Co-owner close up - Rioghna Gannon

Castlefield's Risk and Compliance Manager, Rioghna Gannon, features in this co-owner close up. Rioghna explains more about her role, how she got into compliance, along with sharing her love for Gaelic football and red pens. 

Please could you tell us a little more about what the Risk & Compliance team does at Castlefield?

The risk and compliance team provides technical and regulatory support across the business to ensure alignment with FCA expectations whilst supporting the firms’ business objectives. We develop and implement processes to capture accurate management information, identify trends and action points, and maintain high compliance standards and good consumer outcomes.

Can you tell us a bit more about your role?

My role is varied and interesting, covering tasks such as reviewing and approving financial promotions, providing training to co-owners, conducting compliance monitoring, maintaining compliance policies and procedures, conducting file checks, managing the T&C scheme, keeping abreast of industry trends and issues, and reviewing complaints.

What are main the challenges impacting your role?

Preparing to meet the consumer-facing and detailed disclosure requirements under the Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR) and providing clear and accessible information for our clients about our products. 

What led you to pursue this career path?

I studied accounting and finance in university and as part of my third year of study, I did a work placement at an investment management company in Dublin. It was initially a finance role but as it was a small company I ended up crossing into a compliance role which I really enjoyed. After graduating, the company offered me a newly created compliance role and I was there for 6 years before joining Castlefield.

What do you like about working at Castlefield?

I like my fellow co-owners and the collaborative, participative culture where we all have a voice in shaping the company's values and how to achieve them. The hybrid work model is also beneficial, allowing me to work quietly from home while also spending quality time with my family before and after work, and then collaborating with my team and other co-owners when I’m in the office. The social events like food Fridays are a great way to connect with co-owners.

At Castlefield one of our Values is Ownership - We act as business owners, because we are business owners - how do you embrace it?

I personally embrace this value by being an active member of the Employee Ownership Committee where I can influence change on behalf of co-owners and provide direct feedback. The Share Incentive Plan (SIP) is a wonderful way to build up my stake in company and demonstrate commitment. I was lucky enough to also receive some shares for being at Castlefield for 5 years which is another incentive to commit to the company.

Outside of work, what can you tell us about yourself?

I live in Chester with my husband Tim and my son Tiernan. I’m originally from Tuam in the west of Ireland. I try to get back to my parents in Ireland as much as I can, and to London to my brother and his family. We are all just back from Portugal together.

Outside of work, I spend most of my time with family and friends and am always planning the next adventure!

9 quick questions

Favourite TV show? Suits
What's your sport? Gaelic football/Hurling
Favourite food? Avocado & poached egg on sourdough
Favourite drink? Vodka, soda, fresh lime
Favourite book? The FCA handbook
Favourite holiday destination? Portugal
What would you choose an unlimited supply of in the office? Red pens
If you could have one superpower, what would it be? The ability to fly
If you were on mastermind, what would your specialist subject be? How to get concert tickets

Written by Rioghna Gannon