Katia Ciesielska

Luxembourg Independent Director & Corporate Governance Advisor

Expert in Fund Governance, AML Compliance, Board Effectiveness, and AI Governance

20+

Over 20 years in fund governance and financial services, across regulated funds, private equity and real estate

40+

Portfolio entities across ~15 sponsor and family-office groups, with deep Luxembourg fund expertise (UCITS, SIF, AIF, RAIF)

5

Fluent in 5 languages for cross-border governance and compliance

Helping boards and governance leaders in Luxembourg and Europe translate complex regulation, ethics, and technology into pragmatic strategies that ensure compliance, build resilience, and foster stakeholder trust.

About Me

With more than 20 years in fund governance and financial services, I serve as an independent non-executive director on the boards of regulated investment funds and corporate structures across around 15 sponsor and family-office groups — more than 40 portfolio entities spanning private equity, private debt, real estate, infrastructure and special situations. The vehicles are predominantly Luxembourg-domiciled (AIFMs, SICAV-SIFs, SICAV-RAIFs, SCSps and PE GPs), with underlying activity across the DACH region, the UK, Italy, CEE, Belgium and the US. I am independent on every mandate, with chair experience on selected boards.

Increasingly, I work with boards on AI governance and EU AI Act readiness — an area where most boards are still working out which questions to ask. I speak regularly on the subject (Nexus, Nacha Brussels, PwC NED Day, Guberna, Luther) and co-authored the ILA’s “AI in the Boardroom: Opportunities, Risk and Board Oversight” and “New Technologies for Board Minutes.”

What I bring to a boardroom is an uncommon combination: deep fund-governance and AML/CFT expertise — I act as AML Officer (RC/RR) on several boards and hold CAMS and ALCO certifications — regular CSSF engagement, and a pragmatic, transaction-oriented perspective shaped by years of M&A, restructurings and refinancings alongside sponsors and lenders.

I am a board member of the Luxembourg Institute of Governance (ILA), where I co-authored the Code of Conduct for Directors and the CGO Journey series, and I sit on the LPEA iNED Committee. INSEAD-, ILA- and ACAMS-certified, with further executive education from MIT Sloan, Frankfurt School, HEC Paris and LSE, I’ve been recognised on Paperjam’s Top 100 Women on Boards (2021, 2023, 2025). I work in English, French, Polish, German and Luxembourgish.

What I bring to the boardroom

Delivering independent oversight combined with constructive challenge to enhance board effectiveness

Navigating complex regulatory environments to ensure compliance and ethical governance

Applying pragmatic decision-making focused on long-term value creation

"My boardroom approach pairs independent judgement with a willingness to challenge assumptions. Governance is most effective when it balances integrity, transparency, and practical decision-making."

Directorship & Advisory Services in Luxembourg and Europe

Independent Directorships

As a seasoned Luxembourg independent director and non-executive board member, I support fund boards, private equity firms, family offices, and commercial companies across Luxembourg and Europe. I guide organizations through complex governance, regulatory, and ethical challenges to strengthen board governance and compliance frameworks.

My collaborative yet authoritative style combines deep expertise across regulated and unregulated investment structures. I transform regulatory compliance obligations into strategic drivers of clarity, stability, and long-term stakeholder trust.

Selected Current Mandates

Fürst Berlin – Landmark redevelopment in Berlin blending architectural preservation with premium real estate value creation.emium real estate value creation.
Emeram – General partner of a Luxembourg-based private equity fund investing in European growth companies.
Miya Water – Global infrastructure leader specializing in utility efficiency and water loss reduction.
Pears Global Real Estate – Single family office managing a diversified European real estate portfolio.
Dinamik– Luxembourg PSF delivering specialist governance and compliance services to alternative investment funds.
Luxembourg Institute of Governance (ILA) – Non-profit advancing governance excellence through training, certification, and thought leadership.

“Integrity and independent perspective are pillars of sustainable board leadership.”

Governance & Board Advisory

Boards thrive when governance structures, strategic objectives, and leadership align. I advise boards and governance leaders in Luxembourg and across Europe on:

Designing robust governance policies, board charters, and director codes of conduct
Leading board evaluations and effectiveness reviews
Supporting risk oversight, strategic alignment, and leadership transitions
Advising boards during growth, restructuring, or renewal phases

As a Board Member of ILA and co-author of governance best practice publications, I bring latest regulatory insights and local market expertise to each engagement.

