Lene Hansen | Visionary Leader in Finance, Criminology & Social Change | Author of Where’s the Harm? | Driving Impact Through Insight & Innovation
Meet Lene Hansen from England
Lene Hansen is a dynamic force at the intersection of finance, criminology, and social advocacy. With over two decades of leadership in regulatory compliance, litigation, and risk management, she has shaped global financial landscapes. As the author of Where’s the Harm?, she challenges conventional learning, inspiring the next generation of criminologists and legal minds.
From Psychology to Finance: The Foundation of a Multifaceted Career
Lene Hansen’s career is anything but conventional. With a deep-rooted passion for understanding human behavior, she began her academic journey studying Social & Organizational Psychology, Judgment, and Decision-Making at the University of Queensland. Her interest in the intricacies of financial crime and regulatory structures led her to further her education, earning a Master of Philosophy in Criminology (Financial Crime) from the University of Cambridge and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of London. This diverse academic foundation set the stage for an extraordinary career—one that would seamlessly merge psychology, criminology, law, and financial governance.
Breaking into the World of Finance and Regulation: Lene Hansen’s Journey
Lene’s career took off in the high-stakes world of financial markets. Her early roles as a Derivatives Risk Analyst at the Australian Stock Exchange and Manager at the Securities & Futures Commission in Hong Kong gave her firsthand exposure to the complexities of financial regulation, market integrity, and risk management. She later joined PricewaterhouseCoopers Investigations Asia, where she spearheaded anti-money laundering initiatives, due diligence investigations, and operational risk assessments across various industries.
Her ability to bridge the gap between policy, compliance, and business strategy propelled her into leadership roles. As Regional Chief Operating Officer – Compliance at ABN AMRO Bank N.V., she managed multi-million-dollar budgets and led compliance education efforts across 17 countries. Her expertise became indispensable in mergers and acquisitions, financial regulation, and risk management, earning her a reputation as a visionary strategist in the global financial sector.
Lene Hansen on Stakeholder Engagement and Ethical Leadership
Lene’s career has been guided by a fundamental principle: the power of stakeholder engagement. In her own words,
“Fast knowledge doesn’t always see slow wisdom, and there is a big difference between fat and cream.”
Throughout her tenure in corporate leadership, she has witnessed the pitfalls of shortsighted decision-making, emphasizing the importance of institutional knowledge, employee insight, and ethical governance.
Her ability to moderate discussions and drive critical conversations was evident during her time chairing London compliance quorums for industry leaders in buy-side and sell-side firms. Industry professionals praised her as a “highly thoughtful and articulate individual” and an “excellent moderator with deep industry knowledge”, making complex regulatory topics accessible and actionable.
Lene Hansen – A Scholar, an Author, and a Disruptor in Criminology
Beyond her corporate achievements, Lene has dedicated her career to challenging the status quo in criminology and legal education. Her groundbreaking book, Where’s the Harm? – My Life in Crime, is an anti-textbook that reinvents how criminology is taught, moving away from memorization toward storytelling, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary problem-solving. In her own words,
“Rather than telling students, ‘Here is the perfect system, learn its laws and live by them,’ my book asks, ‘Here is a system with problems—how can we improve it?’”.
This philosophy has resonated with educators and students alike, with one law student remarking, “If I had more textbooks like this, I might have enjoyed my Law degree.”
Published by Ethics Press, the book is set to make waves in academia and beyond, introducing a bold new approach to legal and criminological studies. As it debuts at the London Book Fair, it is poised to inspire a new generation of legal minds—those who seek not just to understand crime, but to reform the systems that govern it.
Get your copy of Where’s the Harm? – My Life in Crime here
Lene Hansen – Leadership, Mentorship, and Social Change
Lene’s influence extends beyond academia and finance. In 2017, she founded The Glass Ceiling Project, a career development initiative designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Recognizing the lack of mentorship in finance and regulation, she created a platform where graduates and professionals could receive the guidance they need to break through barriers.
She has also worked as a business and rowing coach, bringing her leadership philosophy to both corporate boardrooms and competitive sports. Whether mentoring emerging talent in financial regulation or guiding athletes toward peak performance, Lene embodies the power of discipline, resilience, and continuous learning.
The Road Ahead: Shaping the Future of Criminology and Governance
Today, Lene Hansen stands at the intersection of finance, criminology, and education, using her vast expertise to shape ethical leadership and regulatory innovation. As an author, consultant, and thought leader, she continues to challenge traditional narratives, championing transparency, accountability, and systemic reform.
Her journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, adaptability, and bold thinking—qualities that have allowed her to thrive across industries and disciplines. As she forges ahead, one thing remains certain: Lene Hansen is not just studying systems—she’s transforming them.
The Nectar of Wisdom from Lene Hansen’s Journey
- Stakeholder Voices Matter – “People always asked how I made such insightful and lasting changes. I always responded that it was because I asked the people who worked there.”
- Fast Knowledge vs. Slow Wisdom – “The thing is… fast knowledge doesn’t always see slow wisdom, and there is a big difference between fat and cream.”
- Education Should Inspire, Not Inhibit – “If I had more textbooks like this, I might have enjoyed my Law degree.”
- Reforming Systems, Not Just Following Them – “Here is a system with problems—how can we improve it?”
Editorial Note
Lene Hansen’s career is a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and transformative thinking. Her ability to challenge conventions and inspire change sets a benchmark for professionals across industries. Executives like Lene shape the future by asking bold questions and seeking meaningful solutions. With an infectious passion for connection, She inspires executives to lead with heart and strategy. Executives Diary salutes Lene’s unwavering commitment to fostering impactful conversations. Truly, her legacy is one of empowerment and wisdom.
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