Zainab is a Berlin-based due diligence expert on the Middle East and is responsible for a wide variety of roles across Control Risks’ compliance-driven work. Zainab leverages her deep knowledge of regulatory frameworks to meet client needs. Within her role, Zainab advised clients on industry and technical expertise on risk and regulatory matters across all services sectors, conducted vulnerability assessments, compliance program evaluations, and gap analyses for major international financial institutions to reduce their money-laundering and sanctions exposure.

Before joining the Control Risks team, Zainab worked as a MENA research analyst for Thomson Reuters Enhanced Due Diligence, helping clients manage reputational risk and providing unique insights to help customers make effective business decisions. Zainab also worked in an advisory role for PwC’s Financial Crime Unit, where she supported clients with industry and technical expertise on risk and regulatory matters across all financial services sectors. 

Zainab holds a Master’s Degree in Middle East politics from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London and an undergraduate degree in international relations from the University of Leeds. Zainab has an extensive network of contacts across the wider Middle East and Europe and is bilingual in English and Arabic.