AML and CFT Advisory for Luxembourg Funds and Entities

As a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) and member of ACAMS and ALCO, I provide AML/CFT advisory and act as Responsable du Contrôle (RC) and Responsable du Respect (RR) for Luxembourg funds, management companies, and PSFs:

Developing risk-based AML/CFT policies aligned with CSSF and EU requirements
Conducting AML gap analyses, audits, and compliance reviews
Preparing regulatory filings and ensuring ongoing supervisory compliance
Delivering tailored AML training for boards and management
Providing interim Conducting Officer or control-function support under Luxembourg supervisory regimes

AI Governance for Boards and Financial Institutions

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping regulatory expectations, operational processes, and board oversight duties. I advise boards, AIFMs, management companies, and SPVs on integrating AI responsibly and aligning practices with emerging EU and Luxembourg requirements, including the EU AI Act:

Assessing AI governance maturity and mapping board-level responsibilities
Reviewing AI and automated decision-making use cases for compliance, transparency, and risk alignment
Integrating AI risk into existing governance, AML, operational risk, and outsourcing frameworks
Supporting EU AI Act readiness, including risk classification, documentation, and oversight controls
Delivering tailored AI governance briefings and training for boards and senior management

With a focus on practical, regulation-aligned implementation, I help organisations adopt AI safely, transparently, and in line with evolving supervisory expectations.

Thought Leadership, Recognition & Networks

I am deeply committed to strengthening governance standards and promoting responsible leadership across corporate, financial, and investment sectors in Luxembourg and Europe. Through impactful publications, active professional affiliations, and media engagement, I contribute to shaping board practices that combine integrity, foresight, and accountability.

Publications & Professional Contributions

As a co-author and contributor to key governance guidelines and industry publications, I actively support evolving boardroom excellence. Selected works include:

Networks & Committees

Staying engaged in governance and compliance networks enables me to stay connected to best practices and regulatory developments:

ILA - Board Member, Education & Certification Committee, CGO Committee & Think Tank
LPEA - Member, iNED Committee
ACAMS and ALCO - Certified, active member
INSEAD Directors Network (IDN) - Mentor and alumna
Rotary Strassen-Bertrange-Mamer - Founding Member

Recognition & Media

I have been featured in numerous media outlets recognizing my governance leadership:

"Boards Play a Critical Role in Driving Change" - Paperjam: Discussing evolving board responsibilities in transformation and stakeholder management.
"100 Women for Your Board of Directors - Five Years Later" - Paperjam: Recognized among Luxembourg’s top women shaping modern boardrooms in 2020, 2023, and 2025.
"A Deep Knowledge of Governance" - Paperjam: Sharing insights from two decades of governance practice across European markets.
"10x6 Women on Board" - Paperjam Event: Experiences on leadership, board independence, and diversity.

Named among Luxembourg’s Top 100 Women for the Board of Directors for three consecutive editions, underscoring sustained governance excellence and influence.

Training, Speaking & Mentoring for Governance Professionals

I am passionate about advancing governance excellence and ethical leadership across Luxembourg and Europe. Through certified training, keynote speaking, and mentoring, I help directors and governance teams translate complex regulatory and technological changes into purposeful, actionable boardroom practices.

Training & Program Development

I design and deliver governance training programs that combine practical insight with academic rigor, focusing on:

Additionally, I provide bespoke AML/CFT and compliance training tailored to professionals in Luxembourg’s financial sector, helping firms align their control frameworks with CSSF and EU regulatory expectations.

Feel free to contact me for a tailored AML/CFT training session for your company. The program is fully updated and aligned with the CSSF and AED requirements, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the latest regulatory expectations and practical implementation guidance.

Speaking & Thought Leadership

I regularly speak and moderate at governance and industry conferences throughout Europe.Recent presentation topics include:

My speaking engagements include events hosted by the Luxembourg Institute of Governance (ILA), Guberna, Abilways, and leading investment firms. Each session fuses regulatory expertise with practical, forward-looking guidance tailored to governance professionals.

