About

Charles Cassar is the founder of Shoulder Compliance, and broadly recognized as one of the leading consultants in the Maltese anti-financial crime sphere. Charles brings to customers broad anti-financial crime insight and expertise which he developed over many years in external and in-house legal counsel and compliance positions.

Charles is well known for his approach to anti-financial crime and compliance consultancy, which combines strong knowledge of the relevant rulebooks with a good understanding of operational and technical realities across a number of industries. Charles’ previous experience includes leading the compliance function of a European Systematically Important Institution, heading the compliance and legal departments of a fintech bank, and many years of experience as a commercial lawyer acting as external counsel on a large number of transaction.

Outside of Shoulder Compliance, Charles loves to spend time with his family, play the electric bass, read a good book, and getting stuck into long winded arguments over pretty much anything.

Bjorn is Maltese warranted lawyer with extensive professional experience in the financial services industry, which include experience in securities and markets, corporate governance, compliance and anti-money-laundering, and also in European law.

Throughout his professional career, Bjorn has worked both in the private sector, with a reputable regulatory advisory firm, and also in the public sector, with the sole Maltese financial services regulator, where part of his tasks included the review and processing of regulatory licence applications. Following his tenure at the Malta Financial Services Authority, he re-joined the private sector as a Corporate Services Manager with a Maltese Corporate Services Provider, where he progressed through the ranks and was appointed as director and MLRO of the same company.

Following a 3-year stint, Bjorn joined Shoulder Compliance as Senior Consultant on regulatory compliance and anti-money laundering. Since joining Shoulder Compliance, Bjorn has been promoted to head the Regulatory Compliance team of the Company and is now Head of Regulatory Compliance. Bjorn also holds a number of positions on regulated entities, which roles include those of Compliance Officer, MLRO and Risk Officer.

Since obtaining his Doctor of Laws Degree from the University of Malta in June 2016, Bjorn has attended a number of short courses, seminars and training sessions relating to various areas within the financial services industry, with his main focus being regulatory compliance and anti-money laundering. In his free time, Bjorn enjoys travelling, experiment in the kitchen and spending time with his family.

Therese oversees Shoulder’s anti-financial crime client support team, providing ongoing assistance with all operational aspects of AML/CFT programmes.

Before joining Shoulder Compliance Therese worked for a number of years at a Systemically Important Bank, in various first line and second line functions, gaining hands-on experience with respect to anti-financial crime testing, remediation and advisory projects.

Therese holds a Compliance in Financial Services and AMLRO Professional Diploma and a Level 6 Award in Advanced AML/CFT Compliance.

In her free time, Therese likes to get swept in another universe when reading a good book, obviously outside office hours and most importantly, when the kids are finally tucked in bed.

Roberta is an experienced lawyer and researcher with years of professional experience in the public sector as well as the private sector focusing on public international law, international human rights law, and anti-money laundering and financing of terrorism.

Her professional experience comprises working with the Government of Malta within the educational and social policy spheres, the University of Malta, and the U.S. Embassy in Malta. Roberta regularly serves as an examiner and research supervisor in Public Law and International Law within the Faculty of Laws, University of Malta.

When she is not working, Roberta enjoys reading, watching movies, and musical theatre.

Angelo is a senior AML consultant at Shoulder Compliance, an anti-financial crime focused consultancy.

Angelo brings to the table insight and expertise developed over 8 years working for a large accountancy firm servicing numerous financial institutions across Malta and the UK. Angelo has both his advanced certificate and international diploma in AML, Financial Crime and compliance, from the International Compliance Association (ICA).

He is an avid runner completing yearly in the Comrades Marathon, loves Disney films and a cold beer in the sun when not working.

Sinead works in compliance and due diligence, with experience in customer onboarding, ongoing monitoring, and regulatory reporting. Her work includes reviewing due diligence files, conducting checks related to sanctions and PEPs, and supporting internal teams with AML-related matters.

Outside of work, Sinead enjoys travelling, cooking with her husband, and trying out new recipes.

Jessica holds an honours degree in Banking and Finance and brings with her over 12 years of experience in the funds sector.

