Rules, Risks and Real Impact: Why Kathryn Sharman Loves Compliance

We know how easy it is to write off careers or roles just because they seem boring or don’t fit the usual idea of success. But sometimes, the most unexpected paths turn out to be the most rewarding, if only we’re curious enough to look closer. 

Today, we’re shining a light on Compliance, a dynamic, impactful field full of challenges, growth, and real opportunities to make a difference. To show us what it’s really like, we caught up with Kathryn Sharman, who started out studying law but has honed in on compliance and loving it. Here’s Kathryn’s story:

Kathryn Sharman: Finding My Place in Compliance

I originally thought I wanted to be a lawyer. Like many, I started out studying Law, and during that time, I was lucky enough to get work experience at DQ Advocates. It was there that I discovered the Regulatory and Compliance Department, something I’d honestly never heard of before. But it immediately grabbed my attention.

After a placement with the Regulatory & Compliance team, I fell in love with the complexity and impact of the work. I was fortunate to be offered a permanent role at DQ, which kickstarted my career in this fascinating world.

Cut to right now, I’m facing my biggest challenge yet: managing the whole team while my boss is on sabbatical. It’s a huge step up and my first real management role, so it’s been a proper learning curve. Every day brings something new, and the pace of change keeps me on my toes. Take Sanctions, for example regulations can literally change overnight. It’s demanding, but that’s exactly what makes it exciting.

But wait… what even is Compliance?

It’s a fair question, and one I’ve been asked more than once. In simple terms, Compliance is all about making sure businesses follow the rules. But it’s so much more than ticking boxes. It’s about protecting people, businesses, and entire economies. Whether it’s anti-money laundering, data protection, or financial services regulation, our job is to help clients stay on the right side of the law, and sometimes that means helping prevent financial crime or even terrorism (bet you didn't expect that!). Compliance is where the detail meets the big picture, and I love being part of that.

What do I love about my job? Honestly, everything. I get to work with a wide range of clients and no two days are ever the s

ame. The things I used to enjoy about Law are still there, the problem-solving, the structure, but Compliance adds a human side. And I’m lucky to be surrounded by a brilliant team at a firm that genuinely values us.

I’m also a self-confessed Compliance geek... I’ll read, watch or listen to anything Financial Crime-related. I love what I do, and I love where I get to do it. That combo makes every day feel like a win.

Within DQ, I’m also part of our Future Leaders Board, a group set up to give everyone a say in the firm’s future. We organise insight days, help mentor new starters, and feed into strategic decisions that shape the way DQ grows and evolves. It’s great to be in an environment that genuinely champions inclusive leadership and encourages everyone to step up. I have to say it’s one of the many things I love about DQ’s culture. 

What’s next?

I want to keep carving out my place in Compliance and help others do the same. I’m inspired by the leaders who came before me, those who prove that with support, patience and hard work, anything is possible. I also want to show people that Compliance isn’t boring or bland, it’s a career that offers real purpose and impact, with space to grow.

For anyone just starting out, here’s my advice: Say yes to the things that scare you. You never know where they might lead. Find your people… the people who lift you up, cheer you on, and get you through the wobbles. And celebrate the small stuff. Big wins are built on hundreds of tiny steps, and they all count.

Whether I’m mentoring, leading a forum, or advising clients, my goal is simple: make a difference, keep learning, and bring others along with me.

Kathryn’s story reminds us that sometimes the best career paths aren’t the ones we first imagine. They’re the ones we discover by being curious, courageous, and open to new experiences. Here’s to all the women doing, not quite what they thought they would be, but loving in and leveling up every day.