WHO I HELP
Individuals. Families. Business owners. Retirees. Financial advisors.
HOW I HELP
Compliance & advice. Protecting client outcomes. Strengthening governance. Enabling advisors.
“Helping ensure advice clients can trust”
Kirsty Manclark is a Compliance Officer based in Aberdeen, where she supports the Financial Planners and wider Wealth team to deliver advice that is both compliant and client-focused. Having progressed into compliance from a client-facing role within the Client Service Support team, Kirsty brings a valuable dual perspective to her work. Combining a strong understanding of regulatory requirements with a clear appreciation of how advice is experienced by clients. This allows her to help ensure governance frameworks remain practical, proportionate and focused on achieving the right outcomes for clients.
From client service to compliance
“My career began in a client-facing role within the Client Service Support team, where I worked closely with both planners and clients. That experience gave me a real insight into how important trust, clarity and integrity are in financial planning, particularly when clients are making decisions that will shape their future.
Moving into compliance felt like a natural progression. I was drawn to the opportunity to safeguard that trust on a wider scale and to support our team of planners by ensuring the advice they deliver is underpinned by strong governance. My degree in accounting supports a logical, detail-oriented approach, while my client service background ensures I always keep the bigger picture in mind.”
Supporting planners to deliver great outcomes
“Although I’m no longer directly client-facing, my role is still very much focused on delivering the best client outcomes. I work closely with Financial Planners and Associates to provide practical guidance on compliance matters, helping them feel confident that they are operating within regulatory expectations while still delivering advice that is personal and tailored.
For me, compliance works best when it’s collaborative. Planners should feel comfortable coming to compliance with questions or challenges, knowing they’ll receive clear, proportionate support rather than rigid rules. That approach helps embed compliance into day-to-day activity in a way that supports the team and ultimately benefits clients.”
Building trust through approachability
“Being approachable is a non-negotiable for me. Even though my role is no longer client facing, I’m very much a people person, and I believe that openness and clear communication are essential to building trust – both with colleagues and, indirectly, with clients.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in my career was when I moved from a client-facing role into a more behind-the-scenes position. I missed the direct interaction with clients initially, but it helped me realise that even without daily contact, the work I do still plays a huge part in delivering a positive client experience. That mindset shapes how I approach my role today.”
A varied role in a regulated environment
“No two weeks in compliance ever look the same, and that’s something I really enjoy about my role. My work typically involves a mix of internal monitoring, carrying out checks on client files, preparing reports and supporting advisors with compliance queries as they come up. Alongside this, I’m involved in reviewing processes and helping ensure our systems and controls continue to meet regulatory expectations as the business evolves.
Compliance is often seen as a behind-the-scenes function, but it plays a crucial role in supporting everything we do at AAB Wealth. The work may not always be visible to clients, but it underpins their confidence in the advice they receive and the trust they place in our advisors.”
The challenges of growth and change
“AAB Wealth has experienced significant growth in recent years, including through acquisitions, and that naturally brings increased volumes of client files and monitoring requirements. I’ve been closely involved in supporting the team through this period of change, helping ensure compliance processes are applied consistently across all locations.
This has involved streamlining checks, keeping procedures clear and manageable, and working with colleagues to adapt processes as the business evolves. Maintaining high standards while supporting growth is always a challenge, but it’s also incredibly rewarding to be part of a team that’s committed to doing things properly.”
The benefits of technology
“Technology plays an increasingly important role in compliance, particularly as the business grows and becomes more geographically diverse. From monitoring and reporting tools to document management systems, effective use of technology helps ensure compliance processes are efficient, consistent and scalable.
I’m particularly interested in how emerging technologies, including AI, could further enhance compliance in the future. Whether that’s through smarter monitoring, more efficient reporting or improved document management. Used correctly, technology has the potential to make compliance more integrated and supportive of great advice.”
What I bring to the table
“I’d describe my key strengths as attention to detail and being a people person – a combination that I think is essential in compliance. Having experience on both the client-facing and internal sides of the business allows me to take a balanced, pragmatic approach, ensuring regulatory requirements are met without losing sight of what really matters.”
A collaborative approach
“One of the most rewarding aspects of working at AAB is the culture. There’s a real sense of collaboration and shared purpose, with everyone working towards the same goal of delivering high-quality advice and service. You’re encouraged to ask questions, share ideas and continuously improve.”
Looking Ahead
“With the continued growth of AAB, it’s an exciting time to be part of AAB Wealth. I’m looking forward to developing my role further, contributing to the evolution of the business and continuing to support advisers in delivering advice that clients can trust.”
