My IALS PhD Experience
Name
Dr Lovina Ekpenyong Otudor
What was your PhD topic?
“The Future of Anti-Money Regulations and Its Implications for Developing Economies”’ -My research gives a detailed account of the determinant of compliance behaviour in developing economies to the FATF regulatory standards by looking at the sources, industry response to the FATF regulation and the implication of this response on developing economies. The main contribution of the work is to advocate for a rethink in the application of the FATF global AML regulatory standards. It advocates for concerted efforts from the developed world to ensure a platform for equal deliberation and ensure that the FATF membership is open to all while its should be forward thinking in accommodating the inherent peculiarities or circumstances of developing nations which act as a drawback in the full realization of the laudable aims and objectives of the FATF global Anti-Money Laundering regulatory framework.
What attracted you to IALS?
The location was paramount to me as London host a very vibrant community of world-leading researchers which allows you to surround yourself with cutting-edge research and to continue learning. With excellent transport links and beautiful art galleries , gardens, and shopping malls, it created the right ambiance for research and relaxation. Also, the uniqueness of IALS captured my curiosity as it was a post graduate research and specialised institution which presented a hub for thought provoking discussions by academicians, practitioners, policy makers and students on contemporary legal issues in search of the development of research and finding solutions.
What is your fondest memory from your time at IALS?
The support from staff was my fondest memory, from both academic and non-academic staff, questions were answered, issues resolved, and their professionalism was second to none. One striking instance was when my varifocal glasses fell off and was broken during a commute from waterloo station to the school. I was down casted as my sight was paramount not just for my research but for my everyday life and I had no money to replace same at that moment. IALS came to my rescue and brought smiles in the midst of a storm. My varifocal glasses fully paid for by IALS. This impressed so much on me as not only was IALS interested in my research but also in my general wellbeing.
What have you done since leaving IALS?
I have just concluded my studies and will be staying back in the UK to look for research opportunities or regulatory and compliance jobs.
Anything else that you would like to add.
Looking back, I can unequivocally say that choosing IALS was the right decision for me. IALS provided me everything necessary to obtain a high-quality PhD, from world class academicians who are genuinely interested to hear about your research, to unwavering and supportive registry staff , friendly other student who are willing to help you debug a hypothesis, information on conferences or just catching up while grabbing coffee in the cafeteria down the library. For me, the ultimate selling point was the unique law library, being the largest in Europe and the staff who ensured you were never alone. My gratitude goes to Dr Colin King who saw me through research and DR Ivan Leonadov who ensured that I followed the right administrative procedures.