When people hear “financial institutions,” they often think it’s all about numbers. But at TriFinance, we know it’s about much more than that. Take Lance Wauters, for example, a driven consultant who chose to join TriFinance right after graduating. With a background in economics and financial markets, he had a clear ambition: to one day step into a managerial role within a leading financial institution. But rather than follow a linear path, Lance wanted something broader, something that would allow him to build expertise across risk management, ESG, compliance and data analytics.
From Young Graduate to promising consultant
Lance joined TriFinance through our Young Hub Program, a two-year trajectory designed to give recent graduates a head start in their careers. “It’s not just about becoming an expert in one field,” Lance explains. “It’s about understanding how different areas of a bank work together, from risk & compliance to operations to data. That’s what motivates me.”
The Young Hub Program gave him a solid foundation, with practical, consultant-led training in areas like:
- Risk Management & Compliance
- Credit & Insurance Processes
- ERP Systems (SAP)
- Agile Project Management & RPA
- Consulting and communication skills
Turning ESG knowledge into real-world value
Early in his career, Lance contributed to an internal ESG benchmarking project: one that’s now being used for clients. It was a chance to put theory into practice and make a concrete contribution from day one. He also helped shape and deliver training content, helping others grow as he learned himself.
A mission that made an impact: from KYC/AML to risk control
Lance’s first external mission brought him to the AML/KYC department of a major Belgian bank, where he was brought in to help reduce a growing backlog of flagged transactions. After just four weeks of intensive training on key topics like sanctions, crypto transactions, and scenario analysis, Lance got to work. In just six weeks, the backlog was gone.
But his mission didn’t stop there. The team, impressed by his efficiency and proactive mindset, extended his contract, and widened his responsibilities:
- He supported AML risk control related to high-risk countries and unusual transaction patterns.
- He conducted optimization exercises for the internal monitoring model, reducing false positives and saved many hours of work for a small AML team.
- He worked on scenario development to better flag atypical transactions involving cryptocurrencies and precious metals.
Lance also contributed to discussions around redefining statistical models and provided insights into compliance areas beyond AML, such as GDPR and MiFID. It was a mission that gave him hands-on experience in operational work, regulatory frameworks, and process optimization.
“Seeing how much time we could free up for the team was incredibly rewarding,” he shares. “It’s proof that small changes in process can make a big difference.”
Learning never stops: mentorship and growth at TriFinance
As a recent graduate, Lance benefited from close mentorship and guidance, something that TriFinance invests heavily in. Through regular coaching moments, career reflections, and the support of expert colleagues, Lance always had someone to guide him through his learning curve.
“I never felt like I had to figure things out alone. TriFinance creates a space where people are genuinely invested in your growth.”
Building a career that evolves with you
Today, Lance is continuing his mission at the bank while looking ahead to new challenges in risk management, ESG, and data science, areas he’s deeply passionate about. His experience so far has given him a strong foundation not only in AML but in understanding how different departments within a financial institution connect and support one another.
Lance’s story is proof that working in the Financial Institutions team at TriFinance isn’t just about finance, it’s about learning fast, delivering impact, and shaping your own path. Whether it’s ESG, compliance, data, or innovation, you get to touch every part of the organization. And that’s what makes the job so exciting.
