We’re delighted to spotlight our colleague, Matthew Raver; a key member of our senior management team, and the driving force behind our monthly newsletter and RegteQ®, our cloud-based Regtech platform.
Matt has been a Managing Director at RQC Group since 2013, overseeing teams across technical regulation, regulatory change, submissions, and technology. With over 26 years of experience in regulatory compliance, he is instrumental in shaping our RegteQ® platform and producing our monthly insights. Known within the company as our “consultants’ consultant”, Matt also advises on technical regulatory matters, ensuring our clients stay ahead of regulatory developments.
Beyond his directorial role, Matt serves on our regulatory hosting committee, which manages the appointment and supervision of hosted investment managers and appointed representatives.
He’s a popular and invaluable member of our team, continuously driving innovation and excellence, and inspiring those around him to push boundaries and deliver exceptional results.
In Matt’s own words, here’s a little more about him and what drew him to RQC Group…
What inspired you to pursue a career in regulatory compliance, and how did your journey begin?
In a word, scandals! I studied for a banking and finance masters’ degree shortly after the Nick Leeson/Barings incident. I then joined the compliance department of an asset manager that was reeling from recent rogue trader activity. My interest in compliance was most definitely piqued.
Can you share a significant challenge you faced in your career and how you overcame it?
I spent the first 5 years of my career at in-house compliance departments at large asset managers but there was something missing from the sense of job satisfaction. A significant challenge was recognising this and concluding that compliance consultancy would be a more rewarding career path.
What motivated the development of the RegteQ® platform, and what impact do you hope it will have on the industry?
The compliance function has become more complex in recent times – evolving markets has led to more rules covering a wider range of topics. We designed the RegteQ® platform to be an efficiency tool for our clients, enabling them to automate certain tasks and facilitating compliance risk management.
How do you stay updated with the constantly evolving regulatory landscape?
Mapping out regulatory developments is not an easy task! I think it’s important to go “back to basics” – understanding the underlying principle behind a new or modified requirement. Interpreting the “minutiae” is easier when viewing through the lens of the “bigger picture”
What do you find most rewarding about your role at RQC Group?
Providing solutions to clients and my work colleagues. And I’m fortunate to work with so many amazing people.
In your experience, what qualities make for an effective regulatory consultant?
Aspiring to be a “trusted advisor” – the person a client has upmost faith in and who is turned to when an issue first arises.
In addition, being a team player can never be underestimated.
What advice would you give to someone looking to enter the field of regulatory compliance?
Consider whether you would prefer to work at a compliance consultancy firm, at an in-house compliance department at a regulated firm, or at a regulator. My preference for consultancy is due to a desire to assist and educate within a commercial environment. But I appreciate this is not for everyone.
What trends do you see shaping the future of regulatory technology?
Artificial intelligence is a buzz-word currently. However, it will be interesting to see whether AI can reduce inefficiencies currently arising from (i) creating and amending regulatory rules and (ii) the subsequent adoption and interpretation of the rules by regulated firms.
How do you like to relax and recharge when you’re away from the office?
Music (listening, experiencing and playing – guitar and piano) and yoga (the “yin” of arriving, allowing and being, to contrast the “yang” of doing, striving and achieving).
Also, supporting Southend United which isn’t always particularly relaxing!
Scroll down to sign up and receive regular updates on regulatory news, including our monthly newsletter.
