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.

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.

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.

Bjorn is a lawyer with many years experience in the financial services industry, including 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 his tasks included the review and processing of regulatory licence applications. Following his time with 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. Bjorn also holds a number of positions on regulated entities.

In his free time, Bjorn enjoys travelling, spending time with his family, and experimenting in the kitchen.

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.

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.

Marvin is an experienced anti-financial crime professional with broad insight in the field.

Prior to joining Shoulder Compliance Marvin worked for a number of years at the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit, leading and participating in various supervisory exercises. Before that, he worked as part of the in-house compliance teams of local corporate services providers and audit firms. Marvin is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Finance and Financial Law.

Outside of his professional and academic pursuits, Marvin enjoys a well-rounded lifestyle that includes travelling to new places, practising archery, and keeping fit with regular workouts.

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.

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

Outside of work, Kim is a scout leader, delivers fitness classes, and enjoys time with her family.

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.