Exclusive Interview with Polina Maksimova, Founder of Compliance & Recovery Hub

Polina Maksimova,

Can you tell us about your professional journey and how you became recognized as an Expert in Global Business Recovery & Compliance Strategy?

My career started more than 15 years ago, when I worked on cross-border cases in law, finance, and corporate transactions. At first, I thought success was all about structuring strong contracts and closing deals. But over time, I saw a different truth: many companies collapsed not because their products were bad, but because they weren’t prepared for sudden shocks — sanctions, political instability, or regulatory changes. The 2008 financial crisis was a wake-up call for me. It showed how fragile businesses can be without proper systems. That experience shaped my path: I decided to focus not just on “doing deals,” but on building resilience. Step by step, I developed methods that connect compliance and recovery into one whole system. Looking back, I realize that this combination is what makes me different and why I am recognized today as an Expert in Global Business Recovery & Compliance Strategy.

What inspired you to found Compliance & Recovery Hub, and what is the core mission of your firm?

The inspiration came from frustration. I met so many brilliant entrepreneurs and companies that failed for reasons beyond their control. They lacked protection against risks they didn’t even know existed. I wanted to create something that gave businesses a safety net and a second chance. That’s why I founded Compliance & Recovery Hub. Our mission is very simple: to help companies stay strong and recover when the world around them becomes unpredictable. For me personally, this work is about giving people confidence that their efforts won’t be wasted because of circumstances they can’t control.

In today’s uncertain global environment, what are the biggest challenges companies face in business recovery, especially in cross-border contexts?

The biggest challenge is uncertainty itself. Sanctions can change overnight, banks can block payments with no warning, and regulations differ from country to country. Another challenge is that most companies separate legal advice, financial advice, and compliance checks — but in reality, all of these need to work together. When they don’t, important risks slip through the cracks. My role is to bring everything together so that businesses have a clear, reliable path forward.

Polina Maksimova

How do you see compliance evolving in the next 5–10 years, particularly with the increasing role of sanctions, data protection, and cross-border regulations?

I believe compliance is moving from being a box-ticking exercise to being a foundation for leadership. It’s no longer about following rules because you have to — it’s about using compliance as a tool to build trust and resilience. In the future, sanctions will only get more complicated, data protection will expand worldwide, and technology will play a huge role. Companies that take compliance seriously will not just avoid problems; they’ll actually gain a competitive advantage. For me, compliance is becoming less about rules and more about responsibility.

Without disclosing confidential details, could you share an example of a complex international case you successfully managed, and what made it unique?

One case that stands out involved recovering debt across three continents, with multiple sanctions regimes in place. Traditional paths were blocked — banks refused to cooperate, and legal enforcement was slow. Instead of giving up, we designed a layered strategy: arbitration in one country, restructuring in another, and sanctions-compliant trade in a third. It was complex and exhausting, but it worked. What made it unique was not just the outcome, but the creativity it demanded. That case reminded me why I love this work — it’s not just law or finance, it’s about solving human problems in impossible situations.

You are currently finalizing a methodology handbook, “Anti-Sanctions Guide: Methodology for Recovering International Debt in an Era of Global Uncertainty.” Could you tell us more about its concept and why it is timely?

This book is very personal to me. It’s the result of years of trial, error, and lessons learned. In it, I share a structured approach to recovering debts when sanctions and politics stand in the way. The guide includes practical tools like risk maps and step-by-step strategies, but also a philosophy: resilience is possible, even in the toughest conditions. The fact that it has already received academic reviews tells me I’m on the right path. For me, this handbook is more than a professional project — it’s my way of giving back to the global business community.

You are also actively publishing in peer-reviewed journals such as Universum: Economics & Jurisprudence and the International Law Journal. How do these publications complement your professional practice?

Publishing helps me slow down and reflect. In daily work, things move fast and decisions are urgent. Writing forces me to analyze, to challenge my own methods, and to explain them clearly. When my ideas are reviewed by academics, I know they’re solid. And when clients see those publications, they know my work is not just practical but backed by deeper research. It’s a bridge between thinking and doing, and I believe that bridge makes both sides stronger.

Many experts limit themselves to practice, but you combine hands-on work with theoretical and methodological research. Why is this balance important today?

Because the world changes too quickly. If I only practiced, my methods might become outdated. If I only researched, my ideas would stay on paper. By combining both, I stay grounded and relevant. This balance keeps my work fresh and makes sure my clients get solutions that are practical but also forward-looking. It’s not always easy to do both, but it’s what gives me energy and purpose.

How does your international experience fit into your work, and why is it important for business strategy today?

Throughout my career, I have worked on projects in Europe, Central Asia, and a number of Middle Eastern countries, alongside established financial hubs. Each region has its own logic: in Europe, enforcement often depends on precedent and well-established institutions; in Central Asia, negotiations and the involvement of state authorities can be decisive; while in many Eastern markets, resilience and flexibility are crucial because regulations can change almost overnight. Experiencing these different realities firsthand taught me that there is no universal formula for success. What works in London may not work in Almaty, and what works in Dubai may not work in Eastern Europe. For international business leaders, the real strength lies in being able to adapt solutions to local specifics while still keeping a global perspective. That approach — balancing local detail with global vision — is exactly how I build compliance and recovery strategies for my clients.

How do you integrate technology into compliance and recovery processes? Do you believe AI and automation will change this field?

Technology is already part of everything we do. AI helps us run background checks, monitor sanctions, and predict risks. It saves time and reduces mistakes. But I also believe technology cannot replace human judgment, especially when it comes to negotiations and trust. The future is about partnership between people and technology. AI will give us tools, but leaders will still need empathy, ethics, and cultural understanding to use those tools wisely.

What principles guide you as a leader when working with multinational clients and navigating sensitive negotiations?

For me, the three words are integrity, transparency, and respect. Integrity, because without it no deal is worth it. Transparency, because trust is built on honesty. And respect, because in international negotiations, culture matters as much as contracts. These principles sound simple, but they’re not always easy to follow. I’ve learned that sticking to them, even under pressure, is what builds long-term relationships.

What is your vision for the future of Compliance & Recovery Hub and your role in shaping international business resilience?

My vision is to turn Compliance & Recovery Hub into a global platform where businesses can find not only solutions for today but strategies for tomorrow. I want us to be known not just as advisors, but as innovators in resilience. Personally, I see my role as a connector: linking research with practice, law with business, East with West. If we can help companies survive crises and come out stronger, then I know we’re making an impact.

Finally, what advice would you give to business leaders who are trying to protect and grow their companies in times of global uncertainty?

My advice is this: don’t wait for a crisis to build your safety net. Prepare now. Invest in compliance, risk management, and cultural awareness. Think of it not as cost, but as an investment in your future freedom. And remember — uncertainty is not always negative. It can be a chance to lead when others hesitate. The companies that plan ahead will not just survive uncertainty, they will set the standards for everyone else.

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