Claudius Otegbade is a recognized leader in auditing, anti-money laundering (AML) compliance, forensic accounting, and privacy compliance. With nearly two decades of experience, he has dedicated his career helping organizations strengthen their compliance frameworks and mitigate financial crime risks. As the Lead Partner at C&G Professional Services Inc., he has built a strong reputation for excellence in AML consulting, forensic investigations, and regulatory compliance across financial institutions, FinTechs, credit unions, and money services businesses in Canada and Nigeria.
A former mentee turned mentor in the TRIEC Mentoring Partnership (TMP) program, Claudius shares his journey into mentorship, why he chose to give back, and how mentorship has played a pivotal role in shaping his career growth.
What motivated you to join the TRIEC Mentoring Partnership (TMP) as a mentor, and how has this decision influenced your professional journey?
I was motivated to join the TRIEC Mentoring Partnership because I was once in the same position. As a newcomer in Canada in 2015, I was fortunate to have a mentor through TRIEC who helped me navigate the challenges of settling into a new country—specifically, helping me with writing a strong resume, preparing me for interviews and building a professional network.
Joining TRIEC as a mentor has been my way of giving back. But beyond helping others, this experience has had a profound impact on my own professional journey. Mentoring has strengthened my leadership, communication, and coaching skills, which have been invaluable in my career. It has also expanded my professional network, deepened my understanding of diverse perspectives, and reinforced the importance of continuous learning. The most rewarding part is seeing those I’ve mentored establish themselves, secure meaningful jobs, advance in their careers, and even paying it forward by mentoring others.
Could you share a specific success story or moment of pride from your mentoring experience?
I’ve had many success stories, but one that stands out is a recent experience. A chartered accountant with audit and investigations background from Nigeria had just arrived in Canada and was referred to me for guidance. After a few weeks of mentorship—where I provided career counseling, industry insights, and access to my professional network—she decided to transition into compliance. She enrolled in a short AML course, and I provided guidance while also leveraging my network to assist with her job search and interview opportunities.
Within a month, she called me with exciting news—she had landed a job in compliance! It was an incredibly proud moment for both of us. Stories like this continue to inspire me to mentor and support more newcomers on their professional journeys.
What role has mentorship played in your personal career growth and leadership achievements?
I can confidently say that I wouldn’t be where I am today without the guidance of mentors along the way. Mentorship has been instrumental not just in my career growth but also in my leadership journey. The insights, support, and networks I gained through mentorship have directly contributed to my ability to work with two of the Big 6 accounting firms in Canada, become a director at one of the largest credit unions in Ontario, and co-founded an AML compliance & forensics consulting firm in Canada. Many of the clients I initially worked with came through my mentoring-led connections, and today, those relationships continue to expand my business through referrals. In fact, some of my own mentees have also identified potential clients and facilitated connections.
Beyond business success, mentorship has also shaped my leadership style. It has given me the confidence to navigate challenges, build strong professional relationships, and seize opportunities. Through the connections and skills, I’ve developed, I’ve had the privilege of speaking at major conferences and networking events, receiving industry recognition, and being considered for high-level job opportunities—all of which stem from the foundation mentorship helped me build.
I also co-founded a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing mentorship to compliance professionals across Canada. This initiative has allowed me to extend my impact beyond one-on-one mentoring and created a structured platform for professional growth and development within the compliance industry.
I still vividly remember something my TRIEC mentor told me during one of our first sessions. Paraphrasing: “At first, it may feel like you’re starting over from scratch but give yourself time—five to ten years down the line, you’ll realize you’re far ahead of the colleagues you left behind when you immigrated, even though it may not seem that way now.” That advice stayed with me, and looking back, it has proven to be true.
What unique perspectives or contributions do Black professionals bring to leadership roles in organizations?
