Risk analyst — Hannah Karlsen

With a background in international relations and international affairs, Hannah built her career from freelance consulting to senior analyst and director-level roles, leading complex risk and intelligence projects across multiple sectors

What degree did you study and where?

For my Bachelors degree, I studied International Relations and Languages at the University of Greenwich and graduated with first class honours. I then studied the MA International Affairs at King's College London with a focus on espionage and surveillance.

I also hold certifications in:

• artificial intelligence (AI)
• anti-money laundering
• Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance
• intelligence analysis
• open-source intelligence.

How did you get your job?

I built my experience step by step. While at university I applied research skills in projects that involved:

• policy
• politics
• security.

I also trained in intelligence and risk analysis through certifications.

I gained early work experience in consulting, where I ran small investigations and presented findings to managers. This showed I could work under pressure and explain results clearly.

Networking was also important. I spoke with professionals on LinkedIn and at events, which helped me learn what employers look for and opened opportunities.

At SquareFacts, I started as a freelance analyst focused on research. Over time I took on larger due diligence projects and now lead full investigations for international clients, preparing reports that influence investment and compliance decisions.

Balancing employment with freelancing has given me insight into risk management across industries.

What's a typical working day like?

My day begins with planning. I review project notes and decide which risks to focus on.

For SquareFacts I run due diligence checks for clients, and search:

• company filings
• databases
• litigation records
• news
• online sources.

For NH Data Services I oversee security and compliance frameworks, including background checks and crisis planning. I check:

• who owns a company
• whether they are linked to sanctions or lawsuits
• if they pose financial or reputational risks.

Then I write reports that explain findings in plain language with recommendations.

Next, I brief senior managers and board members on risk assessments. I also guide junior analysts, check their work, and provide training throughout.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy the investigative work - it feels rewarding to connect small pieces of information and see the bigger picture. I also like that my reports have a direct impact - for example, they help avoid risky deals or partnerships.

I also value working on international projects across different sectors like:

• construction
• finance
• technology.

What are the challenges?

• There is too much information and the hard part is knowing what is reliable and what is not.
• Different countries have different laws and rules, which makes checks complex.
• Clients often want quick answers, and my job is to explain risks clearly without oversimplifying them.

On top of all that, balancing freelance consulting with a director role requires a lot of discipline and focus.

How is your degree relevant?

My studies gave me a strong foundation, as my international relations degree helped me understand politics and culture, which shape risks. My MA in international affairs also taught me structured methods for analysing information and considering ethical limits.

Speaking multiple languages fluently and having formal languages training allows me to use sources from multiple countries.

What are your career ambitions?

My long-term goal is to lead a team that integrates risk analysis, intelligence, and compliance across industries. I want to build systems that combine advanced technology with practical, ethical decision making.

What advice can you give to others wanting to get into this job?

• Build strong research skills - practice with public databases and tools to understand how information is gathered.
• Learn to write clear summaries - decision makers want reports that highlight risks without jargon.
• Pick a focus area such as finance, energy, or a specific region - special knowledge makes you more valuable.
• Stay up to date on legal and ethical rules - employers trust analysts who work responsibly.

Find out more

• Explore the salary and responsibilities of a political risk analyst.
• Discover what you can do with an international relations degree.
• See what the business, consulting and management sector has to offer.