Alex Wood – Cybersecurity, Cybercrime , AI and Counter Fraud
Topical keynote Speakers & Experts - Digital Technology & Future Trends
Alex Wood is one of the most highly sought-after speakers in global finance. However, he was also responsible for some of the most high-profile and high-harm frauds in modern criminal history.
His early career was in the music industry.
Aged just 13 he began to tour the world as a violin virtuoso and performed under the greatest conductors of the modern era.
He was awarded prestigious scholarships to attend the Purcell School, the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music, won an array of major prizes and regularly performed for the Royal family.
Aged 24 his career was abruptly halted by the onset of Repetitive Strain Injury in his right hand and faced with mounting debts and no source of income, his criminal career began.
His life spiralled out of control, culminating in several years spent in prison for a number of dishonesty offences – everything from impersonating the 13th Duke of Marlborough to committing multi-million pound cyber-crime.
Since his release from prison in early 2022 Alex has turned his life around and become a globally celebrated motivational speaker.
Alex made his speaking debut in February 2023 (where he delivered a Keynote Speech at Counter Fraud 2023, organised by the Cabinet Office, the Public Sector Fraud Authority and GovNet) and has since delivered over a hundred speeches across the UK and throughout Europe, Asia and Latin America.
Alex is a resident member of the BBC ‘Scam Secrets’ team and is a regular expert guest on mainstream television (including ITV’s ‘This Morning’ and TalkTV).
His written work has been featured in the Sunday Times, The Sun and the Daily Mail.
Alex consults for the world’s largest financial institutions (including Tier 1 banks, insurance providers, law firms and risk experts) so as to enable a deep understanding of the ‘Fraud Mindset’ as well as sophisticated ‘Social Engineering’ techniques and the threat of emerging technology (such as AI and Quantum Computing).
Alex regularly speaks for and advises a number of Government departments including the Home Office, the NHS, the FCA and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Alex sits on the Board of Advisors of FFAC C.I.C. which works with banks, lawyers, law enforcement and Government to educate children about the risks of involvement in mule activity.
While in prison, Alex was signed by the world-leading literary agent Andrew Lownie.
Alex is exclusively represented across all global territories by Matthew Fisher at SCAMP Speakers and in 2025 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts
Alex Wood is a compelling cybercrime and counter fraud speaker whose topics draw from his extraordinary personal journey-from violin prodigy to convicted fraudster, and now a leading voice in fraud prevention.
His talks are especially impactful because they offer a rare insider’s perspective on the criminal mindset and the mechanics of fraud.
Here are some of the key topics Alex Wood covers in his speaking engagements:
Cybercrime & Fraud Prevention Topics
Inside the Mind of a Criminal
A deep dive into the psychology and motivations behind fraud, offering insights into how criminals think and operate.
Social Engineering Techniques
Explains how fraudsters manipulate individuals and systems, with real-world examples of scams and deception.
Underworld Banking & Financial Crime
Reveals how illicit financial networks operate and how businesses can protect themselves.
Combatting Fraud in the Age of Generative AI
Discusses emerging threats posed by AI technologies and how they can be exploited for fraud.
Mule Activity & Youth Education
Focuses on educating young people about the dangers of being recruited as money mules and the long-term consequences.
Redemption & Resilience
Shares his personal journey from criminal conviction to becoming a respected fraud prevention advocate, inspiring audiences with a message of transformation.
Strategic Anti-Fraud Defense for Businesses
Offers practical tools and strategies for organizations to build robust defenses against fraud.
Audiences & Engagements
Alex has spoken at:
- Counter Fraud 2023 (Cabinet Office, GovNet, Public Sector Fraud Authority)
- National Investigations Conference (NICONF23)
- LA Financial Investigators Forum
- London Boroughs’ Fraud Investigators’ Group (LBFIG)
Consulted with Tier 1 banks, law firms, insurance providers, and risk experts like Experian PLC