Simon Gregory

Partner, Chief Compliance Officer

Overview

Simon joined SoftBank Investment Advisers in 2017 after more than two decades working in compliance at major asset management firms. At SBIA, Simon advises SBIA on all aspects of international regulatory compliance and best practices, and mediates interactions with SBIA’s different regulators. He is also responsible for compliance-related issues involving Vision Fund portfolio companies operating in both the public and private markets.

Region

EMEA

Q&A

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What brought you to SoftBank?

I've worked in compliance roles for my whole career. I started on the sell-side and in large asset managers before pivoting to the private equity and hedge fund space. The approach to compliance in larger institutions can be quite conservative, with less appetite for proactively managing risk. When the SoftBank opportunity presented itself, it was immediately clear that this was very different to my previous roles. I was refreshed by both the entrepreneurialism and aspirations of the people I met with. It was a rare mix; they were not encumbered by the typical constraints of a private equity manager and displayed high integrity. This was an appealing combination.

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Why is compliance important for a company like SoftBank?

SoftBank is a pioneer. Our business strategy is constantly evolving, and when we want to do something new or different, we fully commit, at pace. When moving quickly, there’s a greater risk of error. A strong compliance team partners with the business in real time, providing advice throughout the execution process in order to avoid regulatory or reputational impairments down the line.

I like the challenge of not knowing what's around the corner. Compliance is about rules and regulations, but it’s also about actively managing, rather than simply avoiding, regulatory risk.

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How do you manage risk in an inherently risky industry?

Compliance professionals are typically risk-averse. My focus, honed from my time on the hedge fund side, is to manage rather than avoid risk. Finding ways to deliver on strategy in a way that is technically compliant and reputationally sound is the art of compliance, made all the more enjoyable in a fluid, dynamic environment. In my role, I’m constantly reminded of why it’s critical to be nimble and provide a range of solutions across the risk spectrum.

02 —

What’s your perspective on how to ensure responsible technological development?

We approach the ethical use of technology from two perspectives. First, to ensure SoftBank deploys AI and other technologies in a progressive but responsible manner. Use case–based policies and training are central to that effort. SoftBank is highly focused on leveraging AI to improve efficiencies, so we are at the more permissive end of the AI use spectrum, while being vigilant to key risk areas. We’re also watching legislative, regulatory, and industry practices closely to make sure we reflect these developments in our control framework.
AI ethics also forms part of our investment due diligence process for prospective investments. We want to understand how portfolio companies approach AI ethics, data protection, and confidentiality in their business models.