Oliver Mendonca - Manager, Risk and Financial Crimes (KPMG)
Oliver Mendonca
Manager - Risk and Financial Crimes I KPMG
In our Certified Gaming Compliance Specialist (CGCS) Spotlight, we showcase some of the individuals who have successfully completed the rigorous requirements of our certification program.
Oliver is a Manager in KPMG Canada’s Forensics practice where he is a member of the Financial Crimes team. He has over 15 years of experience in the financial sector which includes extensive experience within large Canadian financial institutions, as well as a major money services business and risk consulting; holding a multitude of positions from front line operations to corporate functions such as regulatory compliance and investigations.
Describe your experience working in the gaming industry. What is your current role in the Casino Gaming Industry?
I am currently working in the Financial Crime Consulting industry. As part of my role, I conduct AML assessments for various casino gaming entities across the country, both land based and online. I review their AML compliance programs to ensure that they are aligned with regulatory requirements which in turn helps prepare them for internal and external audits.
What initially drew you to pursue a career in gaming compliance?
Gaming Compliance is a fast-growing sector. The onset of COVID resulted in an influx of online gaming usage and it was at this time that the Casino Gaming industry faced pressure to adapt and change. With these changes, there was pressure for more regulatory scrutiny around online gaming platforms. Furthermore, the Cullen Commission in British Columbia highlighted some major issues within the casino gaming industry. As these issues came to light, my interest grew, and my existing experience within the risk and compliance sector aligned with the needs of the casino gaming industry.
What prompted you to pursue the Certified Gaming Compliance Specialist (CGCS) certification?
Personal and professional growth has always been very important to me. The CGCS certification complimented my interest in the casino gaming compliance industry. Furthermore, the certification offers excellent insights into global issues and standards. It also touches on areas such as AML, fraud, ethics, leadership, sports betting, match-fixing, internal and external audit, regulatory compliance, and governance. The vast amount of knowledge to be gained made the CGCS certification an attractive course for me to pursue. Most importantly, the CGCS certification along with my practice experience in the industry provides an extra edge against my competitors and provides a level of assurance with my clients.
What aspects of the certification program do you find particularly valuable or impactful in your professional practice?
Areas such as AML, regulatory compliance, as well as internal and external audit are some of the key areas that have proved to be invaluable for me in my day-to-day work within the gaming compliance industry. These are areas that keep our clients up at night as there continue to be gaps which need improvement. The certification program provides some insights into these areas which broadened my scope and knowledge.
How has obtaining the Certified Gaming Compliance Specialist (CGCS) certification enhanced your professional capabilities and career prospects?
Obtaining the CGCS certification has enhanced my understanding of the nuances and challenges within the gaming compliance sector. I have been able to share this knowledge and applied it to client challenges, which helps build trust and gives them confidence in my abilities to help their organization.
In what ways has the Certified Gaming Compliance Specialist (CGCS) certification enabled you to contribute to ensuring compliance within your organization?
My organization provides consulting services; however, we are not a casino/ gaming entity.
How do you incorporate the knowledge and skills gained from the certification into your daily work?
I find myself regularly referencing the CGCS material when I conduct risk and compliance work for casino and gaming clients. The tools and materials are a great supplement to the certification and continue to provide valuable information.
What skills or qualities do you believe are essential to be a successful Certified Gaming Compliance Specialist (CGCS)?
The CGCS can apply to anyone within the risk and compliance space who has an interest and passion in the gaming sector. It is essential to be focused, diligent, and most importantly, to be passionate about compliance within the gaming industry to be a successful CGCS.
In your opinion, what are the most pressing compliance concerns currently facing the gaming industry?
Areas that are cause for concern in the gaming industry are AML as this is a consistent challenge that is always adapting. Authentication and patron validation for these online platforms have proven to be challenging for many entities in the gaming sector. Lastly, regulatory compliance poses challenges for some of the smaller and mid-market entities as they do not always possess the resources to meet certain reporting requirements.
Any final comments/thoughts?
I would highly recommend the CGCS certification for individuals and organizations who are already operating within the gaming space or for anyone with an interest in or looking to enter this space.