From Club Manager to Compliance

Mentor

After decades in NSW clubs, most recently managing Yamba Golf & Country Club, Luke Stephenson has launched his own consultancy focused on independent AML/CTF reviews.

With experience across frontline, management and board roles, he brings a practical, real-world lens to compliance and how clubs can get it right.

Tell us a bit about your background and what led you to your new venture?

I have been working in the gaming industry since I was 18 years old. I have enjoyed a successful career predominantly working in the club industry. The family life has changed with my three boys growing up and branching out, allowing me to chase other interests within the industry that has provided our family so much opportunity.

"This experience allows me to quickly identify opportunities for

improvement and make valuable tailored recommendations"

Clubs are required to engage a third-party auditor, so why should a club manager choose you over a larger, more traditional accounting firm?

Over my gaming industry career I have been employed in every position involved in the AML/CTF program review process and reported to boards for many, many years at clubs of varying sizes with varying resources.

I have the experience and ability to connect with all levels of the organisation from legislative compliance, board and senior

management oversight, and frontline operational perspectives.

This experience allows me to quickly identify opportunities for improvement and make valuable tailored recommendations. I have

a genuine enthusiasm and passion for the club industry and strive to make any review I conduct as valuable and impactful to the club as possible.

Many people think a compliance audit is purely a tick box checklist. Can you explain the other, perhaps less obvious, areas you focus on that are critical for a club's long-term health and reputation?

It starts with a standard style checklist and audit due to the very similar designated service clubs provide and are reporting on. However, it quickly evolves due to different elements such as Boards, management, club size, location, available resources, demographics, members and visitors among many other variables.

Assisting the organisation’s different levels to understand why they do what they do and focusing on working together to strengthen compliance outcomes is always the goal.

Given the constantly evolving regulatory landscape for registered clubs, what do you see as the next major compliance challenge on the horizon for club managers?

That’s a good question considering the significant compliance requirements that already exist for clubs. AML/CTF compliance will be at forefront for an extended period due the current reforms and the expectations of AUSTRAC to effectively reach and maintain overall compliance. WHS compliance is always evolving and you can never discount a challenge on the gaming industry.

How can SPIN readers get in touch if they want to

engage you to help with their AML/CTF review?

luke.clubcompliance@gmail.com or 0414 980 997