Our People | Meet Jim Karpinski

As Redwood’s Senior Compliance Officer, Jim says it’s the attention to small details that is crucial to his role. After taking on the challenge of gaining a law qualification while working full time, he relishes a job where no two days look the same. A vintage clothes aficionado and football fanatic, Jim keeps just as busy outside work. Here, we find out a little more about him and what makes him tick. 

Describe your average day…

It varies on a day-to-day basis – I could be preparing a review, risk assessment or report, reviewing risk events, delivering training, speaking to the business about a complaint, or investigating a suspicious activity report. My average day covers all sorts of tasks.

Tell us how you came to be in this role?

I studied international politics at university and wasn’t sure where it would lead. I started working at an insurance brokerage firm local to me and while I was there, I began studying law part time. They suggested I move into compliance and from there, I learnt as I went, and eventually moved to Redwood, where I’ve continued to learn!

What’s your favourite part of the job?

I like the complexity, the variety, and getting to work with people across the entire Bank to solve problems, and ensure we are compliant.

What three skills do you think you need in your role?

You need very good attention to detail – the small things matter in compliance. You need to be able to understand and communicate sometimes complex rules and regulations, and importantly you need to be able to listen to what is happening in the rest of the Bank. It isn’t a job you can do in isolation, and it isn’t just a one-way street, telling people what rules to follow either – you need to be attentive to what is going on, and work with the business to get things implemented in the best way.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

There is a lot to stay on top of, with lots of moving parts, but it is a good challenge!

How would you describe the team at Redwood?

Absolutely fantastic – a real mix of people. Superb professionals who are enormously friendly and collaborative. 

What’s your biggest achievement so far?

My law qualification – it was a real challenge to complete alongside working full time.

Why would you recommend working at Redwood?

The people, the culture, and the fact it is a Bank with an exciting future.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I have, arguably, too many hobbies. I love football, I’m a West Ham fan, and go whenever I can, I also regularly go and watch Bedford Town, my local non-league club. 

I’m a bit of a petrol-head and have done motorcycle track days on tarmac and dirt, as well as going to car and bike shows and races. Lately I’ve been playing a lot of golf, which I discovered last year. 

I love my clothes and try to buy as much vintage and second hand as possible (to reduce the environmental impact, and because I find it more interesting). 

I also follow politics closely, love hiking, play the guitar, sew (occasionally), and try to read as much as I can, although my book reading does struggle to keep up with my ever-growing ‘to-read’ pile.

What was the last film you watched?

I don’t watch that many films, but my favourites are the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, The Big Short, and The Grand Budapest Hotel.

If you could meet one famous person, who would it be?

Possibly Mark Noble or Valentino Rossi.

If you could go back into any period of time, which year would you choose and why?

That’s hard to say – maybe some time in the 1980s when cars were square, but I’m more interested in going forward.