Congratulations to Tracy Moore on her honorable mention in the 2024 Risky Women Writing Competition, presented in partnership with Bovill Newgate.
Explore the inspiring journey of a seasoned compliance expert transitioning into technology. Discover how embracing change can empower women in risk, compliance, and regulation to drive innovation and enhance financial integrity. Join the movement at Risky Women for support and insights on navigating career pivots in dynamic fields.
For more than two decades, I established a career in the world of risk, compliance, and regulation in financial institutions. I was passionate about my work, ensuring that organizations adhered to complex regulatory frameworks, reducing financial crime, and protecting the integrity of the financial system. My role was vital, and I was proud of the work I did, but as the years went by, a new realization began to dawn on me: the pace of change in financial technology was accelerating, and the way we approached compliance needed to evolve.
The idea of stepping away from a career I had built, and where I felt comfortable, was daunting. At a certain point in your career, change feels risky, especially when you’ve spent decades becoming an expert in one domain. The thought of venturing into the fast-paced, often intimidating world of technology was both exciting and terrifying. I found myself at a crossroads—would I remain where I was, or would I take the leap and embrace a new chapter in a completely different field?
Looking back, I realize that fear held me back for a while. I had the same concerns that many professionals face when contemplating a mid- or late-career pivot. What if I wasn’t good enough? What if I failed? What if I didn’t fit into a world driven by technology, where innovation moves at breakneck speed?
The turning point came when I realized that I wasn’t starting from scratch. I had built a deep well of expertise over my years in compliance. I understood the challenges financial institutions face when it comes to regulatory adherence, risk mitigation, and navigating increasingly complex global frameworks. What I didn’t have in technical knowledge, I more than made up for in industry experience. And it was precisely that experience that would become my greatest asset as I moved into the technology space.
Making the leap into the world of technology wasn’t easy. I had to learn a new language, familiarize myself with platforms, processes, and workflows that felt foreign at first. But something remarkable happened along the way: I found that the same passion I had for solving compliance challenges was reignited in this new environment. The problems were familiar, but the tools at my disposal were innovative. It became clear that the intersection of technology and regulation was where I could make the most impact—not just for one institution, but for the industry as a whole.
What I quickly learned was that technology was not here to replace compliance professionals like me; it was here to empower us. Automated solutions and advanced analytics were no longer distant ideas but tools that could streamline processes, enhance compliance outcomes, and, importantly, allow financial institutions to focus more on their clients and less on manual tasks. In many ways, my experience in compliance and risk became the bridge that helped the tech teams develop solutions that genuinely addressed the pain points I had seen throughout my career.
One of the most important lessons I learned during this transition was to use the experience I had gained over the years. Instead of viewing my lack of tech skills as a barrier, I reframed my perspective. I knew the industry well—I had faced its challenges, witnessed its pitfalls, and understood the value of trust within compliance. I wasn’t starting from scratch; I was bringing something vital: firsthand experience and a passion for solving the problems that keep financial institutions awake at night. Blending my practical compliance knowledge with today’s technology became a powerful asset.
Why risk a career pivot, especially as a woman?
Because bold moves lead to meaningful progress. The barriers women face are real, but so is the chance to break them down. Stepping outside your comfort zone in male-dominated fields like technology is brave, and that bravery creates breakthroughs for both you and the industry. Reflecting on my journey, I see how taking that leap transformed my career and sense of purpose. Merging my expertise with technology, I will continue to strive to advance compliance solutions that make the financial system safer and more efficient. If you are considering a pivot, take the risk. Your experience is invaluable, and the industry needs professionals who understand its challenges and are ready to address them in new ways. Bold moves shape the future.