7/16/25

Messaging-App Stock Manipulation: Compliance Risks for Financial Institutions

The rise of stock manipulation schemes coordinated through encrypted messaging apps has put financial institutions under the spotlight. Recent market events highlight the compliance, regulatory, and reputational risks of failing to detect and respond to such activity.

At de Risk Partners, we help financial institutions strengthen market surveillance, customer due diligence, and communication supervision to mitigate these emerging threats.

🔗 Read our full analysis on LinkedIn

7/15/25

de Risk Partners Sponsors Fractl’s Founders & Investors Brunch at TOKEN2049 Singapore

We’re excited to announce that de Risk Partners is joining as a proud sponsor of Fractl’s Founders & Investors Brunch during TOKEN2049 Singapore — one of the most anticipated gatherings in the global Web3 calendar.

Founded in the US in 2024 by former Citigroup, Barclays, and Goldman Sachs executives, de Risk Partners has been redefining regulatory compliance for the modern era. We help crypto exchanges, fintechs, and financial institutions transform compliance from a costly burden into a strategic weapon for growth.

With offices in the US, EMEA, Singapore, and Dubai, we deliver:
✅ Fractional CCO services
✅ AML, sanctions, and fraud mitigation programs
✅ Regulatory licensing advisory
✅ Growth-focused compliance frameworks
✅ Next-gen AI-powered compliance solutions

Our team — led by CEO Ravi de Silva and backed by industry veterans including former Citi CCO Mark Carawan — is committed to helping clients satisfy regulators and accelerate innovation.

Brunch, networking, and meaningful connections await at TOKEN2049 Singapore as we team up with Fractl to bring together founders, investors, and innovators shaping the future of finance.

Stop playing defense with compliance. Start wielding it as your strategic weapon.

📍 See you in Singapore!

7/5/25

Gulf Banks in the Crossfire: Are You Ready for the New Iran Sanctions?

Iran-US tensions are back with 30+ new shadow banking designations. Gulf financial institutions: you're in the crossfire.

One missed designation could spell regulatory disaster for your institution.

With $4.18B in Iranian crypto outflows seeking safe haven and 9,000+ Iranian companies in UAE creating exposure, the risk is real.

Our "AML & Sanctions Compliance Playbook for Gulf Financial Institutions" provides region-specific solutions, not generic guidelines.

Don't be tomorrow's AED 200M headline.

Visit our website for more information: https://deriskpartners.io

6/26/25

🌐 Sanctions Snapshot: Iran, the Gulf, and the Future of Cross-Border Trade

📅 Date: Thursday, July 3, 2025
⏰ Time: 3:00 PM (GST) or 7:OO AM (EST)
📍 Location: Online via Zoom
🎤 Hosted by: Cassie Schock


To reserve your spot, please fill in your details below:

6/25/25

Iran-US Tensions Escalate: Is Your Institution Sanctions-Ready?

One missed designation can lead to regulatory disaster.
As Iran-US tensions escalate, Gulf financial institutions are under intensifying global scrutiny. Cross-border payments, name matching, and crypto-linked exposure are now high-risk vectors—especially across UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

Our "AML & Sanctions Compliance Playbook for Gulf Financial Institutions" is designed to help you stay ahead of the threat with region-specific, actionable tools:

  • ✅ Rapid 72-hour Iran exposure assessment

  • ✅ Effective Arabic name screening strategies

  • ✅ Detection of MENA-centric crypto evasion typologies

  • ✅ Editable Gulf regulator reporting templates

The clock is ticking.
Without proper controls, you risk becoming the next AED 200M enforcement headline.

📍 Access the Playbook or Contact Our Team →

#UAECompliance #BahrainBanking #SaudiFinance #QatarFinance #IranSanctions #AML #RiskManagement

6/23/25

Sanctions Risk Is Surging — Is Your Gulf Institution Prepared?

