ARNAUD WENGER

International Authority on Fintech Compliance

The high-powered, Luxembourg based Arnaud Wenger is an award-winning International Authority on Fintech Compliance. His areas of interest include Regulatory Governance (including Compliance, Risk and ESG Management), Asset and Wealth Management, Crypto, Payment, and Collaboration & Communication.

A Global Citizen, Arnaud was born in France and spent his early life in Douala, Cameroon (Africa) where his parents worked. He went on to obtain two Master’s degrees – one in Law and the other in Business Administration, following which he began his career as a Lawyer at a law firm in France, and subsequently moved to an Asset Management Company in Luxembourg to explore new opportunities in the fund industry. Yet, he always harboured a passion to create a standardized and global framework from a compliance perspective, in order to support global businesses.

“During my time managing commercial contracts in asset management companies, I was taken aback by the inconsistencies in anti-money laundering procedures and governance across our varied clientele. This sparked a crucial realization – there was an urgent need for a uniform, efficient system that could effortlessly merge business operations with stringent compliance standards, without placing unnecessary burdens on customers.

This concept was further reinforced when I observed the extent of inefficient, repetitive interactions between most financial institutions and their clients at both local and international levels, particularly concerning legal, compliance, risk, and governance issues.

This is particularly crucial for fintech startups, or more so for scaleups. Proper governance should be incorporated into the business flow, without stifling their significant growth.”

After experiencing several companies in the financial industry including private banking and fintech (payment), Arnaud started to focus on helping fintech startups in setting up proper compliance governance to get a financial license. Today, he is the COO and General Counsel at the Luxembourg and Japanese based Sakura Linkage International; CEO and Board Member at LëtzBlock – Luxembourg Blockchain & DLT Association; Board Advisor of Emulai, Italy and Singapore; and Authorised Manager at PPRO, Luxembourg.

In the ever-changing professional world, Arnaud is fortunate to have a diverse range of experiences and accomplishments. He’s had the opportunity to oversee global standardization projects, and put into place effective governance mechanisms. One of the things he values most is mentoring his team and seeing them grow, which he believes speaks to the power of shared knowledge.

“My appetite for business is driven by the enjoyment I find in working on various projects. Before running a business, or supporting a client or employer, I analyze the project. If it sounds exciting, I dedicate time to it. The ‘fun’ aspect comes from two factors – the complexity of the project, which presents an opportunity to solve problems, and the social connections that can be established with clients, employers, or colleagues by turning their projects into reality.”

Arnaud firmly believes in putting people first. An advocate of a proper balance between private and professional lives, he’s found that the key is in managing priorities rather than compartmentalizing them. “My family serves as a loving reminder that success encompasses both professional triumphs and personal joy.”

Holistic wisdom coupled with sharp business acumen has seen Arnaud win various laurels on the international stage. In 2018, he was honored with a CEO award at Credit Suisse Luxembourg and in 2023, he had the privilege of being recognized as a ‘Leader for Technology’ in Dubai.

In his personal life, he lists two achievements: “Firstly, the success of my juniors, who often express gratitude for the wisdom I’ve shared and consider me as their mentor, represents a deeply rewarding personal triumph. Secondly, the birth of my wonderful son, brought into the world by my amazing and wise wife, has filled me with immense pride.”

There are three strengths that have been instrumental in Arnaud’s wholesome success – Effective teamwork, including knowledge sharing and leveraging the skills of others; Comprehensive understanding of different functional languages, which allows him to translate between fields such as law, IT, and sales; and Problem-solving, which is enhanced by the first two strengths.

Sharing his mantra for success, he tells us, “To the readers, I offer three key principles that have shaped my life and career:

• Firstly, embody the concept of ‘bonus pater familias’. This principle asserts that actions should be taken with the honor and integrity of a good father looking after his family.
• Secondly, apply a fundamental rule of respect: Never ask others to do what you yourself wouldn’t. Treat your team as you would like to be treated, fostering an environment of mutual regard.
• Lastly, remember that when you haven’t given everything, you haven’t truly given anything.

True success is not solely about personal achievements, but also the positive impact we make on others. Sharing knowledge, mentoring, and remaining open to learning are essential elements. This comprehensive perspective ensures success that extends beyond mere personal accomplishment.”