Hi, I’m Aaron Sweeney, a Compliance & Risk Leader based in Salford, Greater Manchester. With over 20 years’ experience across FCA-regulated financial services, consumer credit, insurance distribution, and FinTech, I’ve spent my career helping organisations grow responsibly while keeping governance, conduct risk, and data protection front and centre.
From S166 remediation and board-level reporting to AML oversight, DPO responsibilities, and embedding risk frameworks, my focus has always been on building compliance cultures that balance commercial ambition with regulatory integrity. Alongside my full-time role in the insurance sector, I run Bentley Hamilton Compliance Consultancy, supporting regulated firms with FCA frameworks, SM&CR, Consumer Duty implementation, and UK GDPR strategy. I also run My Online Maths Mentor, tutoring GCSE and A-Level students — a reflection of my belief in continuous learning and structured thinking.
But life isn’t all spreadsheets, regulations, and risk registers. Here’s a little about me beyond compliance.
🐾 A House Full of Animals
Our home is lively, full of four dogs — Charlie, Lola, Noah, and Elsa — and our cat, Nala. Each has their own personality, and they bring constant humour, movement, and companionship into our lives. Early morning walks, muddy boots, countryside trails, and quiet evenings with them nearby are some of my simplest and most cherished routines. They remind me that balance matters, no matter how busy work gets.
🚶♂️ Walking & Time Outdoors
Walking isn’t just exercise — it’s thinking time. Whether exploring local parks in Greater Manchester or longer countryside routes with the dogs, walking gives me space to reflect, plan, and reset. Some of my clearest ideas around governance frameworks or business strategy have come not from behind a desk, but out on a long walk.
📚 Reading & Continuous Learning
Learning has always been central to who I am. I’m currently completing a Business Management degree and have undertaken a Diploma in Networking & Cybersecurity, strengthening the bridge between regulation and technology. Beyond formal study, I enjoy reading business, behavioural psychology, risk, aviation, and history. Perspective is everything — especially in compliance and risk.
✈️ Aviation Interests
Aviation has fascinated me since I was a child. The precision, discipline, and skill involved in flight resonate strongly with my professional mindset. Whether following commercial aviation developments, aircraft engineering, or flight operations, aviation remains a source of inspiration — and yes, I still dream of becoming a pilot someday!
A Balanced Perspective
At the heart of everything I do — professionally and personally — is a commitment to structure, integrity, and growth. In business, that means helping organisations build sustainable, compliant frameworks that protect consumers and support long-term success. At home, it means muddy walks with Charlie, Lola, Noah, and Elsa, a cat called Nala curled up nearby, a good book within reach — and occasionally looking up as another aircraft crosses the sky.
