About

Leanard Phillip is an accomplished financial crime risk management professional with over two decades of experience designing and leading AML, CTF, and sanctions compliance frameworks across complex, multi-line businesses. As MLRO at Knight Frank LLP, he oversees the firm’s enterprise-wide financial crime strategy, governance, and regulatory engagement—embedding proportionate, risk-based controls across estate agency, lettings, auctions, and corporate real estate operations.

Through his consultancy, Optimum Compliance Consultancy Ltd (OCC), Leanard advises a range of UK and international firms on the design and optimisation of AML frameworks, sanctions screening controls, and CDD/EDD operating models. His expertise spans regulatory alignment with the Money Laundering Regulations 2017, Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, and OFSI sanctions guidance, with a focus on effective governance, 3LoD integration, and cultural change in people-driven organisations.

A mentor for MLROs through the Institute of Money Laundering Prevention Officers (IMLPO), Leanard is recognised for his practical and strategic approach to managing financial crime risk within non-financial regulated sectors.