Hostile to money laundering. Towards zero gambling harm.®
Vanguard Overwatch is a specialist advisory firm dedicated to advancing gambling related public policy and regulatory excellence, strengthening industry capability, and helping clients navigate complex regulatory environments.
SERVICES
ADVISORY SERVICES
STRATEGIC. TRUSTED. EXPERT.
At Vanguard Overwatch, we specialise in public policy dynamics, regulatory strategy, and governance. With extensive experience navigating complex, contested, and high-stakes sectors, we help clients achieve strategic objectives, uplift capability, deliver social and economic outcomes, and advance the public interest.
Get in touch to explore how we can help you.
REGULATORY POSTURE & ENGAGEMENT
We offer strategic regulatory advice to help organisations interpret regulatory frameworks, engage effectively with regulators, and navigate industry supervision requirements. Our expertise includes leveraging principles- and risk-based compliance approaches to drive operational and strategic outcomes, reinforce industry leadership, and balance commercial imperatives with regulatory obligations.
We also work with businesses to assess their capacity for adopting leading practices that enhance regulatory outcomes, strengthen industry integrity, embed a compliance-oriented culture, and align with evolving community expectations.
REGULATORY INTERVENTION
We advise gambling operators facing heightened regulatory scrutiny, compliance intervention, or enforcement action. Our support includes helping businesses understand allegations, regulatory concerns, and enforcement objectives, as well as identifying resolution strategies to mitigate adverse action.
OBTAINING A LICENCE
We provide strategic guidance to new gambling market entrants and established local and international gambling operators, ensuring they understand and effectively navigate complex regulatory frameworks. Our expertise supports operators in meeting regulatory obligations, securing and maintaining licences, obtaining authorisations and variations, and expanding operations in a compliant and sustainable manner.
INDEPENDENT REVIEWS
We conduct independent reviews of gambling related regulatory arrangements, compliance frameworks, policy implementation, and operator performance. Our assessments rigorously evaluate policies and execution against legislative frameworks and regulatory obligations, ensuring strategic and operational alignment.
With an impartial, evidence-based approach, we test policy assumptions, assess implementation effectiveness, and identify gaps or inconsistencies. Our reviews provide clear, actionable recommendations to help organisations meet statutory obligations, achieve strategic objectives, and uphold stakeholder confidence.
PUBLIC POLICY INSIGHTS & ADVOCACY
We provide expert advice on navigating the intersection of public policy and politics, helping organisations surface critical issues, build traction, and advance policy outcomes.
Effective advocacy requires more than just articulating a position—it demands a deep understanding of the policy landscape, competing arguments, stakeholder dynamics, and the ability to shape or influence public discourse. We help clients refine their policy positions, frame issues persuasively, and engage with decision-makers to drive meaningful change.
We also assist in the development and rigorous testing of regulatory strategies, policies, and compliance frameworks to ensure alignment with statutory obligations and best practices.
ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING / COUNTER-TERRORISM FINANCING (AML/CTF)
We advise on AML/CTF obligations in the gaming and gambling sector, including the development of compliance frameworks, risk assessments, and process improvements. Our services encompass AML/CTF program design, compliance audits, regulatory investigations, and remediation strategies. We also deliver sector-specific AML/CTF training to ensure organisations meet their compliance obligations and mitigate financial crime risks.
INVESTIGATIONS
We support investigations into alleged regulatory breaches, internal fact-finding inquiries, and remediation efforts. Our expertise extends to assisting organisations in preparing regulatory responses, working wth partners to conduct forensic reviews, and implementing corrective measures.
CULTIVATING LEADERSHIP
We support organisations in making informed decisions when appointing senior executives to key public policy, compliance and regulatory roles. With deep expertise in regulatory leadership and governance, we provide critical insights to ensure optimal executive selection.
Our mentoring program is designed for regulatory leaders committed to professional development and strategic growth. We offer tailored guidance to enhance leadership capabilities, navigate complexity, and address career challenges. Our mentoring approach fosters intellectual engagement, strategic reflection, and the ability to lead effectively in high-stakes regulatory environments.
STRATEGY
We help organisations assess their strategic positioning, identify opportunities and risks, and develop actionable strategies to achieve long-term objectives.
Our services include:
Strategic narrative development to strengthen stakeholder engagement and influence.
Process and procedural documentation reviews to enhance operational efficiency.
Policy and regulatory framework development to align with evolving standards.
Additional resourcing for complex regulatory projects and initiatives.
