Jochen Heussner
Founder of Planet Compliance | RegTech Influencer
I am the founder of www.planetcompliance.com, a leading platform for analysis and insights on financial regulation and innovation. I also write regularly in different formats and speak at, international events on topics like Fintech, RegTech and Blockchain. As a qualified lawyer, I have worked in London, New York, Strasbourg, and Milan at major financial institutions as well as law firms and consultancies. Always curious and with an entrepreneurial spirit, I am excited about start-ups, innovation and the digital transformation of our world.
How did you get to become an expert in your key topics?
I’m a qualified lawyer and have worked with different financial institutions as a legal and compliance officer, so I understand the situation of such institutions and their needs. At the same time, I’ve always have been curious about technology and have worked at startups and companies selling regulatory solutions, so I have a fine grasp of what things are like at RegTechs, too. With so many years in the industry, you pick up a thing or two.
What topic areas are you most passionate about?
During my days working in Finance I was often frustrated with the limitations of software or the routine tasks that would take up a lot of time. Automation of such tasks will help compliance officers focusing on the real issues and that is for me probably the most important aspect of the RegTech transformation. With a view to the wider FinTech universe, I am very interested in the aspect of Financial Inclusion and have worked on different projects that often required a large amount of passion to compensate for the economical downsides.
Which influencers influence you within those key topics?
I follow most of the other influencers on the list and try to stay on top of the great content they share, but if I always read the RegTech posts of David Bundi, Lucy Heavens, Conor Coughlan or Urs Bolt. In the wider FinTech world people like Spiros Margaris, Thomas Power and Sebastien Meunier share some great stuff, though it’s probably not fair to limit the list only to a handful of people.
Outside of your key topics who else influences you?
I love reading about all sorts of technical innovation like blockchain and AI, not just limited to the application in RegTech or FinTech, but other areas of daily life, too, and how it transforms the world we live in.
What are your passions outside of work?
I have two small kids and I try to spend us much time with them as possible.
How would you describe your offline influence?
I often speak with various stakeholders in the industry: it’s the basis of everything. In order to keep on learning in rapidly changing times, share with others and advise clients, talking to people is the most important aspect of my job. And some of the stuff then finds the way into the posts I write for Planet Compliance and elsewhere.
If a brand wanted to work with you, what offline / online activities would you be most interested in?
I have worked with many clients on whitepapers, ebooks, spoken at industry events and actively advise clients on different aspects such as strategy, product innovation, acquisitions, investments and procurement.
What brands have you worked with?
From financial institutions like Fidelity, Deutsche Bank, RBC, Citi to international law firms like Allen&Overy and Norton Rose to startups in FinTech, RegTech, Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies – it’s pretty long list and has got something for everyone.
What would be the best way for a brand to contact you?
People can always can get in touch with me through my accounts on Twitter and LinkedIn.