Clare Curtis
Head of ACA Effecta and Middle East Regulatory Advisory, ACA Effecta
Clare Curtis is a seasoned professional in the field of Compliance within the financial sector, with a
distinguished career spanning over two decades across prominent institutions in the United Kingdom
and the Middle East. With extensive experience in investment banks, asset managers, corporate
finance, broker dealers, and exchanges including the London Stock Exchange and the Dubai
Mercantile Exchange,
As CEO of ACA Effecta (part of the ACA Group, a leading provider of governance, risk, and
compliance (GRC) solutions to clients in the financial services industry), Clare has a focus on
fostering growth and compliance excellence within hedge funds looking to establish in the United
Arab Emirates (UAE). Recognizing the unique demands of the UAE market, she has dedicated
herself to providing tailored solutions to small to medium-sized institutional firms, offering a bespoke
"in-house" approach to compliance consultancy. Clare founded Effecta Compliance, a boutique
consultancy firm in 2020. In October 2024, Effecta was acquired by ACA Group.
Clare's approach transcends conventional technical assistance, emphasizing a deep understanding
of the underlying business dynamics and aligning practices with both local regulations and
international best standards. This commitment to forging close relationships built on dialogue rather
than formal reports has resulted in enduring partnerships, some spanning over a decade.
A sought-after thought leader in the industry, Clare has been a featured speaker at prestigious
conferences such as the Thomson Reuters Regulatory Conference and the UAE Bankers
Federation. She has also contributed extensively to the discourse through the publication of
research papers on a diverse array of topics, including Crypto Assets, Funds, Business AML Risk
Assessments, ESMA Guidelines, and regulatory enforcement actions analysis.
Clare's influence extends beyond conventional boundaries, as she has actively collaborated with
international sandboxes to pioneer new business areas such as FinTech. Notably, she presented the
concept of FinTech to the governor of the UAE Central Bank, showcasing her instrumental role in
shaping the financial landscape of the region. Through her unwavering dedication and expertise, she
continues to drive growth and compliance excellence in the hedge fund sector in the UAE.