SUPPORT PROFILE
Karina Bowden
Role: Chief Risk & Compliance Officer
Location: Manchester
Qualifications: Financial planning, investment management, GDPR, Compliance, AI, project management,
Karina enjoys working at the intersection of regulation, strategy and real-world outcomes. Compliance shouldn’t be a blocker to growth. When it’s done well, it enables better decisions, stronger businesses and, most importantly, better outcomes for clients.
Karina’s specialism sits in complex regulatory environments – particularly remediation, governance frameworks and helping firms navigate periods of change such as acquisitions, rapid growth or regulatory scrutiny. She is especially passionate about turning regulatory expectations into something practical and commercially workable, rather than theoretical.
Karina is focused on raising standards across the industry. Whether that’s through mentoring, building better operating models or supporting firms through difficult situations, she cares about doing the right thing – not just meeting the rules, but delivering genuinely good client outcomes.
Outside of work…
Karina has a mix of hands-on and reflective interests. She enjoys restoring old cars – there’s something very satisfying about bringing something back to life and understanding how it works at a deeper level. She is also a big Formula 1 fan, which probably ties into that!
Karina spends a lot of time outdoors walking and in nature – it’s where she does her best thinking. She travels regularly and tries to get away at least once a month, even if it’s just a short break to reset.
At the moment, she is writing five books, alongside reading and a strong interest in personal development – always looking at how to grow, both professionally and personally.
Karina shares life with her partner Adam, who is also her favourite travel companion – they try to get away as often as they can.
They have two dogs who are very much part of the family. Thistle is our older rescue from Romania – a big, gentle, grey fluffy bear (likely a Polish Lowland Sheepdog) who is now slowing down and enjoying her quieter days. Meredith is a red toy cockerpoo with endless energy and personality- she brings a lot of fun (and chaos!) into the house.
When asked about her favourite food Karina described her love of Japanese food- it’s simple but incredibly refined, and I really appreciate the attention to detail. Whether it’s sushi, ramen or something more traditional, it’s always my go-to.