Meet the Team: Brett Trojanowski

How long have you been working for Cleverbit?

How long have you been working for Cleverbit/InScope-AML?

3 years.

What is your role?

I work on the commercial team for InScope-AML, focused on business development.

How did you end up working at Cleverbit/InScope-AML?

I moved to Malta three years ago from South Africa. My background back home was in the commercial space within the earthmoving and machinery sector, so I saw this as an opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and grow my skill set in a completely different field. It was a big change, but I was excited to challenge myself, and I’m really glad I took the leap. Working at InScope-AML has allowed me to learn and develop new skills in the anti-money laundering space while contributing to a company that’s doing impactful work.

How did your role evolve over time?

My role has evolved as the company’s focus shifted towards increasing our global footprint. I’m proud to say that we’re now present in over 8 countries. As part of that evolution, my role became centered on understanding the regulatory landscape in each jurisdiction. Every country has its own unique regulatory challenges, so it’s clear that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. I’ve had to learn about the specific requirements and nuances of each market to ensure we can effectively meet the needs of clients in different regions. It’s been a rewarding challenge, and it’s exciting to see how the company has grown as we’ve expanded.

What’s your favorite part about working at Cleverbit/InScope-AML?

Definitely the people. We have such a young, dynamic team, and it feels more like a family than just a group of colleagues. It’s great to work in an environment where everyone’s supportive and driven. And I always joke that we’re a young team, but I’m one of the older ones! 😊 The energy and collaboration within the team make it a really enjoyable place to work.

Share a memorable success story where you felt proud of your contributions.

One of the most memorable is InScope-AML receiving its accreditation from the ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales). Our software went through a rigorous 8-month audit process by both the ICAEW and RSM, and I’m happy to say that we passed with flying colours. It was a long process, but the recognition we received from such a respected body was a huge achievement for the team. It really validated the hard work we’ve put into ensuring our software meets the highest standards of compliance and security.

What values or principles do you think set our company culture apart from others?

One that immediately comes to mind is genuine accountability without ego. People own their work, are open to feedback, and want to improve - not because they’re being micromanaged, but because they care about the impact. We also have a strong collaborative spirit. There’s a real sense that we’re in this together - cross-functional support, sharing ideas openly, and celebrating wins as a team. And, maybe most importantly, there’s an emphasis on doing things properly, i.e., not cutting corners, especially when it comes to compliance and integrity. That kind of principle-first mindset isn’t just lip service here, it shows in how we treat our clients and each other.

How do you stay motivated and inspired in your role?

Every day is a different challenge, and we are always changing/adapting to make not only the product but also the team better.

Tell us about a time you faced a challenge at work and how you overcame it. What did you learn from the experience?

Midway through a major software rollout with a new client we discovered that their internal data wasn’t structured in a way that could easily integrate with our system, which risked delaying their go-live date and undermining their confidence in us. Rather than try to force a workaround or push back the timeline, I set up an urgent call with their key stakeholders to fully understand the root of the issue. I then worked closely with our dev team to create a temporary bridge solution that allowed for phased integration, essentially giving them enough functionality to move forward while we worked on the deeper fix in the background.

It taught me two things:

• The value of transparency - clients appreciate being kept in the loop, even when the news isn’t great.

• How powerful it is to bring internal and external teams together around a shared problem. It builds trust and often sparks creative solutions.

What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of work? How do they contribute to your overall well-being?

I really enjoy playing golf, spending time at the beach, and just generally being outdoors. Golf helps me switch off and stay focused - it’s one of those sports that demand your full attention, which is a great mental reset after a busy week. Being outside in general, whether that’s on the course or just near the sea, contributes to my well-being. It keeps me active, clears my head, and gives me space to think without distractions. I find that when I’ve had that time outdoors, I come back to work more relaxed, focused, and ready to go.

Are there any professional or personal achievements you’re particularly proud of that you’d like to share?

A big one is making the move from South Africa to Malta and changing industries completely. It was a big step - new country, new environment, and a shift into a space I hadn’t worked in before. Fast forward three years, and I’m now growing with InScope-AML, and contributing meaningfully to the team and the product. It’s been a journey of learning, adapting, and pushing myself outside my comfort zone. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how far things have come, both personally and professionally.

Describe any mentorship or leadership opportunities you’ve observed within the organization.

One thing I’ve really noticed is how approachable leadership is, and how open people are to sharing knowledge. Even in a growing team, there’s a strong sense of support, whether it’s jumping on a call to talk through a tricky client situation or offering feedback on how to handle a new market. Mentorship happens quite naturally here. It’s not always formal, but there are plenty of opportunities to learn from others across different areas of the business. I’ve personally benefited from that, getting guidance from people who’ve been in the industry longer, and, in turn, being able to share what I’ve learned with newer team members or

partners we work with. It’s the kind of environment where growth feels supported, not forced - and that makes a big difference.

How does the company celebrate achievements, both big and small, and what’s the impact on employee morale and motivation?

There’s a genuine culture of recognition here. Even small things get acknowledged, like someone going the extra mile for a client or solving a tough problem, and that really boosts morale. It creates a sense of momentum and reminds everyone that their work matters. What I’ve seen is that this kind of recognition encourages people to keep pushing, keep contributing, and take pride in what they do. It reinforces that we’re all working toward something meaningful and doing it as a team.

