Alisha O’Donovan is an Audit Director at BKL, advising FCA-regulated firms on CASS 15 audits, safeguarding and client money compliance. She supports electronic money institutions (EMIs), payment firms and platforms with audit readiness, regulatory reporting and FCA authorisation.
She advises fast‑growing and regulated organisations navigating complex FCA requirements, including payment service providers, EMIs, brokers, wealth managers, private equity funds and B2B lenders. Alisha is particularly well known for supporting businesses to prepare for and successfully undergo CASS 15 audits, working closely with boards and senior management to strengthen safeguarding arrangements, governance frameworks and internal controls.
Alisha also supports firms applying for or extending FCA authorisation for payment services and e‑money. Her work includes designing safeguarding models, compliant payment flows and client money structures that align with regulatory expectations, as well as advising on ongoing regulatory reporting and audit readiness. She has additional experience supporting overseas firms establishing UK‑regulated operations.
She holds the ICA Certificate in Governance, Risk and Compliance, which is particularly relevant for firms facing increased regulatory scrutiny or preparing for authorisation. Having started her career at BKL as a trainee, Alisha has played a key role in developing the firm’s financial services offering.
Her achievements include winning Bronze at the Citywealth Powerwomen Awards 2024, being named in the Accountancy Age 35 Under 35, and reaching the finals for Breakout Star of the Year at the Accounting Excellence Awards 2024.
Outside of work, Alisha enjoys spending time with her husband and their two ragdoll cats.
