The Pools appoints Caroline Newman as director of regulatory compliance

The Pools, one of the United Kingdom’s most iconic and long-standing gaming brands, has announced the appointment of Caroline Newman as its new Director of Regulatory Compliance. This strategic hire marks a key milestone in the company’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its governance framework and adapt to a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

In her new capacity, Newman will lead The Pools’ compliance and regulatory initiatives, ensuring the organisation maintains the highest standards of responsible gaming, anti-money laundering (AML) safeguards and overall governance. Her appointment coincides with a period of significant transformation at The Pools, including a comprehensive corporate rebranding and several senior executive appointments aimed at modernising the company while preserving its century-old heritage.

Extensive experience in compliance and governance

Caroline Newman brings more than a decade of high-level experience in regulatory compliance and risk management. She previously served in senior roles at Entain, one of the largest global gambling operators, where she held the position of Head of Anti-Financial Crime and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) for the UK and Ireland. Her responsibilities included overseeing anti-money laundering protocols, risk assessments and regulatory reporting, contributing to the company’s ability to maintain compliance across multiple jurisdictions.

Before her tenure at Entain, Newman spent four years at Midnite, where she was Head of Compliance and MLRO. Notably, she was the first compliance hire in the company’s history and was tasked with building the compliance programme from the ground up. Under her leadership, Midnite established practical and effective frameworks across the business, embedding a culture of regulatory adherence that became central to its operations.

Her experience extends to B2B sector roles with prominent industry brands including Inspired, Playtech and Odobo. Across these positions, Newman has gained extensive knowledge of both operational and strategic compliance challenges, including regulatory reporting, risk mitigation and embedding responsible gaming frameworks within business operations.

Part of a wider senior leadership transformation

Newman’s appointment follows a series of senior hires at The Pools over the past 18 months, reflecting a deliberate restructuring aimed at modernising the company while maintaining its historical appeal. Among recent notable appointments, Joseph Carter-Bell, formerly Head of Safer Gambling and Anti-Money Laundering at LeoVegas Group, joined The Pools as Director of Customer Success and Operations. This hire complements Newman’s compliance mandate by ensuring player safety and operational efficiency remain central to the company’s strategy.

Other key appointments include Gemma Strath-Billington as Head of Group Marketing, Phillip Donegan as Chief Technology Officer, Chris Williams as Head of Product and Matt Knowles as Head of CRM. Together, these appointments form the foundation of a leadership team designed to modernise The Pools’ offerings, drive innovation and safeguard its longstanding reputation with players.

Newman reflects on her new role

Speaking on her appointment, Caroline Newman said:

“I’m excited to bring everything that I’ve learned throughout my career to The Pools.

The Pools is an iconic, century-old brand with so much prestige and nostalgia – something very few organisations are able to say. The Pools holds a special place in people’s memories and it’s really exciting to see the company going through a transformative period, while still remaining loyal to the traditional customer base.

Moving forward, the focus is on innovation and modernisation. I want to support The Pools in upholding the highest standards of regulatory compliance and player protection, especially in a landscape that continues to evolve.

I want to work with colleagues to ensure compliance stays embedded in the culture of The Pools, reaffirming the company’s commitment to responsibility, customer care and doing things the right way – values that resonate with me.”

Newman’s emphasis on culture and integration reflects a broader industry trend of embedding compliance directly into company operations rather than treating it as a standalone function. Her role is expected to influence strategic decision-making, product development and customer engagement, aligning regulatory obligations with business objectives.

CEO underscores compliance as a strategic priority

James Arnold, CEO of The Pools, welcomed Newman’s appointment, stating:

“We’re delighted to kick off 2026 with the appointment of Caroline Newman as our new Director of Regulatory Compliance.

Caroline brings a wealth of experience to the organisation thanks to her time at Entain and Midnite, impressive credentials that will bring an immediate positive impact to both our team and our loyal and new customers.

At The Pools, we hold the highest compliance standards and with Caroline on board, we will be able to navigate a changing landscape with an industry-leading approach.”

Arnold highlighted that The Pools’ renewed focus on compliance and governance is part of a broader strategy to maintain player trust and regulatory alignment in an increasingly complex market. He emphasised that the company seeks to balance tradition with innovation, preserving the nostalgic appeal of The Pools while embracing modern technological and operational advancements.