Share a recent example of how the company supports work-life balance for its employees.

A recent personal example is how understanding the team is when it comes to personal time or needing flexibility. There’s a real level of trust that you’ll get the work done without needing to be “always on”. We’re encouraged to make the most of our time outside of work, whether that’s through flexible hours, remote work, or simply being respected when we say we’re offline. That kind of support makes it easier to stay balanced, avoid burnout, and actually enjoy what we do when we’re on the clock.

What would you say to someone who’s considering a career at Cleverbit/InScope but is hesitant about taking the leap?

It’s an opportunity to be part of a growing, innovative company where your contributions really matter. The team here is supportive and collaborative, so even if you’re making a career shift or moving into a new space, you’ll have plenty of resources and guidance to help you succeed. It’s a place where you’re encouraged to grow, both personally and professionally. There’s a lot of room for learning and development, and the challenges we tackle every day keep things interesting. The work-life balance is real, and the leadership genuinely cares about employee well-being. And, of course, you’re working on products that have a meaningful impact on the AML space, so the work is not only rewarding but important. If you’re ready for a fast-paced, dynamic environment where you can make a difference and grow, it’s a great place to be!

Describe the most enjoyable team-building or social activities you’ve participated in at the company.

One of the best so far has been our annual company symposium. Every year, employees from around the world come together for a week of collaboration, fun, and learning. Last year we met in Sicily, which was an amazing location for both team-building exercises and workshops. We focused on promoting creative thinking and thinking outside the box, with some great activities designed to challenge our problem-solving skills. We also had open discussions where everyone was encouraged to suggest ideas and tweaks that could help the company grow. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with colleagues from different teams and regions, exchange ideas, and get a real sense of the bigger picture. It wasn’t just a fun and memorable experience; it also felt like a valuable time for personal growth, for strengthening bonds within the team, and for making a tangible impact on the future direction of the company

What’s something about you that your colleagues might be surprised to learn?

When I was 13, I was actually a kids’ TV presenter! I know, a bit embarrassing, but hey, I was earning money and gaining some experience in front of the camera. It’s one of those things that’s now a bit of a funny story to tell, but it definitely taught me a lot about confidence and communication early on.

What skills or qualities do you think are essential for your role?

First and foremost, communication is crucial. Whether I’m working with clients, colleagues, or partners, being able to clearly articulate ideas, explain complex solutions, and actively listen to others is fundamental. Next is problem-solving. In our industry, things don’t always go according to plan, so being adaptable and able to think on my feet to find solutions is critical. This also ties into creativity - thinking outside the box for a client solution or helping the team brainstorm new ideas for growth. Attention to detail is another key skill - being thorough is important to maintaining the high standards we set for ourselves. Finally, a bit of empathy goes a long way. Understanding the needs of clients and team members helps build stronger relationships and fosters a collaborative environment where everyone feels heard and valued.

Where do you see yourself in the next few years, and how do you plan to get there?

I see myself continuing to grow within InScope-AML, taking on more strategic responsibilities as we expand and developing our offerings. I’m excited about the direction the company is heading in and want to be part of that growth, whether that’s leading more client-facing initiatives, contributing to product development, or helping drive new partnerships. To get there, I’ll keep building on my experience in the industry, deepening my understanding of AML compliance, and taking on leadership opportunities as they come. I also want to continue learning - through formal training or simply through collaboration with colleagues, clients, and partners. Ultimately, my goal is to help the company scale while developing my own leadership abilities, ensuring that I’m in a position where I can contribute meaningfully to both the company’s vision and the broader industry.

What does a typical day look like for you in your role?

A typical day starts with reviewing emails and any updates from clients, partners, or the team. I like to prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact, so that I can get a clear view of what needs to be tackled first. Most of my day is spent working on client calls or demos, where I walk through our software and its benefits, answering questions, and discussing how we can tailor our solution to meet their specific needs. There’s also a good amount of time spent in internal meetings, strategising with the team on product updates or discussing new partnerships and sales opportunities. I also spend time connecting with potential clients or partners through outreach, follow-up emails, or more in-depth conversations around how the software can solve their AML challenges. Throughout the day, I also try to carve out a few moments to think creatively about how we can continue improving both the product and our client relationships. After work, I like to unwind by having a swim in the sea. It helps me clear my mind and recharge for the next day.

How do you stay organised and manage your tasks effectively?

It’s all about using a combination of strategies and tools that work best for me. I rely heavily on HubSpot to keep track of tasks, client interactions, and follow-ups. It helps me stay on top of everything, like managing contacts, setting reminders for follow-ups, or tracking the progress of ongoing projects. I also start each day by reviewing my calendar and emails to ensure I’m aligned with any changes or new priorities. I find that setting a clear structure for my day, with time blocks for calls, emails, and focused work, helps me stay on track. When there are multiple projects on the go, I break them into smaller, actionable steps and review progress regularly within HubSpot. This allows me to stay on top of deadlines and important tasks, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. Lastly, I try to stay flexible and adjust when needed, as things can change quickly in a fast-paced environment like ours. Taking small breaks throughout the day also helps me maintain focus and productivity.