PAUL SHELTON
Head Of Legal And Compliance
TAIPEI
Summary
Experienced Executive Director with a 30-year demonstrated history of working in legal, compliance and banking, non-bank financial services, and related industries. Skilled in Legal, Compliance, ESG, Risk Management, AML, Sanctions, KYC, Internal Investigations, Regulator Relationship Management, Contract Drafting, Negotiation and Management, Drafting and Implementing Policies and Procedures, HR Support, and Interaction(on-boarding, retention, and off-boarding) and Banking. Also experienced in all aspects of Employee Training (including HR and Compliance related issues across APAC), Coaching, Mentoring, English Language Advice, Presentation Skills, and Project Management.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
2
2
Language
Work History
Senior Columnist
Euroview
09.2021 - Current
- Senior Columnist, Euroview
- Contributing Columnist – The Taiwan Banker (Taiwan Academy of Banking & Finance)
- Former Senior Columnist & Copy-Editor Taiwan News
- Developed a loyal readership by consistently delivering high-quality content that resonated with the target audience.
- Strengthened the credibility of the publication through fact-based reporting and rigorous research methods in column writing.
- Spearheaded special projects within the publication, such as guest columns or themed series, to diversify content offerings and attract new readership segments.
- Established a strong online presence by consistently sharing thought-provoking and well-written columns on social media platforms.
Group Head of Legal and Compliance
BlueOnion Limited
01.2024 - 11.2025
- Group Head of Legal and Compliance - BlueOnion Limited (blueonion.today)
- BlueOnion is a team of sustainability enthusiasts who aim to drive best practices within the financial ecosystem and expose green, blue, and all-color washing behavior. BlueOnion connects the buy and the sell-side of investment products and provide a platform especially catered for investors and gatekeepers who value sustainability as a critical investment criterion.
- Implemented corporate governance best practices by advising board members on fiduciary duties and compliance matters.
- Managed relationships with external counsel across diverse jurisdictions for seamless handling of international legal matters.
- Negotiated high-value contracts with vendors and partners, ensuring optimal terms and conditions for the organization.
- Drafted clear and concise employment agreements that outlined expectations for both employer and employee while minimizing potential liability risks.
- Continuously monitored changes in laws and regulations, ensuring timely updates to company policies and procedures to maintain compliance.
- Resolved disputes efficiently through mediation or arbitration, avoiding costly litigation when possible.
- Streamlined legal processes by implementing efficient document management systems and software.
Private Consultant
Private Consultant
09.2021 - 12.2023
- Providing consultancy services to foreign FinTech companies and liaising with the Department of Business & Trade at the British Office Taiwan.
- Providing consultancy services to Taiwanese industry associations in all aspects of Employee Training, Speech Writing and Press Release Writing and Editing, Presentation Skills, and Project Management.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors to secure optimal pricing and terms for clients'' projects, maximizing return on investment.
- Increased client satisfaction by providing tailored consulting services and strategic guidance.
- Provided valuable insights based on thorough market research, enabling clients to make informed decisions.
- Continuously sought out professional development opportunities enhance skills stay current within the competitive consulting landscape.
Principal
Beyond AML Ltd
06.2020 - 08.2021
- Promoted Beyond AML's, innovative FinTech capabilities, in AI and Machine Learning to assist bank and non-bank financial institutions optimize their end-to-end AML and Sanction Screening processes.
Head of Compliance and MLRO
First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC – HK Branch
10.2017 - 07.2019
- Responsible for all legal and compliance related activities of FAB HK (also supervised the Shanghai and Seoul Representative Offices). Registered with the HKMA with respect to Compliance and as the MLRO.
- Maintained effective working relationships with regulatory authorities, suppliers and customers.
- Prepared records and data for regular audits.
- Managed compliance efforts, reporting and audits.
- Prepared and presented comprehensive reports to upper management and audit team, covering issues and recommendations.
- Advised division leaders of regulatory risks in business processed and provided recommendations for improvement.
- Backed data security and information privacy efforts.
- Reduced regulatory risks by conducting thorough due diligence on third-party vendors and partners.
- Led cross-functional teams to ensure timely completion of all regulatory filings and submissions.
