On this episode of The FincTank, we sit down with Craig, a seasoned technologist and banking professional currently driving innovation at PagoNxt, a fintech arm of Santander. From humble beginnings in Luton to pioneering biometric solutions at Barclays and now leading global compliance efforts, Craig’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and forward-thinking leadership.

We unpack the evolution of payments and compliance across Europe, the challenges of navigating complex regulatory landscapes, and Craig’s unique path from IT systems to the frontlines of financial crime prevention. Hear how he overcame imposter syndrome, championed team development, and why building a central KYC repository might be the next big leap in fintech. Plus, a candid look at biometrics backlash, mentoring future talent, and the power of emotional intelligence in high-stakes environments.

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Follow Us:
TikTok: @thefinctank
Instagram: @thefinctank
YouTube: @thefinctank
Website: fincselect.com

Get In Touch with Jessica :
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicahodson/
Jessica@fincselect.com

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Brought to you by FincSelect:
The financial crime career consultancy. Whether you’re hiring or job-hunting, we provide ongoing guidance and support beyond the contract.
We never send CVs without permission
We offer free market updates and benchmarking
We care about how you're seen in the market
Get in touch to build your FincSelect partnership: fincselect.com

On this episode of The FincTank, we’re joined by Matthew Tataryn, Director of Financial Crime at Tide, for a fast-paced dive into his unconventional rise through banking and fintech. From retail banking at Barclays to leading fincrime at Tide, Matt shares raw insights on hiring for potential over pedigree, fixing broken recruitment, and why the fincrime world is more like a family tree than an industry. We tackle real challenges—from underserved customers to shrinking KYC talent—and explore why mentorship, adaptability, and emotional intelligence are now must-haves in compliance.

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Follow Us:

TikTok: @thefinctank

Instagram: @thefinctank

YouTube: @thefinctank

Website: fincselect.com

Get In Touch with Jessica :
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicahodson/
Jessica@fincselect.com

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Brought to you by FincSelect:
The financial crime career consultancy. Whether you’re hiring or job-hunting, we provide ongoing guidance and support beyond the contract.

• We never send CVs without permission
• We offer free market updates and benchmarking
• We care about how you're seen in the market

Get in touch to build your FincSelect partnership: fincselect.com

Join us on The FincTank podcast as we welcome Pesh, the Compliance Director for LATAM and MIA at Wise, for an engaging conversation on navigating career success in the realm of financial crime. Pesh shares her remarkable journey from an unexpected start as a fraud analyst during her law studies to becoming a co-founder of the Black Wises Network. With a career that spans across FX, CFD brokerage, fintech, and banking, she offers unique insights into her preference for tackling money laundering over fraud, emphasizing its more impactful nature. Discover how Pesh's commitment to diversity and inclusion has shaped her career and contributed to the thriving environment at Wise.

Connect with Pesh : https://www.linkedin.com/in/perpetua-gitungo-cams-cfe/

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Episode Chapters:
(00:07) Navigating Career Success in Financial Crime
(08:46) Transitioning to Mission-Driven Fintech
(13:54) The Evolution of Compliance Roles
(19:09) Preparing for CEO Meeting in Compliance
(26:59) Navigating the MLO Role Challenges
(34:17) Navigating Salary and Compensation Challenges
(41:28) Overcoming Barriers in Financial Crime
(51:22) Reflecting on Career Growth and Challenges
(55:12) Navigating Financial Crime Challenges and Innovations
(01:05:46) Adapting to AI in Compliance
(01:09:04) Interview Anecdotes and Sibling Stories

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Follow Us:

TikTok: @thefinctank

Instagram: @thefinctank

YouTube: @thefinctank

Website: fincselect.com

Get In Touch with Jessica :
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicahodson/
Jessica@fincselect.com

--

Brought to you by FincSelect:
The financial crime career consultancy. Whether you’re hiring or job-hunting, we provide ongoing guidance and support beyond the contract.

• We never send CVs without permission
• We offer free market updates and benchmarking
• We care about how you're seen in the market

Get in touch to build your FincSelect partnership: fincselect.com