Sponsoring a compliance culture: Q&A with legalsuper's Kaye Wheatley-Brown

Kaye Wheatley-Brown is stepping back into the world of superannuation in her new role as legalsuper's executive manager of compliance. Having worked in the industry for over 25 years, she tells Industry Moves about some of the biggest changes she has seen and offers her thoughts on the makings of a good compliance and risk officer. She also tells us what she is most looking forward to in her new role and three things that people may not know about her.

KAYE WHEATLEY-BROWN

Kaye Wheatley-Brown is stepping back into the world of superannuation in her new role as legalsuper's executive manager of compliance. Having worked in the industry for over 25 years, she tells Industry Moves about some of the biggest changes she has seen and offers her thoughts on the makings of a good compliance and risk officer. She also tells us what she is most looking forward to in her new role and three things that people may not know about her.

What are you most looking forward to in your new role with legalsuper?

I am looking forward to being part of an industry fund. Industry funds are uniquely placed to truly be customer centric due to their profit for member ethic. Also, as legalsuper focuses on the legal profession, there is increased clarity on who its customers are. I am really looking forward to being responsible for compliance at legalsuper and working with such a passionate and professional team.

What are your core responsibilities in this new role?

My core responsibilities include managing and reporting in respect of all compliance, prudential and regulatory requirements and maintaining best-practice compliance and risk management practices. Liaising with regulators and auditors also form part of my key responsibilities.

You have worked in the compliance and risk space for a long time. What are the biggest changes that you have noticed in this sector and what factors have influenced these changes?

Having worked in superannuation for over 25 years, I have seen many changes to say the least. Licensing (RSE and AFSL), the introduction of prudential standards and FOFA reforms are some of the biggest changes over that period. Factors that influenced these changes include corporate collapses and poor practices in the provision of financial advice.

In your opinion, what makes for an effective compliance and risk officer?

Great organisational skills and attention to detail are essential, as well as effective communication and an ability to influence. And, in terms of the ability to influence, I think it is a two-way street involving both the work of the compliance officer and the Executive and Board in sponsoring a compliance culture across the organisation. Of course, as legalsuper serves the legal profession, no less than the best practice compliance and governance is the order of the day. Some other attributes include the ability to adapt in an ever-changing environment and to remain calm under pressure.

What's the best piece of advice that you have received?

Early on I remember my father saying to me 'treat people the way in which you would like to be treated' which was really good advice. Another, more recent, piece of advice was 'don't assume anything, always best to check....'

What was your very first job?

My first part time job was as a waitress at Pizza Hut. I worked there with my sister which was heaps of fun although the same can't be said for cleaning up at the end of the day.

What's something that most people don't know about you?

I have sponsored World Vision and various children for over 30 years. I also love my sport and used to play state grade squash. I love watching my boys play basketball and being their team manager.