About Ben Thirlwall
Ben Thirlwall manages a portfolio of financial services clients, developing and delivering both annual internal audit plans and ad hoc pieces of work, reporting results to the audit committee and senior management.
He has delivered risk-based assurance, compliance and advisory reviews for a wide range of clients, including asset and wealth managers, brokers, fund managers, insurers, reinsurers, building societies and retail and commercial banks.
Ben also serves as the ESG lead for financial services. This has involved developing the firm’s methodology for auditing ESG and delivering and overseeing reviews in this space across the financial services sector.
Ben is a certified internal auditor and accredited counter fraud specialist, with 12 years of experience at RSM, the Financial Conduct Authority, Financial Ombudsman Service and local government bodies.
In addition to being an SME in ESG, Ben also has extensive experience in anti-money laundering, financial crime, conduct risk, fraud, section 166 skilled person reviews, reinsurance and bordereaux, claims management, regulatory reviews including SM&CR, MiFID II and Solvency II, complaint handling, risk management and governance.
Asked about why he’s passionate about his job, Ben says:
'The best part of my job is helping clients. I am really passionate about the support we can provide to organisations to improve their operations, support staff and ensure controls operate efficiently. With our work on ESG, we can really help businesses have a positive impact on the environment to enhance the treatment of their own staff and to ensure they effectively serve the customers and communities that use their services.'
Ben’s main hobby is climbing, which he finds to be an excellent way to unwind after work. He also has an energetic toddler who definitely keeps him on his toes.
RSM timeline
- 2023: Promoted to associate director
- 2021: Promoted to managing consultant
- 2019: Promoted to assistant manager
- 2018: Joined RSM as a senior auditor