From regulatory oversight to client advocacy – a passion for purpose-led compliance
With a background rooted in regulatory supervision and a passion for doing right by people, Musunga Badewa brings a dual perspective to her role as a consultant at RQC Group. From managing FCA authorisation projects to offering real-time support to regulated firms, she works at the intersection of policy, practice and people.
Discovering compliance
Musunga’s path into financial services was unexpected. “I never thought I’d work in this industry,” she laughs. “I studied International Development and always saw myself working for a charity or NGO.” But an encounter with representatives from the FCA at university changed her trajectory. “When they explained the regulator’s mission to protect consumers and ensure markets function fairly, it resonated with me. It was a way of doing good – just in a different context.”
That encounter led to a formative stint at the FCA, where Musunga trained in financial services regulation, supervision, and helped interpret and implement policy. “It was a great grounding. I learned to think like a regulator, and now, on the other side, I use that lens to help clients not only meet expectations but truly understand them.”
Supporting clients through complex terrain
At RQC, Musunga specialises in assisting with authorisation and notification projects, helping firms navigate the often-demanding FCA approval process. “It’s more than just paperwork. It’s about setting a firm up for long-term compliance success.” She also provides ongoing technical support to regulated entities – from answering one-off queries to contributing to monitoring and compliance frameworks.
Musunga’s approach is shaped by her belief in dialogue, pragmatism and community. “If I’m facing a complex issue, I talk to my peers. I tap into the wider industry and even, when necessary, go back to the regulator for clarity. Collaboration is essential – it ensures the advice we give is robust and practical.”
Beyond the rulebook
Musunga’s time at the FCA during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic stands out as a pivotal moment for her. “We had to respond quickly, adapt regulations, and protect both consumers and firms under real pressure. Knowing I played a part in that still gives me a sense of pride.”
Musunga also believes that the value of compliance consultancy is often underestimated. “It’s not just about interpretation – it’s about support. Clients don’t just need the rules; they need someone to walk with them through it, someone they can trust.”
Driven by purpose, fuelled by people
Musunga is deeply motivated by her family and the wider impact she can have in her community, as well as in the industry she works in. “I live with Type 1 diabetes, but every day I push myself – for my kids, my husband, my mum, and in memory of my late grandma by supporting the women in her village in Zambia.” Musunga and her mum’s recent work to fund micro-enterprise projects in the village, including pig farming and textiles, speaks to her broader values of empowerment and service.
Asked what she’d tell her younger self, she smiles: “Musunga, go for it. You belong in the room.”