- Identified areas for improvement through regular gap assessments, driving continuous enhancements to the compliance program.
- Established a robust compliance framework, resulting in reduced instances of non-compliance issues.
- Spearheaded training initiatives to improve staff understanding of relevant laws, regulations, and best practices.
- Coordinated responses to regulator inquiries or examinations, ensuring prompt attention to critical issues.
- Strengthened relationships with regulators through proactive communication and collaboration efforts.
- Streamlined incident reporting processes for more efficient tracking and resolution of potential violations.
- Conducted periodic reviews of company policies to ensure alignment with current regulations.
- Managed the resolution of complex compliance matters, minimizing potential fines and penalties.
- Developed compliance training initiatives and materials, educating staff on regulations.
- Kept up to date on compliance trends and rulings using meticulous research and study.
Executive Director
JPMorgan Chase Bank
05.2014 - 12.2016
- APAC Country Regional Director overseeing all MLROs and AMLOs. Regional Director of GFCC regulatory management and AML/Sanctions – Risk Assessments.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a collaborative work environment for increased productivity.
- Championed diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within the organization to create a more inclusive work environment.
- Monitored compliance with laws and regulations to protect organization from legal liabilities and penalties.
Division Director
Macquarie Group of Companies
11.2005 - 03.2014
- HEAD OF LEGAL/COMPLIANCE – Tokyo – November 2005 – March 2012
- HEAD OF COMPLIANCE – Hong Kong – October 2011 – March 2014
- Responsible for all legal and compliance related activities of the Macquarie Group of Companies in Japan. Head of Compliance in Hong Kong.
- Attended weekly meetings to discuss and optimize strategies.
- Trained staff and provided successful techniques to improve overall service to customers.
- Provided strategic direction for team of 3-10.
- Managed the division''s long-term strategy, aligning goals with the wider organization to ensure a cohesive approach to achieving shared objectives.
- Mentored junior staff members, fostering professional growth and building a strong talent pipeline for future leadership positions in the division.
- Oversaw risk management efforts, proactively addressing potential threats to business continuity while minimizing negative impacts on operations.
- Promoted diversity within the division workforce by recruiting top talent from diverse backgrounds and championing inclusive policies.
- Drove innovation within the division by fostering a culture of open feedback, creative thinking, and calculated risk-taking among team members.
- Managed cross-functional teams for successful project completion within budget and ontime.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
Managing Director
Private Consultancy
03.2005 - 11.2005
- Self-incorporated consultancy providing legal drafting, documentation negotiation and management services in Singapore.
Managing Director
TriOptima Asia Pacific Pte, Limited
02.2004 - 03.2005
- APAC Managing Director of TriOptima’s APAC operations from incorporation.
- Strengthened client relationships with regular communication, timely project delivery, and high-quality services.
- Delivered consistent revenue growth by identifying new business opportunities and expanding service offerings.
Senior Director & Group Legal Counsel
American Express
11.2002 - 01.2004
- Responsible for all legal and regulatory aspects of the Asian activities of American Express.
- Created an agile working environment, enabling rapid response to changing business needs without sacrificing quality or performance standards.
- Developed strong relationships with key industry partners, fostering collaboration and mutual growth opportunities.
- Navigated complex regulatory environments to ensure compliance with local laws, standards, and regulations relevant to the business domain.
- Championed continuous improvement initiatives to drive operational excellence within the organization.
- Grew talent pool by actively recruiting top-tier candidates from diverse backgrounds while implementing robust training programs for skill development across all levels of staff members.
- Managed risk effectively by identifying potential threats, developing contingency plans, and implementing mitigation strategies in line with overall business objectives.
- Cultivated a culture of innovation by promoting creative thinking and encouraging employees to take calculated risks in pursuit of solutions.
- Led cross-functional teams to successfully launch new products, meeting deadlines and budgets.
- Optimized project timelines by effectively delegating tasks and prioritizing workload among team members.
- Met with department supervisors and provided staff support to attain organizational goals.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
- Supported the development of corporate governance policies and best practices, contributing to a strong culture of ethical conduct and accountability.