She has worked with a leading fund administration firm as an Account Manager, overseeing various types of funds, including UCITS, AIFs, and PIFs. In her roles, Jessica has also obtained very valuable governance experience, through participation in and the minuting of board meetings.

Currently, Jessica serves as a Senior Consultant within the Regulatory Compliance team at Shoulder, where she utilizes her strong financial services background to provide technical guidance on compliance and regulatory matters, particularly in relation to the investment sector and governance in general. Her comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience make her a valuable asset in navigating the evolving landscape of funds and the relevant regulatory frameworks.

In her free time, Jessica enjoys travelling to new destinations and finds relaxation in reading a book by the beach.

Jonathan focuses on ICT compliance, information security and cybersecurity awareness. He helps organisations understand and meet regulatory requirements, with a particular focus on DORA and MFSA obligations.

Before joining Shoulder, Jonathan managed IT systems and services for small and medium sized companies, supporting clients with practical advice and tailored solutions. Passionate about making complex security and compliance challenges accessible, he believes that empowering people is key to building resilient organisations and strives to foster a strong security culture.

At Shoulder, Jonathan is dedicated to guiding businesses through an ever-changing threat landscape, ensuring they remain protected and compliant at every step.

Gertrude started her career as a Software Developer in one of the first companies providing Engineering Support and Software Services in Malta. She then moved to one of the Big 4 accounting firms, progressing from a Software Developer to a managerial position, whilst gaining knowledge on the Financial sector through the various software applications in which she was involved.

Following a career switch in 2023, Gertrude joined Shoulder Compliance and is now a Consultant within the Regulatory Compliance team.

When she is not working or chasing after her two boys, Gertrude enjoys baking and watching a good TV series or movie.

Matthew Agius joined Shoulder Compliance in 2024.

A qualified Legal Procurator and Commissioner for Oaths, Matthew had spent the previous decade as MaltaToday’s Senior Reporter on Law and Court Affairs, where he sharpened his legal knowledge and investigative instincts. His byline has appeared in international collaborations with the likes of OCCRP, The Associated Press, The Guardian, France 24, and others.

Matthew joined the British Army in the early 2000s, before swapping boots for books and reading law at the University of Malta.

Over the years, Matthew has had the privilege (and occasional headache) of working alongside international newsrooms such as OCCRP, The Associated Press, The Guardian, and France 24, covering big international stories and helping in complex investigations.

Now fully immersed in the world of compliance and anti-financial crime, Matthew draws on his varied experiences to navigate the ever-shifting landscape of regulation. When not at his desk, he’s most likely to be found enjoying a quiet hike—doing his best to avoid both financial crime and mobile phone reception.

Clint comes from a background in the online gaming industry, where he first engaged with financial crime compliance.

In previous roles, some of his work included conducting internal reviews on player activity, analysing gaming behaviour to support responsible gaming initiatives, and working on GDPR-related compliance matters. Clint brings a strong foundation in risk assessment and regulatory processes.

Outside of work, Clint serves as a committee member at a local tennis club, organises annual philanthropic events, and enjoys travelling — reflecting his passion for community, giving back, and exploring new cultures.

Kim is Shoulder’s in-house accountant and administrator. She has been an ACCA and MIA member since January 2020, and her experience includes work in diverse industries including retail and ship management.

Outside of work, Kim is a scout leader, enjoys the outdoors as much as possible and loves travelling. When the girls are busy or asleep, she enjoys a good book or baking something sweet.

Keaton is currently pursuing a BSc in Financial Services at MCAST, where he is building a strong academic foundation in anti-financial crime, regulatory frameworks, and the broader financial sector.

Keaton is currently gaining hands-on experience in the compliance field whilst deepening his understanding of financial crime risks and regulatory expectations. Keaton integrates what he learns with his experience in other fields in order to approach challenges with greater insight and contribute meaningfully to the team.

Keaton has keen interests in chess, history, and poetry, and likes to wind down after a busy day with quiet evenings surrounded by his loved ones.

Neil is a trainee at Shoulder Compliance and a law student at the University of Malta, studying diverse branches of law but with a particular interest in AML legislation and Company Law.

Neil brings enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, which serve as the foundation for his academic and professional journey.

During his free time Neil enjoys playing the guitar, clearing his mind with a scenic drive, and spending quality time with friends and family.