DIMA GODFREY

Sales Director | 25+ Years Experience | Business Development | Strategy | Relationship Management | Enterprise Solution Sales. Experience across the UK, Middle East, and Africa. My heading is awesome

Bridging AI with Business Strategy & Compliance

I’m Dima Godfrey – a sales leader, compliance evangelist, and passionate advocate for the future of AI in business. Based in Dubai, I help financial institutions and corporates navigate complex risk environments by combining data-driven technology with human insight.

🔹 20+ years of experience across global markets, specialising in strategic sales, regulatory compliance, and risk intelligence.
🔹 Ex-Moody’s Analytics Sales Director – partnered with top-tier banks and regulators in the Middle East to solve challenges in sanctions screening, KYC, UBO transparency, and supply chain risk
🔹 Global Project Experience – delivered governance and compliance initiatives funded by the World Bank, European Union, and Asian Development Bank, with a focus on transparency, regulatory reform, and financial integrity in emerging markets.
🔹 Founder of Risky Business – a viral LinkedIn video series making compliance and AI trends accessible, engaging, and relevant to everyday business decisions.
🔹 AI Advocate – currently building a niche at the intersection of artificial intelligence, regulatory compliance, and business strategy.
🔹 Connector and Storyteller – known for simplifying complex topics, building trust across cultures, and driving meaningful conversations that lead to results.
🔹 Boxing Enthusiast – believer that resilience, discipline, and quick thinking in the ring translate to stronger leadership in business.
🔹 Future-Focused – exploring leadership, advisory, and go-to-market roles where I can help organizations harness tech, rethink compliance, and unlock new growth.

Passionate about technology, risk, and business growth—I build strong partnerships and drive impact.

A few things about me

My journey towards succes

Certificate in Principles of Payment (CertPay) – LIBF (Jul 2021 – Dec 2021)

An internationally recognized qualification for professionals in the global payments industry.
Covers payment terminology, money movement mechanics, compliance, risk, regulation, and strategy.
License Issued: December 20, 2021.

Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) – ACAMS (2017)

Recognized as the leading certification for Anti-Financial Crime professionals.
Focus on AML regulations, compliance frameworks, financial crime detection, and risk management.
Part of the world’s largest Anti-Financial Crime professional network

MBA, Business Administration – Brunel University of London (2005 – 2009)

Specialized in business strategy, management, and organizational leadership.
Project Dissertation: Alternative Redundancy Strategies – exploring innovative approaches to workforce management and business sustainability.

BA (Hons), Business Administration & Management – University of Bedfordshire (1998 – 2001)

Comprehensive study in business operations, strategy, and financial management.
Final Project: Challenges Affecting Small Business Survival – an in-depth analysis of key factors influencing SME longevity and success.

Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategy.

(3/2025, MIT SLOAN & MIT CSAIL)

This course explores how AI is transforming business strategy, emphasizing value creation, competitive advantage, and ethical implementation. Designed specifically for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers, it offers practical insights into AI’s real-world applications without requiring technical expertise.

Strategic AI Integration – Understand how AI can be leveraged across industries for growth and innovation.
Real-World Use Cases – Learn how AI optimizes operations, customer experiences, and decision-making.
Data, Ethics & Governance – Recognize the significance of responsible AI adoption and risk management.
AI-Ready Leadership – Develop an AI-driven mindset to lead digital transformation effectively.

Director – KYC & Data Solutions | Moody’s Analytics

Jun 2023 – Present | Dubai, UAE (Hybrid)

Leading the Know Your Customer (KYC) & Anti-Money Laundering (AML) solutions business, driving innovation in regulatory compliance.
Helping banks, fintech’s, and corporations mitigate financial crime risks using AI-driven risk intelligence tools.
Developing strategic partnerships to expand the reach of Moody’s data-driven compliance solutions in the region.
Advising financial institutions on best practices in Sanctions Screening, KYC due diligence, and Regulatory Risk Intelligence.

Regional Head, Middle East & Africa | Napier AI

Oct 2021 – May 2023 | UAE

Led regional sales and business development for Napier’s AI-powered compliance solutions, focusing on AML and fraud prevention.
Worked closely with banks and financial institutions across the Middle East and Africa to modernize risk management frameworks.
Positioned Napier as a leading provider of RegTech solutions by integrating AI into compliance workflows.
Oversaw large-scale implementations of AML transaction monitoring, customer screening, and risk assessment platforms.

