With a steadfast vision and an unyielding drive for innovation, Christine M. Smith has emerged as a dynamic leader in the field of compliance. Her career reflects a balance of technical expertise, entrepreneurial acumen and a passion for advancing ethical standards in the financial services sector. As chief executive officer and founder of Creed: Financial Crimes Compliance Firm, she has positioned her organization at the forefront of addressing complex compliance challenges and guiding clients through the intricacies of financial crime prevention. Under her leadership, Creed has earned recognition from USA News, The Leaders’ Report and other respected outlets, affirming her reputation as a rising figure in consulting and litigation.
Ms. Smith’s academic foundation has been central to her professional achievements. She graduated cum laude with a Master of Science in legal studies, specializing in financial services compliance, from the School of Law at Seton Hall University. This advanced education provided her with a comprehensive understanding of regulatory frameworks and legal principles essential to her work. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts in international criminal justice from John Jay College, equipping her with knowledge of criminal justice systems and global approaches to crime prevention. In addition to her degrees, she holds a Lean Six Sigma white belt certification from the Management & Strategy Institute, demonstrating her dedication to process improvement and operational efficiency.
Before launching her own firm, Ms. Smith built a career marked by increasing responsibility in both compliance and accounting roles. As a senior SOX compliance analyst at Ferrellgas, she ensured adherence to Sarbanes-Oxley Act requirements, strengthened internal controls and contributed to risk management strategies. Her expertise was further refined at MISTRAS Group, Inc., where she managed financial records and participated in audit processes as a staff accountant.
Earlier in her career, Ms. Smith was a staff accountant at MTBC, deepening her skills in financial reporting and analysis. She began her professional journey at GENEWIZ, advancing from accounts receivable clerk to accounts receivable specialist. These formative roles gave her valuable experience in financial operations, client relations and organizational efficiency, skills that would later inform her success as a consultant and executive.
Ms. Smith remains committed to professional engagement through memberships in the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, the National Black Law Student Association and Women in Ethics & Compliance Global. These affiliations keep her connected to industry developments and provide opportunities to contribute to advancing ethical practices.
Ms. Smith’s dedication extends beyond her professional endeavors. Since 2017, she has served as an administrator for the Kimdra Smith-Webster Foundation, reflecting her commitment to civic engagement and community service. She is also an accomplished author of “Mount Up With Wings Like Eagles: A Biblical Guide to Navigating Conflict to Reach Our Destiny” and “Holding a Generation in My Womb,” works that combine spiritual insight with practical strategies for resilience and personal growth.
Ms. Smith credits her faith in God and determination as the driving forces behind her success. Looking to the future, she is focused on expanding Creed’s impact, serving individuals implicated in financial crimes through a combination of spiritual guidance, legal compliance expertise and strategic consulting. She aspires to be remembered for her faith, perseverance and commitment to dismantling systems that enable financial injustice, leaving a legacy of advocacy and excellence in the financial services industry.