What it’s really like to work in Compliance: Meet Georgios Kourogiorgas
Curious about what it’s really like to work in Compliance at Wise? 🌍
Georgios Kourogiorgas, Compliance Lead at Wise Europe, shares his experience and insights into the role.
"When I was younger, I didn’t even know what Compliance was or that it could be a career option—and to this day, my parents still don’t fully understand what I do!"
Georgios Kourogiorgas (He/Him)
Compliance Lead
Tell us a bit about your background and how you got into the world of Compliance
My path into Compliance has definitely been unexpected yet rewarding. In fact, when I was younger, I didn’t even know what compliance was or that it could be a career option—and to this day, my parents still don’t fully understand what I do!
I have a background in Law and I pursued a master’s degree in ICT Law in Brussels. During my studies, GDPR was a hot topic, and shortly after graduating, I was offered a role as a Data Protection Officer at a financial institution, marking the beginning of my journey into compliance. This role introduced me to the dynamic and ever-evolving fields of payments and regulatory compliance. I quickly realised that compliance isn’t just about legal frameworks; it’s about driving responsible and ethical business practices. It was here that I discovered my passion for regulatory compliance.
Fast forward to two years ago, when a recruiter reached out to me about an opportunity at Wise. I was looking for a new challenge, and the job description immediately caught my interest. After the first interview, I was convinced that Wise was the perfect next step in my career. The interviewers were people I could genuinely see myself working with, and the strong emphasis on Wise’s mission was truly inspiring. The chance to tackle challenging problems and embrace growth in this position was also really exciting.
What does your day to day look like?
No two days are the same—each presents new challenges and opportunities to make an impact. A key part of my role is advising business teams on compliance to ensure product developments align with regulations. My team works closely with Product to ensure compliance, mitigating risks and enhancing customer trust.
I also update internal policies to stay ahead of regulatory changes, manage communication with our supervisory regulator, and prepare reports for leadership. In addition, my team oversees all regulatory reports submitted to authorities and governmental bodies, and we provide support in the event of incidents, including advisory and notification requirements.
Ultimately, our work isn’t just about meeting requirements—it's about embedding responsible, ethical practices into everything we do, helping Wise grow while protecting both the business and our customers.
What do you find most rewarding about your role as a Compliance Lead?
What I find most rewarding about my role is the impact we have—not just on the company, but on society as a whole. Compliance plays a crucial role in building trust, protecting customers, and ensuring ethical practices, which gives my work a strong sense of purpose. This sense of purpose is further amplified in a leadership role, where I have the opportunity to motivate and guide a team of talented individuals to maximise that impact.
Sometimes the challenges ahead can feel daunting, but looking back at the problems we've solved and the progress we've made as a team keeps me motivated.
What do you enjoy about working in the Brussels office?
It might sound cliché, but what stands out to me the most is the people and the atmosphere in the Brussels office, which is where I’m based. Everyone, myself included, comes to work because we genuinely enjoy it, not out of obligation. The opportunity to collaborate in person fosters a strong sense of community, and it's this vibrant work culture that makes being part of the team so enjoyable.
This is true across all Wise offices, but especially in Brussels. Being smaller than other offices, it has a cozy, tight-knit feel that encourages teamwork. For example, we all gather around one table for lunch, making it a fun and relaxed break. The smaller space also means it's easy to reach out to colleagues, ask questions, or share a joke. And at the end of the day, the massage chair is always there to help you unwind and leave the office fully relaxed.
What makes the Compliance team unique?
What makes the Compliance team unique is how international and diverse it is. People from various backgrounds, nationalities, and cultures come together to collaborate, creating a vibrant and dynamic environment. Fun fact: We have over 125 nationalities represented at Wise alone! This diversity not only makes our work more interesting but also gives us a broader perspective when solving the challenges we face.
What are the most exciting projects you’ve worked on since joining Wise?
There are so many exciting projects I’d love to share. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role, though, has been working closely with the Product and Product Compliance teams to develop new products that meet compliance obligations. It gives me the opportunity to directly contribute to Wise’s mission and enhance the customer experience.
What I really appreciate about this role is the collaborative nature of the work. In Compliance at Wise, we’re not seen as blockers, but as enablers. We help guide the business to make informed decisions and ensure that products are built with scalability in mind, preventing potential compliance issues in the future. By supporting teams early in the product development process, I’m able to help them achieve their goals while mitigating risks down the line.
Additionally, being part of the growth and development of Wise Europe's regulatory compliance function has been incredibly fulfilling.
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the Compliance team at Wise?
Don’t be discouraged by perceived gaps in technical skills. Payment compliance is something you learn on the job, and with the right mindset—integrity, a willingness to learn, and a drive to make an impact—you can build the necessary skills through training and mentorship. This is true for any compliance team, but especially here, where we have more budget, resources, and opportunities for individual training and development compared to the industry average.
What we need most are people with diverse perspectives. A range of viewpoints shapes our advice and compliance frameworks, making them more inclusive and well-rounded.
It’s also important to understand and align with our mission. If you believe in what we’re trying to achieve, the work will naturally feel purposeful and fulfilling. Equally important is our "Customer-team-ego" value. Focus on how you can contribute to the lives of our customers and support the team you’re part of, rather than on titles or personal gain. At Wise, the team and the customer always come first—ego takes a backseat.
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