Mentoring Future Board Leaders

As a mentor in the INSEAD Directors Network and ILA Mentoring Programme, I support professionals preparing for or growing within board roles. Mentoring focuses include:

Mentoring sessions provide space for reflection, helping leaders sharpen judgment, self-awareness, and strategic foresight for effective governance.

Feel free to contact me for a tailored mentoring program designed to support you on your journey as a board member or governance professional. Each mentorship is custom-built to align with your goals and challenges, helping you develop the confidence, skills, and strategic insight needed for effective leadership.

ACADEMICS & CERTIFICATIONS

Lifelong learning is central to my approach as an Independent Director and governance professional. I invest continuously in executive education to stay at the forefront of corporate governance, finance, sustainability, and technology, ensuring my board contributions are informed, current, and forward-looking.

Academic Background

My legal education across three European jurisdictions provides a strong foundation for a cross-border perspective and analytical rigor:

Master in Commercial Law - University of Łódź, Poland

Master 2 in European Business Law -Nancy 2 University, France

Master 1 in Business Law -Paris Nanterre University, France

Postgraduate Certificate in Common Law - Queen Mary University of London, UK

Executive Education & Professional Certifications

I regularly pursue advanced international programmes focused on governance, compliance, and emerging technologies. Selected certifications include:

INSEAD International Directors Program (IDP) - INSEAD, France
Fund Governance Masterclass - ILA (2025, ongoing)
Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategy - MIT Sloan School of Management
International Certificate in Corporate Finance (ICCF) - HEC Paris
Certified Expert in Sustainable Finance - Frankfurt School of Finance & Management
Certificate in Real Estate Economics and Finance - London School of Economics and Political Science
Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) - Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS)

“Excellence in governance is grounded in curiosity, discipline, and a commitment to lifelong learning.”

Let’s Connect

If you are seeking an independent director, governance advisor, or speaker to support your organisation in achieving clarity, compliance, and strategic foresight I would be delighted to connect.

Whether you represent a fund board, private equity firm, family office, or professional association, my approach is collaborative, discreet, and focused on long-term value creation.

Get in Touch

Email

katia@katiaciesielska.com

Based in

Luxembourg

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Katia Ciesielska?

Katia Ciesielska is a Luxembourg-based independent non-executive director and corporate governance advisor with more than 20 years in fund governance and financial services. She serves on the boards of regulated investment funds and corporate structures across around 15 sponsor and family-office groups — more than 40 portfolio entities spanning private equity, private debt, real estate, infrastructure and special situations. She is an ILA Certified Director and Fund Expert, INSEAD- and ACAMS-certified, and has been recognised on Paperjam's Top 100 Women on Boards.

What does a Luxembourg independent director do?

An independent non-executive director provides objective oversight on a company or fund board, free from management or shareholder conflicts. In Luxembourg's regulated fund sector this includes overseeing governance and risk, ensuring regulatory and AML/CFT compliance, challenging management constructively, and protecting the long-term interests of investors and stakeholders.

What services does Katia Ciesielska offer?

Four core services: independent directorships on fund and corporate boards; governance and board advisory including policies, board evaluations and risk oversight; AML/CFT advisory and interim control-function support for Luxembourg funds and entities; and AI governance, including EU AI Act board readiness and director training.

What are Katia's qualifications and certifications?

She is an ILA Certified Director and Fund Expert (Luxembourg Institute of Governance), certified by INSEAD (International Directors Programme) and by ACAMS (CAMS), with further executive education from MIT Sloan, Frankfurt School, HEC Paris and LSE. She acts as AML Officer (RC/RR) on several regulated boards and holds ALCO certifications.

What is EU AI Act board readiness?

It means ensuring a board understands and oversees its organisation's use of AI in line with the EU AI Act. Katia helps boards assess AI-governance maturity, review automated decision-making, integrate AI risk into governance frameworks, and prepare for the Act's requirements, and she delivers board-level briefings on the topic.

In which languages does Katia work?

English, French, Polish, German and Luxembourgish — supporting cross-border governance and compliance across Europe.

Is Katia available for board mandates and speaking engagements?

Katia considers new independent-director mandates and advisory engagements where she can add value while maintaining independence, and she speaks and teaches internationally on governance, AI oversight and AML/CFT. The best way to explore working together is through the contact form.