Navigating regulatory change in the UK gaming industry

The UK gambling sector has faced ongoing regulatory scrutiny in recent years, including stricter requirements for anti-money laundering controls, safer gambling measures and marketing standards. For companies like The Pools, maintaining compliance is not only a legal obligation but a strategic imperative that affects brand reputation, customer trust and operational continuity.

Newman’s appointment is particularly significant in this context. Her experience across multiple operators and compliance functions equips her to anticipate regulatory changes and implement forward-looking measures. This includes continuous monitoring of policy developments, proactive risk assessment and ensuring that staff at all levels are trained to uphold the company’s compliance standards.

Embedding responsible gambling and player protection

A central component of Newman’s role will be overseeing responsible gambling initiatives and player protection. The Pools has a legacy as a community-focused operator, with a broad customer base that spans generations. Modernising its operations while protecting players requires integrating responsible gambling measures into every aspect of the business, from product design and marketing to customer support and transaction monitoring.

Newman’s experience as an MLRO and Head of Compliance equips her with the tools to implement effective frameworks for customer safety. By prioritising responsible practices, The Pools aims to safeguard its players and set an industry benchmark for ethical standards in gaming.

Strategic objectives and long-term vision

The Pools’ broader strategy, reinforced by Newman’s appointment, encompasses several key objectives:

• Ensuring compliance frameworks remain agile and adaptive to regulatory changes.
• Embedding compliance and responsible gambling in the corporate culture.
• Maintaining operational excellence while modernising products and services.
• Preserving the brand’s historical identity and legacy.
• Strengthening trust with both existing and new customers through transparency and accountability.

The integration of compliance into strategic planning demonstrates the company’s commitment to sustainable growth while mitigating regulatory and reputational risks.

Industry perspectives and market implications

The Pools’ move to strengthen its compliance leadership reflects a broader industry trend. As regulators increase scrutiny and consumer expectations evolve, operators must prioritise governance and risk management. High-profile compliance appointments signal to the market, investors and customers that the company is committed to operating responsibly, enhancing its credibility and competitive position.

Moreover, by investing in compliance leadership, The Pools positions itself to better manage regulatory inspections, audits and reporting requirements, reducing potential exposure to fines, sanctions or operational disruptions.

Conclusion

Caroline Newman’s appointment as Director of Regulatory Compliance marks a defining moment in The Pools’ ongoing transformation. With extensive experience across leading gaming operators, she brings both technical expertise and strategic insight to a company balancing heritage and innovation. Her leadership is expected to reinforce The Pools’ compliance culture, enhance player protection and guide the company through an evolving regulatory landscape.

As The Pools continues to expand and modernise, its commitment to responsible growth, governance and operational excellence positions it as a leading example of how traditional brands can successfully navigate contemporary challenges while retaining their legacy and customer loyalty.

FAQs

What is Caroline Newman’s new role at The Pools?
Caroline Newman has been appointed Director of Regulatory Compliance at The Pools.

What experience does Newman bring to The Pools?
She brings over a decade of experience in compliance, having held senior roles at Entain, Midnite, Inspired, Playtech and Odobo.

What will be Newman’s main responsibilities?
Her responsibilities include overseeing regulatory compliance, anti-money laundering controls and player protection frameworks.

How does this appointment fit into The Pools’ strategy?
It is part of a wider restructuring to modernise the company while preserving its heritage and strengthening governance.

Who is the CEO of The Pools?
James Arnold serves as CEO of The Pools.

Which other senior hires have been made recently?
Recent appointments include Joseph Carter-Bell as Director of Customer Success and Operations, Gemma Strath-Billington as Head of Group Marketing, Phillip Donegan as CTO, Chris Williams as Head of Product and Matt Knowles as Head of CRM.

Why is compliance important for The Pools?
Compliance ensures the company meets regulatory obligations, protects players, maintains trust and mitigates risk.

What industry challenges does The Pools face?
The company operates in a highly regulated market with evolving anti-money laundering, responsible gambling and operational standards.

How will Newman influence company culture?
She will embed compliance and player protection into the corporate culture, ensuring these values guide operations and strategic decisions.

What is the long-term vision for The Pools?
The Pools aims to balance innovation with heritage, strengthen governance, enhance customer trust and maintain industry-leading compliance standards.