Askender Ouazzani, provides an insight into what a typical day in his busy and varied role at IDR looks like. He also shares his compliance career journey from the banking sector in Paris to the private funds industry in Luxembourg and why some of the best career advice he’s received has been to take a step back to make a better jump forward.
What’s your role and what does a typical day at IDR for you entail?
As RC “responsable du contrôle du respect des obligations” (MLRO and Compliance Officer) based in Luxembourg, my time is split between a number of core responsibilities. These include supporting IDR’s private markets funds clients with regulatory guidance and expertise and acting as the point of escalation for assisting clients and colleagues with more complex Lux focused regulatory matters. My days are thus typically busy and varied, with plenty of interaction with colleagues across our global team and our international private markets client base.
What’s your background and how has your career evolved?
Having studied accountancy for four years in Alsace, France (a picturesque region known for its vineyards) I went on to complete a one-year degree equivalent to a Master’s in the Prevention of Fraud and Money Laundering. I began my career in compliance in Paris before moving to Luxembourg in 2008. Over the course of my professional life I gained experience in across the financial services sector working for banks (private, retail, and online) and brokers (trading execution and derivatives products) before entering the private funds sector with IDR in 2022.
What’s the best career advice you’ve received?
The best career advice I received was from a French colleague in Paris (in 2007). First, do not hesitate to take a step back to make a better jump forward and second, do not be afraid of change.
In a personal capacity, what’s a moment or experience that’s had a big impact on who you are today?
My curiosity and natural desire to understand and improve myself, coupled with the trust of my manager in 2014 when he appointed me Chief Compliance Officer despite my initial lack of confidence, have been crucial. We should have faith in ourselves to achieve what initially seems difficult – with trust and hard work, significant accomplishments are possible.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy cooking and spending time with friends and family, sharing Moroccan dishes I learned from my mother. I also like taking long walks in the countryside to reconnect with nature.
What is a fun fact about you that not everyone knows?
I am unable to go on sensational rides at fairgrounds; my friends even forbid me from going on them. I quite literally faint when they go too fast!
To discover more about life at IDR and explore open vacancies visit our careers page.
