Katia Ciesielska

Luxembourg Independent Director & Corporate Governance Advisor

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

15+

15 - Over 15 years of independent director experience across regulated funds, private equity, and real estate sectors

10

10 - Board mandates in 10 European countries, with strong expertise in Luxembourg fund structures (UCITS, SIF, AIF)

5

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

I am an INSEAD- and Luxembourg Institute of Governance (ILA)-certified independent director and corporate governance consultant with over 20 years of board-level experience across Luxembourg, the UK, France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, and Israel. I currently serve on boards of commercial companies, regulated investment funds (UCITS, SIF), professional investor vehicles (AIFs, RAIFs, partnerships), family offices, start-ups, and non-profits.

My expertise encompasses corporate governance, fund governance, mergers & acquisitions, private equity and debt, real estate transactions, ESG integration, and AML/CFT compliance. As a Board Member of the Luxembourg Institute of Governance, I actively contribute to shaping governance best practices. I am also a frequent speaker, trainer, and panelist at leading industry events on governance, compliance, and technology.

Key strengths include:

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 combines independence with constructive challenge. 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 Luxembourg-based boards and governance leaders 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

Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) and member of ACAMS and ALCO, I provide AML/CFT advisory and act as Responsable du Contrôle (RC) 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

Compliance Framework Design and Advisory

I develop and strengthen compliance and governance frameworks aligned with Luxembourg’s regulatory landscape, helping entities meet licensing, reporting, and operational obligations efficiently. Services include:

Tailored compliance policies and internal controls
Risk-based monitoring and reporting advice
Compliance audits and governance health checks
Licensing and regulatory filing support
Training for compliance teams and board members

My pragmatic approach converts compliance duties into enhanced operational discipline, accountability, and governance maturity.

“Transforming compliance into clarity and governance into strategy for Luxembourg organizations.”

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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