Matthew Redhead

RUSI Senior Associate Fellow, CFS

Areas of expertise

Associated with the Centre for Finance and Security

Biography

Matthew Redhead is an independent researcher, consultant and Associate of the Serious Organised Crime and Corruption Evidence (SOC ACE) research programme at the University of Birmingham.

He researches state, hybrid, and grey zone threats, with a particular interest in clandestine and covert action, state involvement in illicit financial and economic activity, and interactions between state and non-state actors in organised crime, terrorism, paramilitarism, and political extremism.

Matthew also provides geopolitical and financial crime risk consultancy to the fintech and regtech sectors. His professional experience spans the UK government, financial services, and management consulting, including roles at the Ministry of Defence, Home Office, HSBC, PwC, Matrix Knowledge Group, and Fintrail.

Transatlantic Response to Illicit Finance Taskforce Member

Thoughts on the Taskforce:

I am optimistic about the impact that the arrival of the Biden administration is going to have on the international debate about illicit finance; I genuinely sense that these issues matter to President Biden, and Secretaries Blinken and Yellen. So it’s a perfect time to participate in an initiative that can help shape the US debate and - hopefully - actions too. As a Brit, moreover, I think we’re at a point, post-Brexit, where we need to promote our values in a positive way on a global stage. Illicit finance has been an issue that has gained attention under the last two Prime Ministers, and although the government remains rhetorically committed to the Economic Crime Plan, there’s need for an infusion of enthusiasm, not only for its delivery, but its further development. I think TARIF comes at just the right time to help stimulate that necessary energy.