- Conducted internal investigations into alleged misconduct or violations of company policies, ensuring appropriate corrective action was taken when necessary.
- Advised senior management on employment law matters to reduce the potential for disputes and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
- Provided expert legal advice on complex matters for informed decision-making and risk mitigation.
- Managed outside counsel effectively, controlling costs while ensuring high-quality representation in specialized areas of law.
- Represented interests of clients in negotiations with regulators, external counsel and public authorities.
- Served as liaison between the organization and regulatory agencies during audits or inquiries regarding compliance matters.
Vice President & Assistant General Counsel
JPMorgan
08.1990 - 10.2002
- Responsible for all legal and regulatory aspects of derivative documentation for APAC (based in Tokyo). Head of Legal & Compliance – JPMorgan Australia – March 1994 – August 1997.
- Led cross-functional teams for the successful completion of major projects, resulting in increased efficiency and client satisfaction.
- Collaborated with senior management to develop strategic initiatives and long term goals.
- Identified opportunities to improve business process flows and productivity.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement, fostering innovation and driving sustainable growth across the organization.
- Demonstrated proficient leadership skills to motivate employees and build competent teams.
- Negotiated high-value contracts that maximized profitability while mitigating risks for the organization.
- Ensured regulatory compliance at all times by implementing robust internal controls systems coupled with proactive monitoring mechanisms.
- Championed talent development programs, promoting employee engagement and retention while enhancing overall workforce capabilities.
- Built high-performance teams through effective recruitment practices focused on competency alignment coupled with ongoing performance management processes.
- Implemented and developed operational standards, policies and procedures.
- Provided strong leadership to enhance team productivity and morale.
- Conducted performance evaluations, compensations and hiring to maintain appropriate staffing requirements.
- Evaluated hiring, firing, and promotions requests.
- Analyzed industry trends and tracked competitor activities to inform decision making.
- Created succession plans to provide continuity of operations during leadership transitions.
- Supervised 7 staff in legal department, setting policies and coordinating daily operations.
- Assisted in designing employee training programs for promoting awareness of legal responsibilities and ethical conduct across the organization.
Education
Bachelor of Arts -
University of Queensland
Australia12.1988
LLB (Hons) - undefined
University of Queensland
Australia12.1985
Bachelor of Commerce - undefined
University of Queensland
Australia12.1982
Skills
Legal
Compliance
Contract Drafting, Negotiations and Management
ESG
Digital Assets
ISDA and related Derivative Master Agreement Negotiations
Commercial Lease Negotiations
Service Level Agreement Negotiations with 3rd Party Vendors
Outsourcing Agreement Negotiations
HR Support & Interaction
Employee Relations & Training
KYC
Deadline adherence
Proofreading expertise
Teamwork
Grammar mastery
Certification
Admitted as Solicitor of Supreme Court of Queensland – February 1987
Section name
- Australian Citizen - Resident in Taiwan and holder of a Taiwanese Permanent Resident Visa
- Also hold Hong Kong PR status
- Managing Supervisor of British Chamber of Commerce Taipei
- Published author with Euroview, Taiwan News, The Taiwan Banker and TOPICS (American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan online magazine)
Timeline
Group Head of Legal and Compliance
BlueOnion Limited
01.2024 - 11.2025
Senior Columnist
Euroview
09.2021 - Current
Private Consultant
Private Consultant
09.2021 - 12.2023
Principal
Beyond AML Ltd
06.2020 - 08.2021
Head of Compliance and MLRO
First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC – HK Branch
10.2017 - 07.2019
Executive Director
JPMorgan Chase Bank
05.2014 - 12.2016
Division Director
Macquarie Group of Companies
11.2005 - 03.2014
Managing Director
Private Consultancy
03.2005 - 11.2005
Managing Director
TriOptima Asia Pacific Pte, Limited
02.2004 - 03.2005
Senior Director & Group Legal Counsel
American Express
11.2002 - 01.2004
Vice President & Assistant General Counsel
JPMorgan
08.1990 - 10.2002
LLB (Hons) - undefined
University of Queensland
Bachelor of Commerce - undefined
University of Queensland
Bachelor of Arts -
University of Queensland