Industry Profile of the Month: Mike de Graaff
We’re delighted to spotlight Mike de Graaff, Chief Compliance Officer at BetComply, as our Profile of the Month. With an impressive track record in driving compliance strategies that align with the ever-evolving regulatory landscape, Mike has become a key player in making compliance both simple and sustainable—values that are central to our mission at SG:certified.
Career Overview
Born in the Netherlands, Mike de Graaff is a seasoned compliance consultant deeply committed to shaping regulatory landscapes. Mike brings a unique blend of Dutch precision and an exceptional work ethic to licensing and compliance.
With a formidable track record, Mike has earned a stellar reputation in the Netherlands for his expertise in compliance consulting. His significant contributions include establishing a substantial share of granted licences within the country and successfully guiding numerous operators into new markets. As a compliance consultant, Mike is well-versed in the intricacies of regulatory frameworks and possesses the strategic foresight to navigate the complexities of licensing with finesse.
Known for his trustworthiness and honesty, Mike approaches each project as if it were his own, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and a steadfast commitment to achieving optimal results. His journey in compliance consulting is a testament to his unwavering dedication to excellence, making him a respected figure in the field and a go-to expert for businesses navigating the intricate landscape of regulatory compliance.
Driving Company Growth
In the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of the iGaming industry, regulatory compliance is not just a necessity; it’s the cornerstone of success. BetComply is where expertise meets excellence, and trust is the currency of our trade.
Since its launch over 12 months ago, BetComply has established itself as the iGaming industry’s most trusted technical and regulatory compliance partner. BetComply’s expertise has attracted some of the industry's biggest names, who not only rely on its services but consistently return for additional support. The fact that these companies repeatedly engage with BetComply is a testament to the high-quality results they deliver and the company’s ability to adapt to evolving regulatory requirements.
One cornerstone of BetComply’s services is compliance assurance reviews, audits, and assessments. With their partnership with SG:certified, BetComply were able to bring a modern solution to the old world of auditing, creating a hybrid between auditing and self-assessments in a secure and user-friendly environment. That’s what ComplyCheck delivers.
Since launching the ‘Addiction Prevention’ module for the Netherlands market, BetComply have added technical standards and LCCP from the UK, Ontario’s CAM Audit and Estonia’s technical standards. They are quickly expanding to include more jurisdictions and areas.
Industry Recognition & Awards
This year, Mike was shortlisted for the Vixio Global Regulatory Awards ‘Compliance Professional of the Year’ for his outstanding contributions to the compliance sector. Additionally, BetComply was shortlisted for multiple industry honours, including three EGR B2B Awards, two Vixio Awards, and one SBC Award. Within its first year, BetComply grew to a team of 20 experts, onboarding the industry's top talent and servicing some of iGaming’s Tier 1 companies.
Praise from Industry Peers
Mike de Graaff and his team have garnered high praise from peers across the industry.
Greg Papanastasiou, Chief Risk & Compliance Officer, Play North
“In my years of experience, I’ve rarely come across a team as dedicated and proficient as Mike de Graaff and the BetComply team. Their expertise in compliance has been a game-changer for us. They don’t just understand the rules; they master them, providing insights that have propelled our business forward. What stands out most is their personal touch. They treat our challenges as their own, offering solutions that are both innovative and practical. Their dedication to our success shines through in every interaction.”
David Webb, Head of Compliance, SoftConstruct
“We appointed BetComply earlier this year to assist us with our compliance processes for our B2C licence for the Netherlands, where we launched operations in Summer 2023. We were immediately impressed by the knowledge and experience of Mike and his team and are delighted to have them on board in a year when there will be significant regulatory changes in this jurisdiction. It’s a pleasure to collaborate with such a dedicated and professional organisation, and we look forward to a long and successful relationship!”
Charlie Noble, COO, Grace Media
“We are incredibly grateful for the exceptional assistance Mike de Graaff and the BetComply team provided throughout our journey to expand our UK Operator License to become a Software Supplier as well. Their unwavering expertise, dedication, and support have guided us through the intricacies of the licence application process and helped us achieve our strategic business goals ahead of the estimated timeline. The BetComply team’s thorough understanding of the industry and proactive approach ensured that we navigated the complex process with confidence and clarity.”
Industry Panels & Media Features
Mike is a regular contributor to industry discussions and has been featured in several media publications. In a recent interview with CasinoNieuws.nl, he provided in-depth insights on Dutch gambling legislation, while his interview with SBC Media focused on building trust with external stakeholders and navigating stringent regulations. In addition to his media contributions, Mike is a highly sought-after speaker at major industry events. Most recently, he joined three key panel discussions at the SBC Summit in Lisbon, engaging with industry leaders on critical topics such as regulating safer gambling, building stakeholder trust, and player protection.
Mike’s Favourite Quote
A quote that Mike frequently uses in his publications is:
“If you want to be trusted, be trustworthy.”
Join Us for Our Upcoming Webinar with Mike
We’re excited to have Mike join us for an exclusive webinar, titled ‘Understanding the Dutch Gambling Market’, on Wednesday, 30 October at 1pm CET, where he’ll offer actionable insights on navigating the complexities of the Dutch gambling market. He’ll discuss how businesses can address the unique challenges posed by its evolving regulatory framework and compliance requirements. If you're looking to stay ahead of the curve in today’s fast-paced regulatory environment, this is a must-attend event.
Register now to secure your spot and learn from one of the top minds in compliance.