Nigel Williams, Michelle Dawson and Andrew Bangura elevate the firm's risk advisory practice
Clayton Utz has beefed up its risk advisory practice with former Commonwealth Bank group chief risk officer Nigel Williams and A&O Shearman consulting practice function heads Michelle Dawson and Andrew Bangura.
Williams brings a total of almost 15 years of CRO experience gleaned at CBA (2018-2025) and ANZ (2011-early 2018). He has also sat on the board of global banks and financial institutions.
"From the growing adoption of AI to increased regulatory scrutiny, the risk landscape for Australian businesses has shifted and continues to change. 'Nigel's appointment gives us even greater capabilities as we help clients understand their risk profiles and ensure their governance structures are fit for purpose", Clayton Utz deputy CEP Nick Cooper said. "No sector has seen greater change in their risk profiles over recent years than the financial services sector. The expertise Nigel has provided our biggest banks will be vital as we support our clients in superannuation, energy, telecommunications, financial services, government and the public sector, and other industries navigate what is a fast-changing risk landscape".
Meanwhile Dawson led the APAC governance and regulatory compliance function at A&O Shearman. Prior to her time with A&O Shearman, she logged a near-15 year stint with Westpac, holding not only legal roles but also heading up strategic and regulatory initiatives; during her tenure, she assumed senior risk and compliance positions as well.
Bangura led A&O Shearman's risk advisory and assurance function. He once served as a risk advisory director at Ashurst; he also spent time at Macquarie in trading roles before taking a position at EY, where he advised on regulatory reform, operational and compliance matters.
"Both Michelle and Andrew have had incredible careers in consulting and advisory work at law firms, professional services firms and in the financial services industry. As Australia's corporate risk landscape becomes more complex, the delivery of risk advisory services requires teams with a deep knowledge of all facets of organisational risk, changing compliance requirements, and governance best practice," Clayton Utz risk advisory head Doug Nixon said. "Nigel, Michelle and Andrew's combined insight into some of Australia's most complex organisations and sectors is unmatched in the market, and will allow us to deliver unparalleled legal-led risk advice".
