Meet Jason Bleau - Director of Capital Markets

Jason Bleau

Can you tell us a bit about your background?

I graduated in 2000 with a BSc in Mathematics.  Not knowing specifically what I wanted to do with my qualification I started to look for jobs in “finance” and joined the Financial Services Authority in September 2000 – which, as it happens, did not require me to use my degree in any way, shape or form!! I spent just over 11 years at the regulator, working in a variety of roles within the FSA’s Authorisations, Supervision and Policy teams.  During this time, I also studied and achieved my Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice (“CeMAP”) and Investment Management Certificate (“IMC”).

In 2011, feeling that if I didn’t leave the FSA at that stage I would become a “lifer”, I moved into regulatory compliance consulting.  I found the move very interesting and soon realised that, although I had very good knowledge of rules and the Handbook, I had very little understanding of the practical application of those rules and the day-to-day practices of wholesale investment firms.  While initially leveraging off of my authorisations experience by taking the Head of Authorisations position, in the years since I have built out my knowledge of both UK and US ongoing regulatory compliance obligations and, in particular, how firms can apply these rules practically without them becoming a barrier to them doing business; as well as keeping on top of the numerous regulatory changes that have occurred over the period.

What excites you about working for Cosegic?

The variety of the role. No one day is the same which always keeps things very interesting!

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Building relationships and adding value; whether that is building long term relationships with clients (I have many clients who I have worked with for a number of years, assisting them from start-up to them being very successful long-standing businesses) or those with colleagues.  I find it particularly rewarding knowing that, through mentoring, I may have made a small contribution in helping someone with their career.

What areas do you see as the biggest challenges, and what opportunities come with them?

Keeping on top of the various regulatory changes, from both a UK and US perspective, and translating how that affects our clients is always very interesting.  However, this in itself demonstrates why firms require consultants such as Cosegic to assist them to navigate the ever-changing regulatory landscape.

What are you working on at the moment?

My portfolio of clients is very varied and includes firms at various stages of their life cycle. As such, the tasks I am currently involved in range from assisting clients to gain authorisation by the FCA authorisation or in registering with the SEC; assisting clients with specific FCA thematic reviews as well as SEC examinations; as well as conducting periodic compliance audits to ensure that firms are continuing to meet their regulatory obligations. 

What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Nothing in life, worth having, comes easy.

Describe yourself in three words.

Loyal, consistent, and mischievous.

Outside of work, what keeps you busy?

I have two young children who keep me very busy. They both now have their own various extra-curricular clubs and activities and so much of my spare time is taken up as acting as a glorified Uber driver; whether that be taking them to music lessons, gymnastic classes or football training/matches.

When I have a minute to myself, my passions are music (there is always something playing in my house - much to the annoyance of my wife), fitness (I love to cycle, swim and push the off weight), and sport (particularly football - of the ‘normal’ and the ‘American’ variety).