Ten years of growth in compliance
Sophie Vallée-Berthold is Head of Compliance in Langham Hall Luxembourg and has spent the past ten years helping the office grow while strengthening its compliance framework. She reflects on how her role has evolved alongside increasing regulatory demands, particularly in areas such as AML and tax, and what she has learned about developing people through change.
Starting out in compliance
My career began in Luxembourg in 2008, when compliance was still emerging. With a law degree, I started as a Legal Advisor, which gave me my first insight into how closely regulation and business practice connect. My next role combined legal and compliance work, offering a clearer view of how the field was evolving and showing me how naturally the two areas fit together. Those early experiences are what drew me further into compliance.
I joined Langham Hall Luxembourg after my first parental leave as a part-time Compliance Officer, attracted by the flexibility and the chance to join a young business where compliance was becoming increasingly important. As the firm grew, so did the role, quickly moving to full time. It was a natural progression that allowed me to apply my legal background, deepen my expertise and grow with a firm still early in its development.
Early impressions and experiences at Langham Hall
In my first months, Langham Hall really felt like a start-up. There were only seven people in the Luxembourg office and everyone had to be ready to roll up their sleeves. I was learning a new role, a new company and an entirely new environment, all while taking on significant responsibility from the outset.
Despite the change in scale, one thing has stayed the same: the collaborative spirit that defined those early days. People share knowledge with each other and there is a sense of collective progress.
A key turning point was realising that, as I was developing, the firm was expanding just as quickly. Growing regulatory demands, especially around AML and tax, meant I was trusted with greater responsibility and soon began building my own team. Moving from doing everything myself to guiding others set the path toward a more strategic role focused on coordination, planning and people. The trust placed in me throughout has been central to my confidence and professional identity.
Growth and change
Starting in such a small team meant that learning happened in a very hands-on way. I benefitted directly from the experience and guidance of colleagues who were willing to take the time to teach and explain. It created a genuine apprenticeship environment and that way of working has remained central to Langham Hall’s culture.
Watching colleagues progress has also been a motivating part of the journey. Seeing people stay, work hard and develop into more senior roles reinforces the idea that growth here is real and achievable.
Personal reflections and proud moments
I am most proud of seeing the people I have trained grow into confident, trusted professionals. Contributing to the growth of the Luxembourg office, from a small start-up environment to a larger and more mature business, has also been a highlight, especially while maintaining strong compliance standards.
Over these ten years, I have learned that I can grow alongside significant change, that I enjoy developing others and that balancing technical work with genuine human connection is central to how I work.
I have realised that even in a serious field like compliance it is important to stay grounded, keep a sense of humour and not take oneself too seriously. Creating an open and relaxed atmosphere helps teams work better together.
Advice for new joiners
When I joined, curiosity was essential because we had to deal with everything ourselves. Even though we are now a much larger and more structured organisation, that early start-up mentality remains valuable. Do not wait for all the answers. Look around, ask questions and learn from the people around you. Collaboration is always there, but personal initiative is one of the strongest drivers of learning.
Advice for future compliance professionals
For anyone starting a career in compliance or finance, be ready for constant change. Regulations evolve and so do the businesses you support, so staying close to the detail and keeping your judgement sharp will help you stay one step ahead.