SAFER GAMBLING
We provide specialist advice on responsible gambling obligations and best practices, including policy audits, procedural reviews, and regulatory compliance assessments. Our tailored training programs equip clients with the knowledge and capabilities to implement responsible gambling practices aligned with jurisdictional requirements and industry standards.
Vanguard Overwatch also partners with McAtamney & Advisors to deliver tailored, end-to-end advisory solutions, combining deep regulatory expertise with strategic insight to meet the unique needs of our clients.
SERVICES
ACCREDITATION
Discover how Vanguard Overwatch accreditation can advance safer gambling outcomes and help shield your organisation against money laundering and regulatory risk.
Reconnaissance
An initial assessment of an organisation’s anti-money laundering and responsible gambling arrangements, to identify good practices and any potential gaps or shortcomings.
Reconnaissance is a more focused assessment or compliance health check, and involves a high level review of policies and procedures, including risk-based sampling to test effectiveness of implementation.
A report is prepared with findings and recommendations to ensure an organisation can meet and exceed its regulatory obligations.
Overwatch
Our core accreditation program involves a thorough assessment of an organisation’s governance, strategy, compliance posture and performance structured around eight key pillars.
Overwatch is a comprehensive review of an organisation, underwritten by assurance activities to inform a rigorous assessment and determine eligibility for Vanguard Overwatch accreditation.
Steward
A bundle of services designed for organisations to foster innovation and continuous improvement in compliance arrangements and outcomes, facilitate strategic discussions and planning, contribute to public policy and gambling related discourse and initiatives, and support organisations with specialist capability.
Steward can be customised to provide priority regulatory advice and guidance, support to leadership and turnkey capability subject to organisational requirements.
COMPLIANCE ACCREDITATION
COMMITMENT TO BEST PRACTICE
Vanguard Overwatch sets the benchmark internationally for rigorous compliance accreditation and certifies operators are vigilant towards preventing gambling harm and hardened against financial crime.
ACCREDITATION PROCESS
Vanguard Overwatch accreditation involves a thorough assessment of an organisation’s gambling and anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing related policies, performance, and compliance orientation. As part of the accreditation process Vanguard Overwatch will review and assess the organisation against the following eight pillars:
“Strategy, risk and governance arrangements”
“Safer gambling posture and approach”
“Anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing posture and approach”
“Compliance with relevant codes of practice”
“Assurance: targeting implementation of key policies and procedures”
“Capability, training and development”
“Compliance culture”
“Advertising, marketing and promotions”
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Vanguard Overwatch assessment process initially involves gathering information and documents to help build an understanding of the organisation’s strategy, governance arrangements, policies and procedures, compliance culture and performance.
We then analyse all the documents collected, survey employees and conduct targeted assurance activities to test the effectiveness of implementation of gambling and AML/CTF related policies and procedures.
We also conduct site visits and speak with senior managers and employees to obtain information and insights, assess awareness of responsible gambling and AML/ CTF obligations and associated organisational policy and procedures. Additionally, we observe team practices around key responsible gambling and AML/CTF functions.
Vanguard Overwatch prepares a comprehensive assessment report including our findings and recommendations and a determination regarding Vanguard Overwatch eligibility.
Should an assessment identify any shortcomings in existing polices or practices, Vanguard Overwatch will provide guidance on remedial requirements. We will also review the organisation’s remediation roadmap to support a pathway towards meeting Vanguard Overwatch eligibility requirements and accreditation.
BENEFITS
HOW ACCREDITATION CAN HELP YOUR ORGANISATION
Achieving Vanguard Overwatch accreditation allows an organisation to display the Vanguard Overwatch certification badge at its venues, on its website and social media, as well as on its communications and marketing material. The accreditation program is designed and directly overseen by Paul Newson, Principal.
Vanguard Overwatch accreditation demonstrates an organisation’s commitment to ethical leadership, best practice and underscores the following achievement and benefits:
International benchmark for safer gambling and anti-money laundering compliance accreditation
Meet and exceed regulatory obligations and safeguard corporate reputation
Helps shield your organisation against gambling harm, financial crime and regulatory risk
Distinguishes industry leadership and best practice
Promotes ethical leadership and socially responsible culture
Contribute to sustainable industry and preserve and fortify social licence
Demonstrate your commitment to safer gambling culture and outcomes
PREMIUM BUNDLE
OVERWATCH STEWARD
OVERWATCH STEWARD is an optional additional bundle of services designed for organisations to foster innovation and continuous improvement in compliance arrangements and outcomes, facilitate strategic discussions and planning regarding policy and gambling related initiatives, and support organisations with specialist capability.
