About us
Founded in 2019, Beacon Consulting and Advisory, LLC provides audit, risk, and compliance advisory services exclusively to financial institutions and fintech program managers operating in the payments ecosystem. Beacon prides itself in delivering deep, payments-specific expertise rather than one-size-fits-all advisory, audit and compliance services.
We have a focused specialization in BSA/AML/OFAC, risk operations, governance oversight, digital payments, remittance transfers, prepaid cards, debit cards, credit cards, cryptocurrency and virtual wallet risks. Beacon also retains a deep knowledge of merchant acquiring with a firm understanding of acquirer bank, ISO and merchant related network risks. This includes VAMP and VARS network guidance as related to the payments industry earning Beacon the status of a VISA approved vendor to perform compliance reviews on behalf of VISA.
Beacon brings a hands-on, value-added approach to every engagement, translating complex regulatory expectations into practical, defensible risk management strategies that protect institutions, strengthen third-party relationships, and stand up to regulatory scrutiny.
ABOUT OUR FOUNDER
Christopher Burns
Chris is an experienced internal audit and risk management professional with over 25 years of a demonstrated history working in the financial institution, digital payments, risk and audit industries earning the trusted respect of both clients and regulators over this time. Chris began his career in banking operations, then briefly as an educator and finally migrating to the audit sector advancing to the director level after twelve years of service with one firm. Progressing in the management aspect of his career, he has built out audit frameworks from the ground up, coached and mentored colleagues, led training courses and managed various audit teams to meet client needs which has provided him the tools to found Beacon Consulting and Advisory LLC in 2019. Mr. Burns holds a Bachelor of Finance from Rutgers University School of Business, a NJ Teaching Certificate for Business Education and Technology and is a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors.
Phone: (732) 877-7080