The iGaming Leader Podcast

Alex Henderson: What compliance is NOT

In this episode, Leo chats with Alex Henderson, VP of Compliance at Midnite and co-host of Compliance Chronicles. From financial investigations at the UK National Crime Agency to scaling compliance teams across multiple markets, Alex reveals the hidden realities of leadership in regulated industries

Alex Henderson

VP of Compliance, Midnite

Watch the episode Apply to the Mastermind 24 Sep 2025 · Sponsored by Sumsub

01 · Watch the episode

The full conversation

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02 · The guest

Alex Henderson

VP of Compliance, Midnite

Alex Henderson brings has extensive experience in compliance, regulatory affairs, and operational risk within the gambling sector. His career includes working with leading operators, law enforcement agencies, and advisory firms, equipping him with a well-rounded perspective on both commercial and regulatory challenges. He is the co-host of The Compliance Chronicles, a podcast designed to discuss busienss, Compliance and to help peers navigate a complex environment.

Follow Alex on LinkedIn →

03 · Inside this episode

Moments worth queuing up

00:00 Why "compliance" is the worst possible name for the role.

04:00 Shifting mindset: not every customer is a criminal.

07:00 Leadership by trust: enabling teams to take risks.

10:00 When quick decisions backfire and cost millions.

15:00 Building a compliance team from 1 to 30+ people.

17:00 Hard leadership lessons: overwork, burnout, compassion.

28:00 Losing respect publicly and how to recover trust.

40:00 Handling redundancies and supporting people afterwards.

44:00 What makes a "great leader" and the role of mistakes. Key Quotes "The whole role of working in compliance is protection." "I'd rather go full-flat being innovative than follow mediocracy." "I cost the company a lot of money there, fantastic for compliance, but commercially a massive impact." "I was told early on: don't build relationships with your team because you'll have to fire them. I learned the hard way that's exactly what you should do." Alex Henderson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanda-h-114911145/ Leo Judkins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-judkins/ Subscribe to iGaming Leader newsletter: https://www.igamingleader.com/signup Join the iGaming Leader Mastermind: https://www.igamingleader.com/

In his own words

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Important links

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