Awards

MEACA Excellence in Compliance Awards

Celebrating Purpose-Driven Governance, Ethical Bravery, and Sustainable Impact

In partnership with Nielsen Smith, MEACA hosts the Excellence in Compliance Awards to recognize the hidden heroes of compliance across the Middle East and Africa. These awards honor the professionals and teams who demonstrate courage, innovation, and integrity in building stronger, fairer systems—even in the most challenging environments.

This program is not about status, but about substance. It is a platform to celebrate those who:

  • Transform organizations through ethical leadership.
  • Champion compliance in high-risk, high-growth markets.
  • Set benchmarks for resilience, transparency, and trust.

Why Enter?

Celebrate Your Impact

Showcase the measurable change you’ve driven in your organization or industry.

Gain Recognition

Benchmark your program against the region’s best and inspire internal and external stakeholders.

Build Legacy

Establish your work as a case study in courageous and effective governance.

Uplift Others

Nominate team members, mentors, or cross-functional partners who make a difference.

Award Categories

01

Corporate Compliance Awards

  • Best Due Diligence Program
  • Best Anti-Bribery & Anti-Corruption Program
  • Best Sanction Compliance Program
  • Best Export/Trade Compliance Program
  • Move Innovative Compliance Program
02

Financial Institutions Compliance Awards

  • Best Ethics & Integrity Program
  • Best AML/CTF Compliance Program
  • Best Sanctions Compliance Program
03

Best Compliance Individuals/Team

  • Best Compliance Team
  • Best Chief Compliance Officer
04

Best Compliance Individuals/Team

  • Best Compliance Team
  • Best Chief Compliance Officer

Judging Criteria

Entries are reviewed by a panel of distinguished judges from across MEA, evaluated on five pillars (5 points each):

1

Innovation

originality and creativity of approach.

2

Approach

collaboration, teamwork, and execution.

3

Impact , Outcomes

tangible results and measurable change.

4

Sustainability

durability, replicability, and scalability of results.

5

Leadership & Influence

courage, example-setting, and regional impact.

Get Involved!

  • Submit your entry via: awards@me-aca.com

     

  • Contact for tickets: info@nielsonsmith.com

     

  • Sponsorship inquiries: reyhan.perera@nielsonsmith.com

Stephan Lutz

Board Member

Linkedin

With over 12 years of experience in Forensic and Compliance, Stephan has developed broad expertise across industries such as automotive, airlines, and steel.

He has led FCPA investigations and implemented Compliance Management Systems to strengthen corporate integrity.

As Legal and Compliance Officer at Daimler Trucks Middle East & Africa, he was responsible for compliance risk assessments, due diligence, data protection, and export control. Stephan is a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS).

He also serves as a board member of the Middle East & Africa Compliance Association (MEACA), supporting the advancement of compliance practices in the region.

Sidra Ghani

Board Member

Linkedin

Sidra Ghani serves as Regional Corporate Counsel for a multinational company, where she provides strategic legal guidance across diverse markets.

As a dedicated board member of MEACA, she leads the Women in MEACA Sub-Committee, championing initiatives that empower and support women in the profession.

She brings a wealth of corporate experience and a strong commitment to advancing equity, leadership, and professional excellence within the community.

Elvis Angyiembe

Co-Chairman Emeritus & Co Founder

Linkedin

Elvis Angyiembe is a seasoned compliance and risk management professional with extensive experience working with multinationals and regulators worldwide.

As a founding member of MEACA, he helps shape regional dialogue and set standards that balance global best practices with local realities.

He is also an author and recognized speaker on youth empowerment, anti-corruption, regulatory innovation, and the role of emerging technologies in compliance.

Tomell Ceasar

President and Co-Founder

Linkedin

Tomell deSilva Ceasar is a global ethics and compliance leader with nearly two decades of experience shaping governance across high-risk markets and 80+ countries.

As Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of MEACA, he champions ethical leadership in the Middle East and Africa.

Recognized by Forbes and Compliance & Ethics Professional Magazine, his work bridges corporate reform with a deeper mission: making integrity a lived human discipline and foundation for trust.