Nitesh Palana
About Nitesh Palana
Nitesh Palana serves as the Director of Risk & Compliance and Head of Government Affairs at Thought Machine in London, where he mentors fintech startups and engages in public speaking on risk and compliance topics. He has a background in public affairs and regulatory compliance, with previous roles at PwC and the Financial Services Authority.
Work at Thought Machine
Nitesh Palana has been serving as the Director of Risk & Compliance and Head of Government Affairs at Thought Machine since 2020. In this role, he oversees risk management and compliance strategies while engaging with government entities. His responsibilities include ensuring that the company's operations align with regulatory requirements and industry standards. Palana's position is based in London, England, where he has contributed to the company's initiatives related to modern slavery and human trafficking, notably approving the statement for the financial year ending 31 December 2022.
Education and Expertise
Nitesh Palana earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics from the University of Nottingham, where he studied from 2002 to 2005. His educational background provides a foundation for his expertise in public affairs, risk management, and regulatory compliance. Palana has also shared his knowledge through public speaking engagements and MBA Masterclasses, focusing on risk and compliance within the financial sector.
Background in Financial Services
Palana has extensive experience in the financial services sector. He worked at PwC for six years, initially as a Manager from 2010 to 2013 and later as a Senior Manager from 2013 to 2016. Prior to that, he served as an Associate at the Financial Services Authority from 2008 to 2010. He also held the position of Managing Consultant at PA Consulting from 2016 to 2020. This diverse background has equipped him with a deep understanding of risk and compliance issues in financial services.
Mentorship and Public Speaking
Nitesh Palana actively mentors fintech startups, providing guidance on navigating regulatory landscapes and managing risks. He engages in public speaking events where he discusses topics related to risk, compliance, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. His involvement in these areas reflects his commitment to fostering knowledge and best practices within the financial industry.
Investment Activities
In addition to his professional roles, Nitesh Palana serves as a private investor. He utilizes his expertise in financial services to make informed investment decisions. This role complements his work in risk and compliance, as he applies his knowledge of regulatory frameworks to assess potential investment opportunities.