Samantha Santiago-Paez’s exceptional career in legal compliance and financial services is marked by a series of progressive administrative roles and a steadfast commitment to client-centered service. Since 2024, she has excelled as founder and chief executive officer of Bastt Consulting, LLC, where she manages a firm dedicated to supporting other businesses. In this capacity, she emphasizes careful growth, personally selecting clients and thoroughly vetting team members to ensure a strong fit. Her approach stands out in the niche compliance sector, as she maintains an intimate practice rather than expanding rapidly or adopting an impersonal structure. This philosophy ensures that every client receives direct attention, with Mrs. Santiago-Paez always available to address their needs.
In addition to her stellar work at Bastt Consulting, LLC, Mrs. Santiago-Paez has found success as the chief executive officer and chief compliance officer at GA PCCV BD LLC, formerly known as Neon Money LLC, since 2023. Between 2021 and 2025, she served as the chief compliance officer for Neon Money Club, further honing her expertise in regulatory frameworks governing financial firms. Her tenure at EFG International AG from 2020 to 2021 included dual responsibilities as chief compliance officer for both EFG International AG and EFG Asset Management (EFGAM). During this period, Mrs. Santiago-Paez achieved a milestone by leading the first all-women compliance team at EFG Capital International Corp., where she championed pay equity and secured significant salary increases for her team members. One individual’s heartfelt gratitude expressed at a conference underscored the impact of her advocacy.
From 2019 to 2020, Mrs. Santiago-Paez worked as chief compliance officer at Beta Capital Securities LLC and Creand Securities. She had previously built upon her skill set as an assistant compliance manager at AXA from 2010 to 2011, a senior compliance officer at UBS from 2012 to 2015, a senior associate at KPMG LLP from 2015 to 2016, and both the director and know-your-customer manager team lead at UBS from 2016 to 2019. Mrs. Santiago-Paez began her career on the trading floor as an internal wholesaler with AXA Financial, now known as Equitable Holdings Inc., from 2008 to 2010, where she learned the business from the ground up before transitioning into legal compliance roles.
Over the years, Mrs. Santiago-Paez has demonstrated expertise in legal compliance and regulatory frameworks within the financial industry. She is recognized for her hands-on leadership style and dedication to fostering equitable workplaces. Mrs. Santiago-Paez’s professional affiliations include membership in Phi Alpha Delta, reflecting her ongoing commitment to excellence in law and business.
To support her professional ambitions, Mrs. Santiago-Paez pursued a formal education, initially earning a Bachelor of Arts in political science with a pre-law focus from State University of New York at Stony Brook in Stony Brook in 2004. Completing the London Law Program through The Law School at University of Notre Dame that same year, she subsequently continued her studies in international business, trade and tax law at Università di Trento in Italy in 2006 as well as in entertainment law at Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles in 2007. Mrs. Santiago-Paez ultimately graduated with a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Vermont Law & Graduate School in South Royalton in 2008.
The drive behind Mrs. Santiago-Paez’s success can be traced to her upbringing as an athlete, which instilled a competitive spirit and resilience that have carried into her professional life. Early experiences working on male-dominated sales floors further sharpened her determination and work ethic. She credits much of her motivation to her uncle, who worked at Bear Stearns prior to its acquisition by JPMorgan Chase & Co., inspiring her vision of becoming a powerful figure within the business world. Additionally, Mrs. Santiago-Paez attributes her achievements to her faith, often reflecting on her goals with confidence that guidance will come when needed.
Beyond her primary responsibilities, Mrs. Santiago-Paez is active as a donor to Girl Scouts of Southwest Florida. Her work extends into authorship with the publication “Acting Contracts Within ‘The Business’,” which was published in 2007. In 2025, Mrs. Santiago-Paez was nominated for Most Influential Women by Business Magazine and was highlighted in Victory Magazine that same year.
Looking toward the future, Mrs. Santiago-Paez plans to maintain a close-knit team while establishing an office space outside her home for local client meetings over coffee. Ultimately, she envisions bringing on a managing partner so that her business can operate independently while she focuses on networking. Mrs. Santiago-Paez also aims to continue conducting speaking engagements about business growth and advocating for women’s advancement within the financial sector.