Lisa Romer relocated to The Netherlands and took on the role of Head of Compliance

Discover the journey of our Head of Compliance, who transitioned from Trustmoore Curaçao to Trustmoore Netherlands. After six years as an attorney in Curaçao, Lisa Romer sought new horizons for career growth and a healthier work-life balance. In this interview, she discusses the motivations behind her relocation, her new responsibilities, and the support she received during her transition. With insights into the evolving compliance landscape and reflections on office culture, she offers valuable advice for anyone considering a move within Trustmoore.

1. Let’s start with your journey at Trustmoore. When did you begin working with the company, and where were you initially based?

After having worked as an attorney at law at one of the larger corporate law firms in Curaçao for six years, I needed a change (and a healthier work-life balance ;)). One of my best friends, who’d already made the switch from advocacy to Trustmoore Curaçao a few years earlier, made me enthusiastic about the company and its culture. After very welcoming conversations with management, I decided to start my journey with Trustmoore Curaçao in June 2021. Providing regulatory advice to trust offices was a key part of my previous role, so stepping into the Head of Compliance position felt like an exciting new challenge.

2.You’ve recently moved to The Netherlands. What motivated this relocation?

After nine years of lovely island living, I felt the urge to explore more in terms of career growth and travel possibilities. The idea of being closer to family after such a long time also played a factor in my decision. As I was happy in my current workplace, I started to discuss my ambitions and wishes with my manager – and it turned out that moving into the role as Head of Compliance at Trustmoore Netherlands would be the best fit. I am happy that Trustmoore was able and willing to accommodate my aspirations and assist me in my move.

3. Can you describe your new role as Head of Compliance at Trustmoore Netherlands? What are some of the key responsibilities and challenges you anticipate?

As Head of Compliance, I oversee the compliance function and manage the compliance and operational risks related to Trustmoore's activities in The Netherlands. While the role is not entirely new, exciting challenges are a new jurisdiction, new lines of business, the (more intensive) regulatory landscape of The Netherlands and working in a more/ different dynamic environment of colleagues.

4. What was the process like for you to transition from Trustmoore Curaçao to Trustmoore Netherlands?

As I had prior experience of working in the Amsterdam office during previous (business) trips, the transition to start with Trustmoore Netherlands felt like a ‘soft landing’. I knew where to find the coffee machine ;-), I was working with the Dutch compliance team already very closely due to the connected cooperation, and I also knew some of the colleagues, who’d visited the Curaçao office several times.

5. How has Trustmoore supported you during your relocation and transition to the new role?

The preparation conversations with the People & Culture team and my manager in the Amsterdam office helped me in obtaining a clearer picture of what to expect when joining the Trustmoore Netherlands office. I also appreciated Trustmoore's financial support in covering key aspects of the relocation.

6. How does the compliance landscape in The Netherlands differ from that in Curaçao, and how do you plan to navigate these differences?

Obviously, the core compliance obligations and standards are the same in Curaçao and The Netherlands, as they are both based on or resulting from European and international requirements. However, the regulatory framework in The Netherlands is more developed, and the Dutch regulator is much stricter and more active in supervising trust offices. Besides speed coursing the Dutch regulations (in my free time), using my previous legal and compliance experiences and just common sense, I also recently joined the popular HQ Compliance platform to connect with fellow compliance officers in the Dutch sector and stay updated on trending topics and discussions.

7. What are some of the major compliance initiatives you aim to implement or continue in your new position?

Given the recent changes within the Trustmoore Group and in the Dutch compliance department, along with the upcoming DNB remediation project, I believe that now is not the time for major compliance initiatives,  except for those already planned. My first mission was to (re-)create a team of compliance officers, whereby healthy and clear communication, efficiency and alignment are key. In addition, I like to achieve an even more improved cooperation between business and compliance.

8. In what ways do you hope to grow professionally and personally through this move to The Netherlands?

From a professional perspective, I hope to grow in my compliance knowledge and experience, but also hoping to improve my management skills – all while staying close to who I am and to the values that are important to me. Personally, the relocation from Curaçao to The Netherlands entails a whole lot more than only a work-related change. While enjoying more time with close family and friends again, I hope to get inspired by the new places that I will be able to visit, get comfortable living by myself in a new big city and lastly, enjoy this wild rollercoaster of life as much as possible!

9. What is your initial impression of the office culture in The Netherlands compared to Curaçao?

Everyone is as friendly in the Dutch office, and I like the daily moments – where everyone is having lunch in the “Basecamp” (Trustmoore’s bar – and lunch place) while catching-up on everything and nothing. As a direct person myself, which is typical of Dutch culture (I guess), I’ve noticed that colleagues in the Dutch office feel more confident expressing their opinions clearly and directly. It also means that sometimes there are a lot of opinions, which is also something I had to get used to navigating.

10. Finally, what advice would you give to colleagues considering a relocation within Trustmoore?

My advice is in line with one of Trustmoore’s core values: Feel free to make it happen! If you feel the need for a change in scenery, a new challenge to learn new things – then be pro-active and hold on to the opportunities it might bring. Don’t let yourself be restricted by potential challenges or uncertainties.

Are you seeking a transfer within Trustmoore? Visit our jobs page to find out what role is the best fit for you.