Carl Olsson joins Advisense as Head of Advisory Norway and CEO of Advisense Norway

Carl, welcome to Advisense! Please tell us a little about yourself.

I am originally from Stockholm, but I have lived and always really enjoyed myself in Oslo since 2008, where I am very fortunate to spend my time with my family and close friends. 

I have a broad professional and leadership background covering many areas and interests such as banking, technology, compliance, credit, financial crime, AI, internal audit, risk management, ESG, information security, GDPR, and strategy. Previous experience includes roles such as Chief Compliance Officer, Head of Compliance and AML in both regulated entities and tech companies, and I just came from the role as Head of 1st Financial Crime Norway and Leader of 1st Financial Crime Risk Advisory LC&I Nordics in Danske Bank Norway. 

I’m a person of many interests, and I often say that I work with my hobby. In that respect I allude to my curiosity and interest for people, leadership, teamwork and societal development where economics, politics, history, technology and regulatory change are integral. If you ask my family and friends, I guess I would not be honest if I did not mention that sports and specifically golf is one of my keenest interests. In many ways it acts as meditation and relaxation.

Why did you decide to join Advisense?

An easy question, and it is the people, the culture, the mission and the customers. As a former employee in Transcendent Group (before we became Advisense), it feels in so many ways as I am coming home again which is a fantastic feeling. 

What makes Advisense different from other GRC consultancies in the market?

This relates in many ways to the previous question in terms of the people, the culture, the mission and customers. Advisense has a flat corporate hierarchy and innovative mindset, with exceptional individuals who are genuinely driven subject matter experts with a humble, proactive, friendly and positive mindset. 

Advisense has a unique position and value proposition in the Norwegian, Nordic and European market, with a strong and specialized focus on GRC services to enable resilience and sustainable growth for society and our customers. Where others are focusing on various advisory services, Advisense is solely focusing on delivering the best GRC services in the market. 

Having the ability to have a dedicated core focus on GRC, we are able to shorten the timeline for value creation for our customers by breaking down complexity by combining our expert insight across the full GRC spectrum. 

Being a leading and specialized GRC actor in the Norwegian market, we are in a great position to adapt to our customers need by providing the right level of services, and help navigate the constant question of “good enough”. 

The most complex services, and the largest consultancy teams are not always the best solutions. We will partner and engage with our customers by breaking down complexity and focus on hands-on concrete solutions that deliver value from the first day.          

What are the biggest challenges facing the financial services industry in Norway today?

There are multiple challenges that currently hits the financial market in Norway where global economics, politics, conflict, climate, and an ever increasing and changing regulatory landscape are on top of the agenda. Navigating and mitigating GRC risks have never been more important for any organization, public or private, in terms of fulfilling their short- and long term strategic and societal ambitions and goals.  

What will be your main focus during 2025?

I will do everything I can to support our important mission in Norway, where our employees and customers are the key drivers to our success. I really look forward to get to know all employees in Norway, and ensure that we are the absolute best place to work as possible, and just keep on supporting the great culture where everyone can grow professionally and personally. 

In addition, I cannot wait to visit and meet all our great customers, existing and new, to better understand how we can continue to support them and deliver the best GRC services in the market.