An Overwatch Steward package is intended to augment organisational capability and functions, and support strategic and operational activity and outcomes. Alternatively, we can design an outsourcing model where we provide targeted support or more comprehensive turnkey capability and service where this may be a better fit.
Periodic public policy and regulatory forums
Mentor and guide emerging leaders and compliance professionals
Public policy and compliance advice and support
Annual senior management and board responsible gambling and anti-money laundering awareness and development sessions
Whistle-blower portal, investigative triage and support
Independent review of regulatory related technology
Responsible gambling and AML/CTF assurance support
Review relevant policies and procedures
Communications support on regulatory and compliance matters
Representation with regulators
AML/CTF independent reviews
BIOS
THE TEAM
Paul Newson
Principal, Vanguard Overwatch
Paul is a Patron, past President, and Trustee of the International Association of Gaming Regulators. He previously served as Deputy Secretary within the NSW Department of Industry, overseeing gambling, liquor, and racing public policy and regulation in New South Wales. Paul was also a Trustee of the NSW Responsible Gambling Fund.
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With extensive experience in public policy and regulatory oversight, Paul has led high-profile inquiries, strengthened regulatory governance, streamlined compliance frameworks, and championed risk-based supervision. His expertise spans complex and sensitive regulatory challenges across multiple sectors, positioning him as a trusted leader in the field.
Paul is the founder of Vanguard Overwatch, a specialist advisory firm dedicated to advancing public policy and regulatory excellence, strengthening industry capability, and helping clients navigate complex regulatory environments.
Vanguard Overwatch also offers its unique, rigorous compliance accreditation, setting the international benchmark for best practice in the gambling sector. This accreditation ensures operators proactively prevent gambling harm, fortify defences against financial crime, and safeguard their organisations from regulatory risk.
A sought-after speaker, Paul regularly presents at Australian and international gambling and regulatory conferences. He is a graduate of the prestigious Executive Development Program – Confronting Challenges and Embracing Opportunities: Strategic Leadership in the Gaming Industry, a joint initiative of the University of Nevada, Reno College of Business and Extended Studies, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas International Gaming Institute.
Paul is also the founder of Regulating the Game, an immersive gambling law and regulation conference designed to build individual and organisational capability, deepen sector knowledge, and advance best-practice regulatory approaches. As part of this initiative, Pitch! was introduced to foster innovation, inspire compliance, and excite industry leaders.
Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts (Politics), a Bachelor of Laws, a Master of Legal Studies, and a Master of Law & Management.
James McAtamney
Principal, Vanguard Overwatch
James is an actuary working as an independent senior advisor and entrepreneur in Australia and internationally. He is the Managing Director of McAtamney & Advisors and has advised extensively on strategic, economic, public policy, regulatory, and operational matters in gambling and across sectors.
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James has significant experience with industry, government, and the not-for-profit sector on matters related to strategy, policy, investment, market development, economic development, commercial strategy, growth, regulation, and government administration. He brings deep technical expertise in advanced data analytics, financial and economic analysis, impact measurement, demand modelling, and market and risk analytics. He is also an expert in project direction and management, clear non-technical communication, and effective stakeholder engagement in complex environments. He creates confidence in others through candour, dependability, and translating complex issues into plain language and relatable concepts.
James brings a detailed understanding of the gambling industry, having led and advised on gambling policy, regulation, compliance, and industry development to the Federal Government and its agencies, State governments, and directly to industry. These matters have involved economic and actuarial modelling and impact analysis, financial analysis, policy and tax impact analysis, regulatory policy analysis and guidelines, intersections of gambling policy with AML/CTF and related issues, and extensive research and modelling of regulated and unregulated gambling market size and dynamics (including online).
James is an Associate of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia and holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Actuarial Studies and Finance) from the University of New South Wales.
STRATEGIC COUNSEL.
REGULATORY GRAVITAS.
ETHICAL LEADERSHIP.
Vanguard Overwatch accreditation signals an organisation prioritises safer gambling, meets the highest standards of AML/CTF compliance, and is committed to preventing and minimising the risk of gambling harm and financial crime.
INSIGHTS
INDUSTRY NEWS
TAKE THE FIRST STEPS
GET IN TOUCH
Contact info@vanguardoverwatch.com or on 02 8218 2194 for more information
Vanguard Overwatch accreditation helps secure your organisation against financial crime risks and prevent and minimise gambling harm.
Discover how Overwatch Steward can support your organisation effectively navigate regulatory issues and challenges, enhance compliance policies and practices and support innovative sustainable industry.