Sandra Ferretti is Chief Compliance Officer and Board Member at Obelis Group, working daily at the heart of regulatory complexity. Beyond compliance, she is also a singer. In this interview, she reflects on how structure and creativity come together in her life and influence the way she leads.
Q: Sandra, your life seems to sit between two very different worlds: compliance and music. How would you describe yourself in your own words?
A: I usually smile when people say that, because to me, those two worlds aren’t that far apart. At my core, I’m someone who values structure, integrity, and emotion. Policy-making and regulation sometimes require thinking outside the box, proposing creative solutions that still make sense. In many ways, it’s not so different from writing a song. Compliance gives me discipline and purpose, while music gives me freedom and expression. Both are essential to who I am.
Q: You’re Chief Compliance Officer and a Board Member at Obelis Group, which is also a family business. How does that shape the way you approach your role?
A: It makes everything more personal. In a family business, you’re contributing to something that carries history, values, and relationships. There’s a deep sense of responsibility to do things properly and sustainably, not just for today, but for the long term.
Q: Obelis is known for helping companies navigate complex regulatory environments. What do you see as Obelis’ core value for its clients?
A: I think our strength lies in being a true partner rather than just a service provider. We don’t simply interpret regulations. We help clients understand how compliance fits into their broader business strategy. That human, collaborative approach is very much part of Obelis’ DNA.
Q: From your perspective, how has the role of a compliance partner like Obelis evolved in recent years?
A: Compliance has become much more integrated into business decision-making. Clients come to us earlier in the development process, not just at the end. They’re looking for guidance, foresight, and reassurance. Obelis has evolved alongside that shift by offering more strategic, forward-looking support.
Q: Working across different markets and regulatory frameworks can be challenging. How does Obelis help companies manage that complexity?
A: A lot of it comes down to clarity and trust. We translate complex regulatory requirements into practical steps and help clients prioritise what really matters. Our role is to make the complex manageable, without oversimplifying or cutting corners.
Q: As Chief Compliance Officer, how do you ensure that regulatory rigour and business pragmatism coexist?
A: It’s about balance. You need strong regulatory foundations, but also an understanding of commercial realities. At Obelis, we focus on solutions that are compliant, realistic, and sustainable. Compliance should support growth, not block it.
Q: Outside of compliance, you’re also a singer. What role does music play in your life?
A: Music is my emotional anchor. It’s where I recharge and reconnect with myself. No matter how technical or intense my professional life becomes, music keeps me grounded and reminds me of the importance of expression and vulnerability.
Q: Do you feel that your creative side influences the way you lead at Obelis?
A: Definitely. Music teaches you to listen, to sense the room, and to connect with people beyond words. Those skills translate directly into leadership, particularly in fields like compliance, where effective communication and trust are essential.
Q: What challenges come with balancing a senior leadership role and a creative passion?
A: The main challenge is time and expectations. There’s still a tendency to believe you have to fit into one identity. I’ve learned that embracing all sides of who you are actually makes you more resilient and authentic.
Q: What has Obelis taught you on a personal level?
A: That values matter. Growth is important, but not at the expense of integrity or relationships. Being part of Obelis has reinforced my belief that long-term success comes from doing things properly and treating people with respect.
Q: What advice would you give to professionals who feel torn between a traditional career and a creative passion?
A: Don’t suppress one part of yourself to fit into a mold. Creativity doesn’t undermine professionalism; it enhances it. The goal isn’t perfect balance, but staying aligned with who you truly are.
Interview by Dimitra Kagioglou
30/01/2026