Richard Hills

Richard brings over 30 years of experience across financial crime compliance, financial intelligence, law enforcement, and banking. He has held senior leadership roles across the UAE and international markets, with deep expertise in analytics, fraud prevention, and regulatory compliance. His background combines practical investigative experience with advanced data-driven and technology-enabled compliance strategies.

Previously, Richard was the Senior Managing Director and Head of UAE Office at a risk advisory firm, where he led complex transformation engagements. Earlier in his career, he held multiple regional leadership roles at an international bank, focusing on analytics, and risk assessment. He also spent more than two decades with the South African Police Service, specialising in major economic offences and financial crime investigations.

Richard holds a Master of Science in Web Sciences and Big Data from the University of Liverpool, an Executive Certificate in Strategy and Innovation from MIT Sloan School of Management and has completed the Digital Business Leadership Program at Cornell University. He also holds multiple professional certifications, including Certified Fraud Examiner and SAS Certified Programmer credentials.