Leven Li

I am passionate about working for a dynamic and fast growing company such as Railsbank. I’m privileged to work every day fighting fincrime, protecting consumers from criminal activities like fraud, human trafficking and drug dealing whilst being a great enabler, balancing risks to allow fintechs to disrupt traditional financial models and make financial services available to everyone safely and in user friendly ways.

What makes you a Risky Woman?

At 24 I left my family in China to study and work in the UK and changed my career path from an engineer to high fashion and now in risk and compliance.
The reward for the risk has been great. I have been working for a groundbreaking company that facilitates our customer’s visions, turning them into reality.
I am about to start a new adventure of which I’m really excited and I hope there will be another opportunity to write about more fully in the future.

Name your top 3 achievements

1. Completed the International Compliance Association Diploma in AML with distinction, in my second language, whilst managing financial crime and compliance in a hyper fast growing firm.
2. Grew up in a small town in China and managed to jump through all hurdles to study, work, and now become a part of an enabler to help other business ideas to become ‘live’ and successful.
3. Leading on obtaining critical regulatory licenses and permissions for Railsbank group which is key in the company to offer opportunities both for itself and customers to constantly innovate.”

What is the biggest risk you’ve taken in your career?

I’ve never been afraid to take risks to find a career I love. Stepping up to Interim MLRO at Railsbank has been a fast learning curve but it’s fantastic experience and great to be in a ‘hot seat’ at a time the company is growing so fast.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

At the end of busy days I love to take any frustrations out by playing the drum kit.

What is the best quality for successful leaders in Risk?

Decision making. You’ve got to have the courage and caution to say yes and no.