Ilham is a well accomplished Compliance Executive with 27 years of international experience in Financial Crime and Regulatory Compliance strategic leadership and advisory roles in Tier 1 Banks such as Citigroup and HSBC Holdings Plc across Turkey, United Kingdom and in First Abu Dhabi Bank in United Arab Emirates.

She has a proven track record of passionate leadership in establishing and leading strong financial crime and regulatory compliance functions across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Americas working in close coordination with country financial crime and prudential regulatory authorities and bodies such as UK FCA, UK PRA, US OCC and HKMA. Her executive level experience also includes MLRO (Money Laundering Reporting Officer) roles, running conduct, culture, and ethical programs in a cohesive and sustainable manner. She is also specialized in policy, procedure, process setting, implementation and execution with a risk-based approach and customer centric focus.

She has a deep understanding of Consumer, Private Banking/Wealth Management, Asset Management, Commercial Banking, Payment Platforms and Corporate and Investment Banking products and services. Also highly interested in new technologies, Web 3.0 and ESG-related banking strategies.

She holds a Postgraduate Professional Diploma in Financial Crime Compliance – Expert Level (Level 7) from ICA UK and a Fellow Member of ICA UK since April 2018.

Her passion for compliance is effusive and she is a highly energetic and enthusiastic individual, keen on continuous learning opportunities whilst providing mentoring and coaching to younger professionals. She is currently working as a freelance consultant and advisor in compliance.