of regulatory challenges.
Compliance Must Be Embedded into Product Development
A key theme was the importance of integrating compliance into product development. Decisions made during early-stage planning— – such as whether to deploy manual processes or invest in automation— – have far-reaching implications for operational efficiency and timely licensing. Bryan Stirewalt warned, “The biggest mistake firms make is viewing compliance as an extra function,” urging companies to embed compliance into every aspect of their operations to avoid costly setbacks.
Leveraging Technology for Compliance Efficiency
Technology plays a pivotal role in driving compliance efficiency. Panelists discussed how integrating tools like artificial intelligence and blockchain can streamline processes such as KYC/KYB verification and transaction monitoring. Mo Ali Yusuf reflected on his experience, noting, “The key learning is that you really have to understand the regulatory landscape; it’s not the same as it was just a few years ago.” His statement underscores the need for companies to remain agile and informed as regulatory expectations evolve.
Building Scalable and Adaptive Compliance Frameworks
With regulations continuously evolving, firms must invest in compliance frameworks that scale with their business. Nameer Khan advised, “Look ahead to where your business will be in the next 24 months, and choose the right partners accordingly.” This forward-thinking approach ensures that internal processes remain robust and adaptable over time.
The Future: Innovation Labs and Compliance-First Culture
Looking ahead, fintech and digital asset companies must adopt a dual focus on technological innovation and strategic regulatory partnerships. By leveraging regulatory sandboxes and innovation labs, companies can test and refine their compliance strategies in controlled environments. Moreover, embedding a “compliance-first” culture across all levels of the organization is crucial – not only for mitigating risks but also for fostering trust and sustainable growth.
The insights from the webinar highlight that the future of regulatory compliance will be defined by firms that integrate proactive regulatory engagement, technology-driven solutions, and scalable internal frameworks. This comprehensive approach is essential for navigating the complexities of modern financial regulation and building a resilient, innovative business.
For fintechs and financial institutions operating in MENA and beyond, compliance is no longer just a regulatory requirement—it is a strategic advantage that can define long-term success.
About azakaw
azakaw is a reliable and flexible RegTech platform designed for businesses in highly regulated sectors, including finance, cryptocurrency, and emerging technologies. Backed by a team of seasoned compliance and AML experts, azakaw ensures that regulatory requirements are met with the same reliability as traditional systems, but with the added advantage of advanced AI-powered technology and exceptional customization capabilities. Its multitenancy model allows businesses to manage compliance across multiple jurisdictions, making it ideal for organizations looking to streamline compliance efforts globally.
About MENA FINTECH ASSOCIATION
The MENA FINTECH ASSOCIATION (MFTA) is an inclusive, not for profit association that fosters an open dialogue for the MENA Fintech community; shaping the future of financial services in the region. We have a growing community of Fintech startups and SMEs, financial institutions, technology companies, academia, investors, accelerators as well as regulators and policy makers. Plus cross border knowledge exchange platforms and collaborations creating a conducive Fintech ecosystem.
To relive the webinar, click below:
Email: info@azakaw.com | Visit: azakaw.com