The geopolitical landscape is shifting fast. With over 30 new shadow banking designations and intensifying scrutiny on Hong Kong–UAE payment corridors, Iranian exposure is no longer just a risk — it’s a ticking liability.

de Risk Partners' AML & Sanctions Compliance Playbook is built for Gulf financial institutions navigating this turbulent environment.
✅ 72-hour exposure assessments
✅ Advanced Arabic name screening
✅ Region-specific risk controls that work under pressure

Don't be the next AED 200M compliance failure.

👉 Read our latest take on LinkedIn
🌐 Visit deriskpartners.io for compliance inquiries

#UAECompliance #BahrainBanking #SaudiFinance #IranSanctions #AML #Risk

6/19/25

MiCA Is Here: Are You Ready for the EU’s Landmark Crypto Regulation?

MiCA is reshaping crypto compliance across Europe. Stablecoin rules are already in effect, and full regulation of crypto-assets and service providers kicks in by December 30, 2024.

Is your firm ready to meet the new standards for white papers, licensing, and cross-border operations?

👉 Read more

#MiCA #CryptoCompliance #EURegulation #CASP #Stablecoins #DeRiskPartners

6/19/25

Is Your Sanctions and Export Controls Compliance Program Still Fit for Today?

Regulatory shifts are happening in real time—are you keeping pace?

Recent updates include:

  • OFAC easing restrictions on Syria (with potential rapid reversal)

  • BIS introducing a sweeping new 50% ownership rule

  • A sharp escalation in Iran-related maritime and financial sanctions

These aren’t just headlines—they’re immediate risks that demand updates to your screening, licensing, and governance structures. If your sanctions and trade control program hasn’t been refreshed since Q1, it’s already out of date.

👉 Read more

#Sanctions #ExportControls #OFAC #BIS #Iran #ComplianceLeadership

6/16/25

This Week in Fintech and Fraud

Carlyle & Citigroup Partner on Fintech Lending
Carlyle Group and Citigroup have announced a new partnership to offer asset-backed financing for fintech lenders, tapping into rising demand for private credit in digital lending.
Read more ›

Chime Sets IPO at $27 Per Share
Digital bank Chime is going public with a valuation of $11.6 billion, continuing a wave of fintech IPOs including eToro and Circle.
Full article ›

New “Safe Account” Scam Draining Bank Balances
A fast-moving scam is tricking victims into transferring funds to fake “safe accounts.” Security experts urge extra caution.
Learn more ›

6/12/25

5 Habits of Smart Compliance Leaders

  1. Map resources to real risks

  2. Reassess profiles as rules change

  3. Cross-team collaboration

  4. Invest in niche expertise

  5. Automate low-risk tasks

“They aligned compliance with our growth objectives.”
— CEO, Fintech

🔍 Learn more at deriskpartners.io

6/11/25

5 Resource Allocation Strategies That Improve Compliance Outcomes

Smart compliance isn’t about doing more—it’s about focusing efforts where they matter most. Many organizations overspend on theoretical risks while overlooking real vulnerabilities.

We recently helped a leading crypto exchange reallocate 30% of its compliance resources to high-impact areas, resulting in improved regulatory relationships and a significant drop in false positives.

“De Risk Partners didn’t just help us achieve compliance—they positioned us to anticipate and adapt to regulatory change.”
— Chief Compliance Officer, Crypto Exchange

Want to sharpen your compliance strategy? Visit our website to learn more.

6/9/25

Part 2: From Reaction to Readiness — Operationalizing Compliance for Growth and Accountability

In Part 2 of our series, we move from theory to practice—unpacking how forward-thinking institutions are operationalizing compliance to enable growth, adapt to change, and build lasting accountability.

We cover six key areas:
– Governance that aligns risk ownership
– Integrated risk assessments tied to real business changes
– Scalable policy frameworks with clear accountability
– Monitoring that drives smarter decisions
– Embedded third-party oversight
– Training and culture that reinforce action, not just awareness

Compliance today must move with the business—not behind it.
Facing similar challenges? Let’s build the solution, together.

