OneDome has recently appointed Joanna Purdy as Head of Compliance, to strengthen the group's compliance framework while the business continues to scale.
The appointment reflects OneDome's ongoing commitment to building a strong, robust foundation to support future growth.
As Head of Compliance at OneDome, Joanna will be working closely with the Mortgage Intelligence team, so we decided to catch up with her as she talks about industry experience, the new role and what she enjoys doing outside of work.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your experience in the industry?
Over 20 years in financial services. Six of those years as a self-employed mortgage broker so I've sat where our advisers sit. That shapes everything about how I approach compliance.
I've since held senior roles across directly authorised firms and mortgage networks. My background goes beyond financial services. I began in sales where I held top spot for nine months running and took the lowest performing branch into the top 25 within six weeks.
I've also worked in surveillance and investigations running global projects for an IT forensics company. It sounds very James Bond but I promise it's nothing like the TV version! What it did give me is a sharp instinct for how people and organisations really operate. Very little surprises me.
What excites you most about your new role?
The momentum and the people. OneDome is scaling fast and I want to build a compliance framework across the group that enables that growth rather than slows it down. Smart, proportionate, and forward-thinking.
What's struck me most in my first few weeks working alongside Babek and Monty is the calibre of people across our businesses. A big part of my focus is developing that talent. Creating clear pathways, empowering people to step into bigger roles, and building a structure where progression is earned and supported.
The capability is already here. My job is to make sure it's recognised and unlocked.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Travelling. I've visited 80 countries across six continents, that's over 40% of the world. The ultimate goal is Antarctica. For me it's about experiencing different cultures and, more importantly, different foods.
I'm a keen reader. Stieg Larsson's Millennium series had me reading until 3am on a flight to China and I've made a start on the next set.
Netball umpiring is another one. Also known as "Team White." A whistle and a modicum of authority. What's not to like!
At home, I love cooking and hosting friends. Roast dinner with homemade Yorkshire puds or Heston Blumenthal's chilli are usually the winners.
Where is your favourite holiday destination?
New Zealand. I spent six weeks travelling both islands in my early twenties. It was a meaningful trip and it will always hold top spot. China is a close second. I spent three years working there so it became my second home although my Mandarin has tailed off over the years!
What message would you like to give to our advisers?
My door is always open and I do mean that. If you have feedback, frustrations, or suggestions, I'm here to listen. I'm not a fan of the tick-box approach or doing something because that's how it's always been done.
Everything we do should have operational value and a clear compliance rationale behind it. Challenging the status quo with a common-sense approach is how we drive efficiencies and improvements that make your lives easier.
To learn more about how our compliance team operates or if you're an adviser looking to join the network, get in touch.