Interview with Uldis Upenieks: xpate’s New Chief Compliance Officer

As xpate continues to expand its footprint in the digital payments landscape, we are excited to welcome Uldis Upenieks as our new Chief Compliance Officer (CCO). With extensive experience in compliance, risk management, and regulatory frameworks, Uldis is set to enhance our commitment to security and integrity in every transaction. We sat down with Uldis to discuss his background, his vision for compliance at xpate, and the importance of compliance in today’s fast-paced financial environment.


Q: Welcome to xpate, Uldis! Can you tell us about your professional background and what led you to join our team?

Uldis Upenieks: Thank you! I’m thrilled to be here. I have over 15 years of experience in compliance and risk management, particularly in the financial services and fintech sectors. Before joining xpate, I held senior compliance roles at several prominent financial institutions where I developed a deep understanding of regulatory environments and the importance of strong compliance frameworks.

What attracted me to xpate was its mission to empower digital businesses and facilitate seamless transactions. I admire xpate’s commitment to innovation, and I believe that my experience can help enhance our compliance programs to ensure that we meet regulatory requirements while supporting our clients’ growth.


Q: What is your vision for compliance at xpate?

Uldis: My vision for compliance at xpate is to foster a culture of integrity and transparency throughout the organization. Compliance is not just about adhering to regulations; it’s about building trust with our clients and partners.

I aim to develop robust compliance policies that not only meet the regulatory standards but also align with our core values of being customer-centric and innovative. By streamlining our compliance processes, we can ensure that they support our business goals rather than hinder them.


Q: How do you see compliance evolving in the digital payments industry?

Uldis: The digital payments landscape is rapidly evolving, and with it, the compliance landscape is also changing. As technology advances, we will see new regulatory challenges emerge, especially around areas like data protection, anti-money laundering (AML), and fraud prevention.

In this environment, it’s crucial for companies like xpate to stay ahead of regulatory changes and anticipate the needs of our clients. I believe that embracing technology, such as machine learning and AI, can significantly enhance our compliance efforts by improving risk assessment and monitoring capabilities.


Q: What are some immediate priorities you have identified for your role?

Uldis: One of my immediate priorities is to conduct a thorough review of our current compliance framework. I want to ensure that we have the necessary policies and procedures in place to effectively manage risks while supporting our clients’ needs.

Additionally, I plan to implement training programs for our team members to promote compliance awareness across the organization. Building a strong compliance culture starts with education, and I want everyone at xpate to understand the importance of compliance in our daily operations.


Q: How do you plan to collaborate with other teams within xpate to achieve your compliance goals?

Uldis: Collaboration is key to achieving our compliance objectives. I plan to work closely with various teams, including product development, customer support, and operations, to ensure that compliance considerations are integrated into every aspect of our business.

By fostering open communication and encouraging feedback, we can create a more cohesive approach to compliance that aligns with our overall strategy. It’s essential that compliance is seen as a partner rather than a barrier, and I am committed to making that happen.


Q: What advice would you give to businesses navigating compliance challenges in the digital payments space?

Uldis: My advice would be to prioritize compliance from the outset. It’s crucial to understand the regulatory landscape and integrate compliance into your business strategy early on.

Additionally, leverage technology to streamline your compliance processes. Implementing the right tools can make a significant difference in your ability to manage risks effectively and efficiently. Finally, foster a culture of transparency and integrity within your organization. Building trust with your customers and partners is vital for long-term success in the digital payments industry.


Q: Finally, what excites you the most about your new role at xpate?

Uldis: I’m genuinely excited about the opportunity to contribute to xpate’s mission of empowering digital businesses. Working with a talented and dedicated team that is committed to innovation and excellence is incredibly motivating.

I look forward to enhancing our compliance practices to not only meet regulatory requirements but also support our clients in their growth journeys. Together, I believe we can create a compliance framework that sets xpate apart as a trusted partner in the digital payments space.


Conclusion

As xpate continues to innovate and grow, Uldis Upenieks’s leadership in compliance will play a crucial role in shaping our approach to regulatory challenges and risk management. With his extensive experience and vision for a culture of integrity, we are confident that xpate will continue to build trust with our clients and partners while keeping money flowing.

Welcome aboard, Uldis! We look forward to achieving great things together.

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*Not a bank, just doing all the cool stuff banks do—without the boring branches, confusing fees, or stuffy suits. You're welcome.

*Not a bank, just doing all the cool stuff banks do—without the boring branches, confusing fees, or stuffy suits. You're welcome.

UK: In the United Kingdom, services are provided by xpate Ltd, a company incorporated in England and Wales (registered number: 11920779), with an office at Level 18 40 Bank Street, Canary Wharf, London, England, E14 5NR. xpate is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (Reference number: 901021) to issue electronic money (e-money) and provide payment services. EEA: In the European Economic Area, services are provided by xpate SIA, which is incorporated in Latvia (registered number: 40203411426) with an office at Dzirnavu Street 42, Riga LV-1010, Latvia. xpate SIA has an electronic money institution operating licence issued by Latvijas Banka (Licence number 27-55/2023/7) to issue electronic money and provide several payment services.You may contact us via e-mail at wecare@xpate.com.