Black professionals bring a unique blend of resilience, adaptability, and deep problem-solving skills to leadership roles, shaped by our experiences navigating complex environments. Many of us came from regions where economic and regulatory challenges were significant, requiring us to develop strong risk management capabilities, creative problem-solving approaches, and a proactive mindset to thrive.
As a Compliance & Forensic Accountant, I have seen firsthand how these experiences translate into strong leadership. In countries where financial crime risks are high, professionals must be highly vigilant, innovative, and strategic in implementing controls to combat fraud and money laundering. Bringing these insights to Canada—especially now, when the country’s exposure to financial crime has increased compared to previous years—allows Black professionals to contribute critical expertise in risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and fraud prevention that strengthens organizations.
Beyond technical skills, Black professionals bring a strong sense of inclusivity, cultural awareness, and resilience-driven leadership. Having overcome systemic barriers, many of us are naturally inclined to create opportunities for others, advocate for equitable workplaces, and drive innovation by incorporating diverse perspectives. With Canada integrating further into the global economy, diverse leadership is no longer just a value-add—it’s a necessity for organizations to stay competitive and forward-thinking.
What concrete steps can employers take to nurture Black talent and provide more leadership opportunities?
Employers must be intentional about nurturing Black talent and creating clear pathways to leadership by doing the following things:
- Creating Mentorship and Sponsorship Programs – Employers can do this by actively pairing Black professionals, especially newcomers, with experienced Black leaders within the organization or industry. Representation matters and having mentors who understand the challenges and nuances of navigating the workplace as a Black professional can make a significant impact on career growth.
- Ensure equal access to opportunities and visibility. Employers must intentionally provide Black employees with high-visibility projects, leadership training, and direct client interactions so they can develop critical skills and advance into leadership roles.
- Addressing Unconscious Bias – Employers must note that many talented Black professionals are often overlooked for leadership roles due to this singular factor. Employers should therefore ensure they implement transparent promotion criteria, diversity-focused talent reviews, and bias training for managers, HR and other folks in leadership to ensure fair career progression for all irrespective of their colour.
- Lastly, employers can establish Black employee resource groups and provide funding for networking, career development, and leadership initiatives – ensuring that Black professionals have the support and resources needed to thrive.
What advice would you like to give to black professionals currently seeking employment or aspiring to grow into leadership positions in Canada?
For those seeking employment – Seek mentorship, not just job opportunities. A job can be short-lived, but a strong mentor-mentee relationship lasts a lifetime. A mentor can guide you through career transitions, leadership growth, and workplace challenges while helping you build the skills and confidence needed to advance.
Build and expand your network. Your network is one of your most valuable career assets, and I always advise professionals to connect with at least two new industry professionals every other month, while following up regularly with existing ones. Whether through LinkedIn, professional associations, networking events, or conferences, actively expanding your connections does open doors to new opportunities, insights, and referrals that can accelerate your career growth.
Volunteer. Volunteering is a powerful way to gain relevant experience, build credibility, and showcase your skills. Volunteer for industry organizations, non-profits, or community initiatives related to your field. Many professionals, including myself, have built critical skills, expanded networks, and even secured job offers through volunteering. It also demonstrates initiative, leadership, and a commitment to giving back—qualities that stand out to employers.
For those aspiring to grow into leadership positions – It is important to be visible and take initiative. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you—sometimes you must position yourself for leadership. Speak up in meetings or take on new challenges at work. Employers notice professionals who demonstrate leadership qualities even before they have a leadership title.
Finally, know your value and learn to advocate for yourself. As Black professionals, we sometimes hesitate to ask for promotions or step into leadership roles. Know your worth, track your achievements, and don’t be afraid to advocate for the recognition and opportunities you deserve. Confidence in your skills and experience is key to career advancement.
Would you like to make a difference in the lives of immigrant professionals by helping them thrive in their careers? Become a mentor with TMP and help empower the next generation of leaders.. Learn more: https://www.mentoringpartnership.ca/join-us/become-a-mentor/