About Us
Built for today. Ready for tomorrow.
Compliance is what we do. But people are why we do it.
Who We Are
A people-first compliance firm built for innovators.
We’re a team of thinkers, builders, and compliance professionals—helping businesses navigate risk and regulation with confidence and clarity.
Founded in Dubai and shaped by a global outlook, VAF is more than a service provider. We exist to support bold ideas, smart strategies, and the people driving them forward.
We believe in curiosity, accountability, and kindness.
Yes, compliance is serious—but the way we work is human, collaborative, and always grounded in integrity. We’re proud to be a diverse, international team committed to doing the right thing—for our clients, and for the future of this industry.
Our Team, Your Partners
We bring global perspective, local insight, and a shared belief that great work starts with great people.
Gilson Costa
CEO
With a background in investment banking at J.P. Morgan and Citibank, Gilson leads VAF with purpose and big-picture thinking. He’s passionate about building meaningful partnerships and shaping a culture where people and ideas can thrive.
José Nunes
Chief Operating Officer
José brings over two decades of experience in compliance and operational strategy, including leadership roles at Citibank and as VP at Barclays Bank. At VAF, he’s the engine behind smart execution, scale, and team synergy.
Manisha Mehta
Head of KYC
With over a decade of experience in the UK, Manisha transitioned from legal practice into senior KYC and compliance roles at J.P. Morgan and Shard Capital. At VAF, she leads KYC with sharp insight and proven expertise.
Ramal Bilal
Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate
With more than 6 years of experience in global compliance, Ramal brings cross-border expertise from roles at Lex Bridge and Shufti Pro. At VAF, she ensures alignment with both local and international regulatory frameworks.
John Williams
Strategic Development Consultant
With a background in military intelligence, Big4 consulting, FinTech, and digital asset regulation, John brings over 15 years of strategic insight. At VAF, he drives long-term growth while advancing AI strategies, data modeling, and pipeline solutions.
Inés Piñel
Compliance Officer
With a legal and international relations background, Inés brings global perspective to corporate compliance, risk, and regulatory affairs. At VAF, she supports licensing, governance, and AML/CFT frameworks with a sharp eye for detail, strong cross-border awareness, and a solution-focused mindset grounded in practical experience.
Tatiana Ferreira
Marketing & Brand Manager
With global experience across fintech, e-commerce, and tech—including roles at Mastercard and Squarespace—Tatiana brings a sharp, creative edge to all things marketing. At VAF, she leads brand and communications strategy, helping translate complex ideas into meaningful connections that drive growth.
Pedro Cardoso
Business Development
With a background in hospitality and sales, Pedro brings a people-first approach to client relationships. At VAF, he represents our mission with clarity, warmth, and a commitment to building trust and long-term partnerships across industries, supporting clients with tailored solutions and day-to-day collaboration.
Our Culture
Our culture is shaped by the people behind VAF—how we work, how we collaborate, and how we grow together.
We Keep It Human
We value honesty, empathy, and curiosity. Whether it’s with clients or each other, we show up with respect, clear communication, and a sense of purpose.
We’re Built on Trust
Our team is empowered to take ownership, ask questions, and challenge ideas. We believe trust leads to better work—and better outcomes.
We Grow Together
We’re always learning, evolving, and sharing knowledge. From internal development to celebrating each other’s wins, growth is part of our everyday.