In this episode of 3LoD Unlocked, Ghassan Zeidan welcomes Kyle McMullen, a seasoned audit expert with over 25 years of experience in internal audit, financial crime, and compliance. Kyle shares his journey from Deloitte to senior roles at Goldman Sachs and Citi, and discusses the evolution of third line functions in areas like financial crime and governance. He offers insights into the changing role of internal audit, the importance of specialization, and future trends in a data-driven environment. Kyle also introduces The Audit Hub, a platform designed to connect and support audit professionals through resources and networking opportunities.

Whether you’re an aspiring auditor, GRC professional, or industry veteran, this episode offers valuable insights on career development, audit innovation, and emerging trends.

Timestamps
• 00:00 – Introduction to Kyle McMullen
• 03:12 – The Role of Internal Audit in Financial Crime
• 06:11 – Evolving Expectations from Internal Audit
• 08:20 – Specialists vs. Generalists: Which Path to Take?
• 12:54 – AI and the Future of Internal Audit
• 14:45 – Growth of GRC in the Middle East
• 17:45 – The Audit Hub: A New Platform for Auditors
• 20:00 – Wrap-up and Where to Connect with Kyle


Quotes to Remember
• “The best learning curve you’ll ever have is through firsthand experience—try everything at the start of your career and specialize later.”
• “Regulators are expecting third-line auditors to lead in remediation efforts—ensuring sustainable control environments are in place.”
• “AI won’t replace auditors, but it will transform how we work—enabling deeper insights and better testing of controls.”


Conclusion
This episode offers an in-depth look at the evolution of internal audit and the role of financial crime compliance in today’s fast-changing landscape. With expert advice on career paths, specialization, and emerging trends, Kyle McMullen provides actionable insights to enhance audit careers. As the GRC landscape evolves, platforms like The Audit Hub will play a crucial role in supporting professionals across industries.

Connect with Us

📌 Follow 3LoD Unlocked on LinkedIn
🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform
📧 For enquiries or to suggest topics, contact Ghassan Zeidan