Darren Brookbanks
Multilateral Engagement Officer, Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime
Managing Director, High Risk Clients, Financial Crime Compliance, Standard Chartered Bank
Nick joined North Wales Police in 1982, and served in a number of policing posts in the rank of constable and sergeant. In these posts he led a number of significant and high-profile investigations. He was instrumental in the introduction of specialist child protection teams, investigating the most serious offences against children, and in the development of multi-agency strategies and policies to make children safer.
In 1998, Nick joined the Serious Organised Crime Agency (formerly the Regional Crime Squad and the National Crime Squad) and led a number of significant operations with partner agencies around the world into organised threats against the UK. He has significant experience in leading complex multi-national investigations, and working with public and private bodies to develop effective strategies to reduce and tackle the harm caused by organised crime activity.
In 2008, Nick was posted to the British Embassy, Washington DC to become the UK’s senior diplomat tasked with developing a shared UK-US response to the most serious transnational organised crime threats, and leading SOCA’s operational activity with US partners, and across the Caribbean. As well as leading the UK’s strategic engagement with the US government, Nick led the operational response to the trafficking of narcotics through the Caribbean region, and supported the development of similar capability across the Caribbean nations.
In March 2013, Nick was awarded the National Intelligence Medallion by the US Government, in recognition of his contribution to “an international community that is now better poised, prepared and equipped to combat the most significant transnational organized crime threats”. This is the highest award available to a non-US citizen.Nick was awarded an OBE in HM Queen’s 2014 New Year’s Honours list, for “services to international law and order”.
He is currently the Managing Director, High Risk Clients, Financial Crime Compliance for Standard Chartered Bank