Joining a new firm is always a learning curve, but for Kate O’Connor that’s part of the appeal.
Having joined the team only recently, Kate has thrown herself into the variety that comes with supporting both UK and US-regulated clients. No two days are quite the same and that’s exactly how she likes it. From researching regulatory requirements and reviewing procedures to helping prepare client deliverables, she’s enjoying getting into the detail while building her knowledge of the industry.
Kate was first attracted to financial services regulation by its unique mix of law, finance and problem-solving. It’s an area that sits at the crossroads of commercial decision-making and regulatory requirements, requiring firms to balance innovation and growth with good governance and risk management. For Kate, the most interesting part isn’t simply understanding the rules themselves but understanding the reasons behind them and helping firms apply them in a practical way.
“It’s not just about knowing the rules. It’s about understanding why they exist, how they apply in real life, and how firms can operate confidently within them.”
It’s a mindset that runs through everything she talks about. While regulation can seem complex from the outside, Kate is particularly interested in the practical side of helping firms understand what the rules actually mean for their businesses.
One lesson she has already taken from her previous legal and compliance experience is that technical expertise only goes so far if you can’t explain it clearly.
“The real value comes from translating technical detail into advice people can actually use”.
Finding the right fit
When asked why she chose RQC, the answer comes quickly.
For Kate, it was RQC Group’s reputation. From the outside, it was clear that RQC had built strong, long-term relationships with its clients and created an environment where people genuinely wanted to stay and develop their careers.
“It felt like one of those opportunities where you know you’re going to be challenged, supported and surrounded by people you can learn a huge amount from,” she says. “It really did feel like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so I am very glad to be here today!”.
That enthusiasm is reflected in what she’s looking forward to most. Kate is particularly looking forward to gaining experience across both FCA and SEC-related work and seeing how different regulatory regimes approach similar challenges. The opportunity to work across jurisdictions was something that immediately stood out and is helping her develop a broader perspective on compliance. She’s also keen to explore the areas where regulatory requirements intersect with real business decisions.
“I enjoy work that requires careful interpretation, a bit of detective work, and an understanding of how different regulatory expectations apply in practice.”
As for what clients’ value most, Kate believes the answer is surprisingly simple: expertise combined with approachability.
Compliance can often feel daunting, so having advisers who are responsive, personable and able to explain things clearly makes a real difference. It’s an approach she’s already seen first-hand since joining the team.
Beyond the office
Away from work, Kate describes herself as a bit of a history enthusiast, although “enthusiast” might be underselling it.
“I tend to become slightly obsessed with different eras,” she laughs. At the moment, that fascination is focused on ancient Egypt, making her the ideal person to have nearby if you ever find yourself needing an obscure historical fact!
When she’s not reading about civilisations thousands of years old, she’s usually out cycling or attempting to persuade herself that running is ‘character-building’.
Looking ahead, Kate is excited to continue building relationships with clients and becoming a trusted part of their journey.
For her, success isn’t just about developing technical knowledge. It’s about getting to know clients, understanding their challenges and becoming someone they can genuinely rely on.