Business Director – GRC | Thomson Reuters / Refinitiv (LSEG)

Sep 2016 – Oct 2021 | UAE

Spearheaded the Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) solutions business, supporting financial institutions with end-to-end risk management solutions.
Provided high-level advisory and consulting services to major banks and corporations on regulatory compliance, sanctions, and financial crime risk.
Played a key role in Refinitiv’s transformation and acquisition by the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), aligning sales strategies with new corporate goals
Hosted and moderated the 2019 MENA Regulatory Summit, bringing together 200+ industry leaders to discuss regulatory challenges.
Presented key insights from Refinitiv’s 5th Annual MENA Financial Crime Report at a major AML/CFT forum in Oman.

Business Development Director (Risk & Compliance) | Accuity

Jan 2014 – Jul 2016 | Dubai, UAE

Led MENA sales and strategy for Accuity’s risk and compliance solutions, targeting top-tier banks and regulatory bodies.
Designed and executed a regional market penetration strategy across UAE, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.
Closed high-value deals with Lebanese and Abu Dhabi banks, helping them enhance AML compliance and payment screening processes.
Managed sales forecasting, pipeline development, and business strategy reviews with senior leadership teams in the UK.
Conducted extensive business travel across the Middle East, engaging with financial institutions to implement compliance solutions.

Account Director (Risk & Compliance) | Cardinus Risk Management (AmWINS Group)

Sep 2011 – Sep 2013 | London, UK

Provided risk compliance software and consulting services to major corporate and government clients.
Delivered tailored risk management solutions to organizations such as Baring Investment Services, Thomson Reuters, and Bank of New York Mellon.
Focused on regulatory compliance software and risk mitigation strategies for financial institutions and public sector organizations.

Business Development Manager / International Development Consultant | Corporate Solutions Consulting Ltd

May 2009 – Aug 2011 | London, UK

Managed large-scale governance and compliance projects funded by the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and European Commission.
Supported regulatory reforms and risk assessment programs in Vietnam, Macedonia, and Ukraine.
Advised government bodies and financial institutions on compliance, financial regulations, and operational risk management.

Business Development Manager | Staffline Recruitment Group Plc

Jan 2008 – Feb 2009 | London & South East, UK

Recruited to win and manage large-scale onsite recruitment projects for clients in distribution, logistics, and manufacturing.
Developed and sold Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) solutions, optimizing workforce management for high-volume employers.

Regional Manager | Randstad

Feb 2003 – Dec 2007 | South East England, UK

Rapidly promoted from onsite recruiter to Regional Manager, overseeing 9 recruitment branches across South East England.
Led high-volume workforce planning and recruitment strategies for key accounts in logistics, retail, and manufacturing.
Managed large-scale hiring and staffing operations, ensuring seamless talent acquisition for major UK employers.

Why Choose Us

Bridging AI, Compliance & Business Strategy – Transforming Risk into Opportunity.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

Deep expertise in KYC, AML, and financial crime prevention, helping financial institutions navigate regulatory challenges.

Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC)

Proven track record in implementing AI-driven compliance solutions, risk assessment frameworks, and regulatory reporting.

Strategic Business Development

Strong ability to drive revenue growth, expand market presence, and build strategic partnerships across EMEA & MENA regions.

Leadership & Team Management

Experience in leading high-performing teams, mentoring professionals, and managing large-scale projects for global organizations.

Financial Technology & AI Solutions

Specialized in deploying AI-powered compliance tools, AML transaction monitoring, and data-driven risk intelligence solutions.

Public Speaking & Thought Leadership

Speaker and panelist at industry summits, including the MENA Regulatory Summit & AML/CFT forums, sharing insights on financial crime risks.

Testimonials

Real results, real impact! Hear what our clients have to say about their journey to success with us.

“I highly recommend Dima. His drive, expertise in financial crime, and dedication set him apart. Always proactive, he took the initiative to learn, contribute, and go beyond expectations. From coworker to trusted friend, I’d work with him again in a heartbeat!”

Robin Lee

“Dima is dedicated to growth, real and honest, and always open to learning. His actions match his words, making him truly stand out. He values relationships, puts in the effort to make an impact, and continually raises his standards. His energy, passion, and communication are his greatest strengths—excited to see his success unfold!”

Adam Zargar

Dima has the superb ability to firstly listen and then provide clear, consistent, highly responsive advice to problems. He is never without full diligence and always comes with clear options. Dima is also passionate about investing time to work alongside partners making sure every interaction results in a sustainable improvement.

Mohamed Shiraz Thowfeek

What are you waiting for?

Unlock new markets, scale your product, and thrive in the fastest-growing economy in the world. I connect you to the right opportunities—let’s make it happen!

Our work in numbers

25 years, 8+ companies, and countless success stories—because scaling businesses isn’t just work, it’s an art. Let’s turn your vision into the next big thing!

happy clients

+100

years of experience

+25

companies worked with

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Transforming Ambition into Global Success