ICQ Log - Member Profiles:

Interview with Claudette Whyte

 

Last Updated: 29 March 2021

In this issue, we would like to introduce Claudette Whyte, who works in Financial Crime & Compliance Assurance at Barclays Ireland. Claudette is a Fellow and Director of the Association of Compliance Officers in Ireland, a Certified Data Protection Officer and a Certified Financial Crime Prevention Practitioner.

Where is your favourite place in Ireland?

I love the medieval town, Kilkenny. It’s a vibrant town with so many things to do. It possesses so much history which celebrates arts, culture and the community. I love the festivals, food and museums and when I visit, I make sure to explore the historic buildings, gardens and art galleries.

What did you want to do when you left school?

I grew up wanting to be a Human Rights lawyer. I was raised in a country where the unfair and inhumane treatment during the apartheid era stirred a passion within myself to restore and become a voice to the people. Anti-apartheid lawyer, the late George Bizos, who has represented Nelson Mandela and fellow anti-apartheid activists, is someone I drew inspiration from.

How did you enter the world of Compliance?

 I had planned on pursuing compliance studies in South Africa so when I moved to Ireland, I immediately started the ACOI Certificate in Compliance followed by the Diploma in Compliance and then the MSc in Compliance. I enjoy compliance and my legal and forensic investigation background has equipped me with the necessary skills to excel in the field.

What’s the most valuable advice you have been given?

My parents taught me to have humility, to never stop trying to achieve my goals and to always have an enduring passion for knowledge. I live by the quote of the late Nelson Mandela “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead”.

How do you relax and unwind?

I am a family-orientated person and pride myself on spending every Sunday with my family. I feel passionately about taking care of myself mentally, spiritually and physically so I go for a run daily, listen to music and read the Bible. I started learning to play the violin last year as well. Pre-COVID, I enjoyed travelling to discover countries and have an understanding of different cultures.

What is your favourite restaurant?

 I have two! I absolutely love the Lady Helen Restaurant at Mount Juliet in Kilkenny  as well as The Saddle Room at The Shelbourne in Dublin.

An interesting fact about you?

I did foil fencing when I was at university in South Africa and for a number of years thereafter.

What is your biggest accomplishments?

One of my biggest accomplishments is completing the MSc in Compliance whilst working. It is also one of the biggest sacrifices I made, allocating my time between studies and work but always bearing in mind, the end goal. I also recently won a Recognition Award for my involvement in Diversity & Inclusion and feel proud of the hard work I’ve put into a number of projects I’m involved in. Embracing diversity and inclusion is very important to me personally.  It is not just the right thing to do to move society forward, it strengthens our compliance culture, differentiates us and is a major factor in our future success as an association. Whether it’s race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, ability, gender or life stage, I will be committed to the ACOI being a place where everyone feels included and where everyone is given the opportunity to realise their potential.

Lawyer Photo

Member: 

Claudette Whyte

Board Director I Senior Financial Crime Compliance Professional I Diversity & Inclusion Advocate l MSc LIB FCOI CDPO CFCPP

 

ICQ Spring Edition 2021

This article was taken from the ACOI's ICQ Spring Edition 2021