Kathleen Conner

Partner, GRC – Regulation & Compliance

KPMG Australia

Kat is a skilled regulation and compliance SME with more than 25 years of professional experience extending across both the Australia and the United Kingdom. She joined KPMG Australia as a Partner in May 2021 and brings with her a unique understanding of risk and regulatory requirements across financial services and gaming.

Kat began her career in the Australian Army working in both Signals Intelligence and Military Police. She credits this experience with providing her a solid foundation in leadership, respect, and discipline, upon which she has built her career.

In her corporate career Kat has held industry roles in both banking and insurance, was a supervisor at APRA and has undertaken a number of consulting roles focused on risk and regulation. She undertakes engagements focused on regulatory change and response, governance, risk management, risk culture, conduct and accountability. She leads the KPMG licensing practice and often undertakes independent expert and assurance roles. 

Kat’s career experience has given her a deep understanding of regulatory expectations, in addition to a thorough appreciation of the implementation and operationalisation challenges faced by entities. She now focuses on working with clients to enhance and develop their strategies, operating models, frameworks, and processes to meet the ever-changing regulatory requirements.

  • Financial Services
  • Gaming
  • Insurance
  • Operating Effectiveness
  • Public Policy and Regulatory Change
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Risk Consulting
  • Risk Management
  • Strategy
  • Bachelor Arts, Japanese & Applied Linguistic, UTAS, 2005

  • Master Arts, Applied Linguistics, UNE, 2008

  • Master Cyber Security & Investigation, CSU, Current

  • Advanced Certificate, Regulatory Risk and Compliance, ICA, 2010

  • Project Management Professional, PMI, 2006

  • Project Management Professional, PMI, 2006

  • Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, Member

  • Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists, Member

  • Country Women's Association of NSW, Branch President, Sydney City

  • Surry Hills Business Partnership, Board Member