Guest expert highlights strategic role of financial crime in national security
Executive Education at The Albert Gubay Business School recently welcomed Andrew Mackay, former Royal Navy intelligence officer and financial crime specialist, as a guest lecturer on the Executive MBA module National Security Aspects of Financial Crime, part of the MBA in Illicit Finance.
Andrew is an independent consultant and trainer specialising in anti-money laundering, countering the financing of terrorism and counter proliferation financing. A former Royal Navy intelligence officer, his operational experience spans Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan and maritime security operations in the Gulf. He has also held senior roles in financial services, including Head of Financial Crime Threat Mitigation at HSBC Malta.
During the session, Andrew delivered a highly engaging lecture on Economic Statecraft in Cooperation, Competition, Crisis and Conflict, exploring the growing intersection between financial systems, illicit finance and national security.
The session provided participants with insight into how economic tools and financial networks are increasingly used in geopolitical competition and conflict. It reinforced a central theme of the MBA Illicit Finance programme: that financial crime is no longer confined to compliance and regulation, but has become a strategic issue affecting economic resilience, global stability and the protection of democratic institutions.
Participants on the Executive MBA, many of whom are experienced professionals working across financial services, government, law enforcement, intelligence, defence and risk management, contributed to a lively and informed discussion. Topics included threat finance, sanctions evasion, hostile state actors and hybrid threats, reflecting the real-world complexity of the field.
The session was further enriched by the contribution of Alison Gregory, Principal Analyst at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Alison will return on 6 July to deliver a guest lecture focusing on the intelligence and analytical dimensions of national security and financial crime.
Executive Education at The Albert Gubay Business School's MBA in Illicit Finance is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge, strategic perspective and practical insight needed to address evolving financial crime risks in a complex global environment.
Find out more about the MBA Illicit Finance and how it can support your professional development.