6/5/25

The Entrepreneurial Journey of Ravi de Silva: Transforming Compliance into Growth


In the latest episode of the Strictly From Nowhere Podcast, Ravi de Silva, Founder of de Risk Partners, shares his inspiring journey from finance professional to entrepreneur. From his roots in Sri Lanka to establishing a global presence, Ravi discusses the pivotal role of compliance in modern finance, especially in fintech and crypto exchanges. He explains how compliance isn’t just about checking boxes but a strategic tool for enabling business growth. Tune in as Ravi opens up about his mindset shift, building a global business, and balancing work and family life.

🎧 Listen to the full episode on YouTube: Watch Now

6/5/25

Ravi de Silva on the Future of Neural Data and Regulatory Compliance

"Right now, most companies developing or investing in neurotech are operating in a space that has very little formal compliance infrastructure. That creates major blind spots for both regulators and businesses. Companies cannot afford to wait for regulators to tell them what responsible data use looks like." — Ravi de Silva, Founder of de Risk Partners

Read the full article on Yahoo Finance: Read More

6/4/25

De Risk Partners Celebrates First Anniversary with Seven-Figure Revenue and Global Expansion Plans

De Risk Partners has marked its first anniversary by achieving a seven-figure revenue milestone and announcing plans for international expansion. The company continues to solidify its position as a leader in risk management and compliance solutions.

The company's impressive growth in its first year underscores its commitment to delivering innovative solutions in the risk management sector. With plans to expand internationally, De Risk Partners aims to extend its reach and impact in the global market.finance.yahoo.com

🔗 Read the full article on Yahoo Finance

6/3/25

Ravi Silva Featured in Yahoo Finance: Driving Innovation Through Business Strategy

We’re excited to share a feature article from Yahoo Finance spotlighting Ravi Silva and his powerful insights on innovation, leadership, and aligning technology with business outcomes.

In the piece, Ravi discusses how forward-thinking leadership and a clear business-driven approach are reshaping industries and empowering companies to innovate with purpose.

This article is a great read for anyone interested in the future of business strategy, tech integration, and visionary leadership.

🔗 Read the full article on Yahoo Finance

Citizens Bank Launches Secure Open Banking API

Citizens Bank has unveiled a new open banking API, offering businesses a safer, more efficient way to share financial data. The tool drastically reduces the need for screen scraping and supports smoother integration with platforms handling transactions, payroll, and invoices.

Ravi de Silva, CEO of De Risk Partners, praised the shift as a major step toward user-empowered finance. Open banking is not just safer—it’s smarter, giving businesses more control and flexibility.

🔗 Read the full article on Yahoo Finance

6/2/25

Meet de Risk Partners at Crypto Valley: Powering Compliance for the Next Financial Era

I will be at the conference and would love to meet with Crypto Exchanges, Fintech's, Neo Banks, Sponsor Banks and all digital asset based Financial Services organization delegates to discuss 'Strategic Compliance' a brand of compliance we specialize for today's Financial Institutions.

de Risk Partners hope to set up de Risk Suisse in the summer to help Swiss firms with Swiss, EU, MENA, Asian & US regulations and Swiss/EU firms looking to move into the US market.

Let's set up time pre-conference or at the conference. DM me or visit our website to www.deriskpartners.io to set up a quick catch up.
Crypto Valley Conference Crypto Valley Association

6/2/25

From Reaction to Readiness: Why Compliance Must Evolve with Innovation

As financial technologies rapidly advance — from embedded finance to AI-powered decision-making — many compliance programs remain stuck in outdated frameworks. This article highlights the growing risk of static compliance tools and emphasizes the need for scalable, adaptable systems that keep pace with innovation. Key takeaways include the importance of modular risk frameworks, real-time oversight, and flexible policy updates. For compliance to be a true enabler, it must evolve as fast as the technologies it seeks to govern.

