A journey from operations to compliance leadership
Having joined RQC Group in early 2025, Richard Coulstock brings with him a wealth of experience spanning operations, in-house compliance, and consultancy. As a Senior Consultant, he now works closely with clients to help them navigate the evolving regulatory landscape with pragmatism, clarity and precision.
Richard’s route into compliance was far from conventional. He began his career on the ‘coalface’ of financial services in operations, undertaking settlements, reconciliation, and corporate actions. This hands-on exposure proved invaluable. “I didn’t consider the value of the link between operations and compliance at first,” he reflects, “but understanding where things go wrong operationally gives me a sharper lens when it comes to implementing regulation effectively.”
Turning experience into practical insight
From assistant roles to senior monitoring positions, Richard steadily built his compliance credentials. His move into senior management functions – notably SMF16 and SMF17 – gave him first-hand responsibility for regulatory oversight. “It’s one thing to advise on regulations,” he explains, “but quite another to be the person accountable for embedding them. That perspective changes how you deliver advice – you aim not just for accuracy, but for applicability.”
This practical mindset continues to shape his approach at RQC. Whether it’s preparing for a board meeting or addressing a sudden regulatory development, Richard offers solutions that are grounded in both policy and experience. “You have to balance detail with pragmatism. There’s rarely a one-size-fits-all answer.”
Supporting clients in a fast-moving environment
As a senior consultant, Richard thrives on variety. His day-to-day involves a mix of planned engagements – such as compliance reviews and ongoing monitoring – and rapid-response advisory work driven by regulatory developments or client needs. “There’s no typical day, and that’s a good thing,” he says. “You stay sharp, and clients feel the value of your input immediately.”
But one challenge that consistently surfaces is the pace of regulatory change. “The environment is no longer episodic; it’s continuous. Even a short break can leave you feeling like you’ve missed something critical.” He highlights the UK’s ongoing divergence from ESMA as a key area to watch: “It’s not just about new rules. It’s a whole new way of thinking about risk, harm and outcomes.”
What sets RQC apart
When asked what differentiates RQC in a crowded advisory space, Richard doesn’t hesitate. “It’s the collaboration. We don’t operate as silos – we work as a collective, drawing on the expertise of the entire team.” He highlights the firm’s dedicated technical team as a particular strength: “They’re our consultants’ consultants. It means clients get answers that are not just well-reasoned, but thoroughly stress tested.”
The firm’s international capabilities, including a US presence, also stand out. Richard said: “Having that transatlantic expertise makes a real difference for dual-regulated firms.”
A personal perspective
Beyond his technical expertise, Richard is driven by a clear sense of purpose. “My family is why I work. My wife and two young children are my biggest source of inspiration.” And when it comes to switching off, he turns to cycling. “The Lycra-clad kind,” he admits with a smile. “Long rides help clear my mind and reset after a busy week.”
Richard’s journey through the layers of compliance – from operations to board-level oversight – has shaped him into a consultant who understands both the detail and the bigger picture. At RQC Group, it’s this dual perspective that enables him to deliver advice that is not only sound, but genuinely useful.
