Bilal Akhtar — a lifetime in financial integrity
Founder & Lead Compliance Consultant 🔗 Connect on LinkedInBilal founded KYCifi for individuals and businesses who've received a compliance request from their bank and don't know where to turn.
I began my career in the fraud department at RBS. Since then, I have dedicated my professional life to the complex world of financial compliance — working with some of the UK's most respected institutions, including KPMG, Deloitte, Bank of New York, and Eversheds Sutherland.
Through over a decade of handling Anti-Money Laundering, Sanctions and KYC reviews, I gained a deep understanding of the regulatory landscape. I've seen the financial world evolve — and I understand the immense pressure both institutions and customers face in today's heightened regulatory environment.
In my years as a compliance professional, I noticed a painful disconnect. Banks are required by law to tighten their controls. But for the customer, these requests often come as a shock.
- Unnecessary stress: Customers feeling investigated rather than supported — often for completely legitimate transactions.
- Communication gaps: Complex requests that lead to confusion, incomplete responses, and frozen accounts.
- Operational friction: The time and cost of gathering the right information — without knowing exactly what the bank actually needs to see.
I realised there was a desperate need for an expert advocate — someone who understands the language of compliance and can help bridge the gap between a bank's requirements and a customer's peace of mind.
At the end of the day, I am driven by a simple mission: to be helpful. No one should feel terrified or alone when navigating the complexities of the financial system. I am here to ensure you are supported by an expert who genuinely cares.
— Bilal Akhtar, Founder of KYCifiBecause I have spent over 11 years managing these exact processes at a senior level, I bring three things to your side of the table. Clarity — I help you understand exactly why a request is being made and how to respond accurately. Efficiency — my background allows me to navigate the process quickly. And advocacy — I act as your professional liaison to ensure your bank receives what it needs, while you maintain your peace of mind.
I have an office in Manchester where clients are welcome to meet face-to-face. We also work with clients across the UK and internationally by video and phone.