Financial Crime Compliance Consultancy

Karen Frendo is the Co-Founder and Director of FCC & Advisory at KOMPLY, bringing nearly 30 years of experience in compliance, financial crime prevention, risk management, and senior leadership. Her distinguished career includes extensive experience within the banking industry, where she held a number of high-profile regulatory, compliance, and risk management roles, overseeing complex operations and navigating evolving regulatory landscapes.

At KOMPLY, Karen leads the firm’s Financial Crime Compliance (FCC) and advisory functions, overseeing service delivery, operational excellence, and client engagement. She remains actively involved in advisory assignments, working closely with clients to provide practical, risk-based solutions tailored to their specific regulatory obligations and business objectives.

As Director, Karen leads KOMPLY’s CDD Specialist Team, ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality services across the firm’s growing client portfolio. Working closely with the Head of FCC & Governance, she ensures that the team remains informed of regulatory developments and emerging risks, enabling KOMPLY’s advisory services to remain current, relevant, and effective.
Together with the Head of FCC & Governance, Karen specialises in the design and implementation of financial crime compliance frameworks, the enhancement of AML/CFT and sanctions controls, and the support of Subject Persons in meeting their ongoing regulatory and reporting obligations. She is widely recognised for her pragmatic approach, her ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into effective operational processes, and her commitment to building long-term client partnerships.

As Co-Founder, Karen continues to drive the strategic growth of KOMPLY through business development initiatives, service innovation, and a steadfast focus on client value. Her commitment to providing practical, commercially sound solutions has been instrumental in establishing KOMPLY as a trusted partner for organisations navigating today’s increasingly complex regulatory environment.

Stephen leads Komply’s strategic and operational functions, bringing over 25 years of experience in ICT, operations management, customer service and business leadership. As Co-Founder and Managing Director, he oversees Finance, HR, IT, Marketing and Business Development, ensuring the firm operates efficiently while supporting its continued growth and evolution.

His professional background includes senior leadership roles across both the technology and engineering sectors, where he has successfully led teams, implemented business and technology solutions, managed supplier relationships and driven process improvement initiatives. Stephen combines strong commercial awareness with a practical approach to problem-solving and organisational development.

Having co-founded Komply in 2016, Stephen has played a central role in shaping the firm’s growth, culture and strategic direction. He focuses on strengthening operational excellence, supporting innovation and ensuring the business remains responsive to the evolving needs of clients and the regulatory environment. He is known for his hands-on leadership style, strategic thinking and commitment to delivering sustainable value for both clients and the organisation.

Alison brings strong current expertise across AML/CFT and Sanctions regulatory compliance. With many years of banking experience and hands-on advisory work, she helps organisations design compliance frameworks that are proportionate, sustainable and aligned with Maltese and international standards.

She specialises in risk assessments, policy drafting, training, CDD and sanctions processes, and helping teams embed compliance into daily operations. Alison is recognised for being highly practical, clear in her guidance and focused on turning compliance into a business enabler rather than a cost centre.