6/2/25

How We Helped a National Bank Transform BSA/AML Compliance

Compliance shouldn't be the department of "no" - it can be your strategic partner in sustainable growth! 💼

We helped a national bank transform their BSA/AML approach from a generic framework to a tailored system that matched their actual risk profile. 📊

"Their customized program not only satisfied regulatory expectations but optimized resource allocation based on our actual risk exposure." - CCO, Nationally Chartered Bank

Ready to turn compliance into a competitive advantage? Get in touch for compliance inquiries. #ComplianceInnovation #RiskManagement

6/1/25

Ravi de Silva Featured in Authority Magazine: 5 Strategies to Successfully Scale Your Business

Ravi de Silva, Founder of de Risk Partners, recently shared his insights in Authority Magazine on effectively scaling a business. Drawing from his experience in leading global compliance efforts at major financial institutions, he emphasizes the importance of strategic compliance and tailored solutions for underserved markets.medium.com

Key Takeaways:

  1. Identify Underserved Markets: Recognize and serve niches overlooked by traditional firms, such as smaller banks and credit unions.medium.com

  2. Leverage Senior-Level Talent: Assemble a team of experienced professionals to provide top-tier expertise to clients of all sizes.

  3. Customize Your Approach: Avoid one-size-fits-all solutions; tailor services to the specific needs and complexities of each client.medium.com

  4. Stay Ahead of Regulatory Trends: Proactively monitor developments in areas like crypto and AI to implement forward-looking compliance strategies.medium.com

  5. Build Credibility Through Strategic Advisors: Engage respected industry leaders to enhance client confidence and open new opportunities.medium.com

For a deeper dive into Ravi de Silva's strategies for scaling a business, read the full interview.

5/28/25

Ravi de Silva Speaks at Regulation Asia Panel on Sanctions and Trade Security

Thanks to Regulation Asia for hosting our founder, Ravi de Silva, for an insightful panel about Sanctions, Security & Trade in Singapore on May 15th.
Ravi joined Steven Wilford, Amit Garg, CAIA, Michael Byrne, and moderator Manesh Samtani for a thoughtful discussion. Grateful for the opportunity to share the stage with such experienced voices in global compliance and regulatory risk.
Conversations like this are more important than ever. From navigating evolving sanctions regimes to understanding the intersection of security and trade, it’s clear that financial institutions must take a proactive, tech-enabled, and globally informed approach to risk and compliance.
hashtag#Compliance hashtag#RiskManagement hashtag#Sanctions hashtag#TradeSecurity hashtag#Financial

5/27/2

Ravi de Silva to Speak on Virtual Assets & Compliance at Dubai Conference

Excited to be in Dubai this week for the 'Sanctions Compliance, AML and CFT for Banking and Finance in the Middle East Conference'. Our CEO Ravi de Silva will be joining the event and speaking on a panel about 'The Rise of Virtual Assets and Fintech: Compliance Challenges and Opportunities'. Looking forward to insightful discussions and networking opportunities at the conference! #DubaiConference #Compliance #Fintech

5/27/25

From Shutdowns to Scale-Ups: Rethinking Compliance in FinTech

After watching another innovative FinTech shut down due to compliance missteps, I realized something crucial: compliance isn't the enemy of innovation—poor compliance strategy is.

Compliance can actually accelerate growth when it's built into your business model from day one. We've helped financial organizations turn regulatory requirements into competitive advantages.

Three ways to make this work:

  • Map regulations to product roadmaps early

  • Build compliance feedback loops into innovation processes

  • View regulators as stakeholders, not adversaries

Get in touch for compliance inquiries that fuel growth, not hinder it!

5/20/25

$230K Saved: Smarter Compliance Resource Allocation

The average compliance program wastes 40% of resources on low-risk areas. 🚨

Want to know where your compliance budget really needs to go?

Two things we've learned working with financial institutions:

  • Most teams over-allocate to perceived threats

  • True risk exposure often hides in unexpected places

Our CCO client saved $230K by realigning resources to actual risks. See how we helped.