From Sydney Harbour to City compliance: a self-made journey shaped by adaptability and growth
With an unconventional path into financial services and a deep appreciation for opportunity, Theo Welch brings curiosity, resilience, and a quietly analytical approach to his role at RQC Group. As a consultant supporting the firm’s appointed representative (AR) platform, Theo has grown from an entry-level hire to a key figure in the day-to-day running of one of RQC’s most dynamic and fast-growing business areas.
Learning the ropes – from the water to the FCA
Theo’s route into compliance didn’t follow the typical graduate scheme or financial trainee programme. After college, he began working in insurance and accountancy before relocating to Australia, where he gained a commercial boat licence and worked on Sydney Harbour. “It was COVID that brought me back,” he explains, “and with no prior experience in financial services, I applied to RQC on a bit of a leap of faith.”
That leap paid off. Theo joined in 2020 as an Analyst and quickly immersed himself in the intricacies of regulatory hosting, onboarding and compliance monitoring. At the time, RQC had a smaller team which has since expanded rapidly alongside the growing business. “The role has evolved massively,” Theo says. “Now I’m focused entirely on the RQA platform, helping supervise firms day-to-day and supporting the broader team to keep things running smoothly.”
Compliance with purpose, not paperwork
Having built his career from scratch, Theo takes nothing for granted. His view of compliance has evolved from seeing it as abstract regulation to recognising its essential role in market integrity. “We’re the first line of defence. Not just for firms, but for investors and the wider economy.”
For Theo, the most effective firms are those that take compliance seriously from the outset. “It’s much easier to get the basics right at the beginning than try to retrofit good habits later. I’ve seen firsthand that the firms who invest the time early tend to build stronger, more sustainable operations.”
Like many in the industry, Theo is watching the rise of AI with interest. “We’re thinking about how to use it internally – to improve efficiency without over-relying on it.”
This is reflected in RQC’s own approach to regulatory technology, including the development of RegteQ – their in-house proprietary platform designed to streamline compliance processes whilst keeping expert oversight at it’s core.
“RegteQ has been a huge undertaking, and I have been driving its development for our regulatory hosting platform in order to enhance our oversight and supervision of ARs. It’s a solution built to further strengthen our supervisory framework, and we’re proud to share it with our clients. We recognise the balance between embracing technological advancement but maintaining human judgement. In compliance, accountability is key”.
Crypto is another area he believes will reshape the regulatory landscape in the coming years, particularly as retail participation grows. “It’s an evolving space, and the rules are still catching up.”
A team player, shaped by others
Theo credits much of his professional development to those around him. “There’s no one lightbulb moment – it’s an accumulation of lessons from colleagues over the years. I’ve always tried to absorb as much as I can from my peers and mentors.”
That mindset reflects RQC’s culture of peer learning and opportunity. “When I joined, I was the youngest in the company. Since then, we’ve brought in more junior talent, which is great to see. A lot of us didn’t come from traditional compliance backgrounds, it’s about what you bring to the table and how you grow into the role.”
Beyond the desk: sport, travel and perspective
Outside work, Theo is a committed football fan and Formula 1 fanatic. As an Arsenal supporter, he often watches matches at The Emirates and goes to as many Grands Prix as he can during his down time.
Theo has also travelled extensively and believes in making the most of life’s experiences: “Memories are the only thing you can really carry forward with you in life.”
When asked who he’d most like to have dinner with, Theo offers a personal answer: “My grandfather. I never got to meet him, but he lived a fascinating life working for the Ministry of Defence during WWII. I’d love to hear his story.”
A steady hand in a fast-moving field
Five years into his time at RQC, Theo’s journey reflects the value of long-term growth, adaptability and substance over status. “It’s easy to chase titles or short-term wins,” he says, “but the firms and people who succeed are those who build strong foundations and stay one step ahead.”
From Sydney Harbour to City compliance, Theo’s story is a reminder that career paths don’t have to be linear, they just need to be built with intent.
