With a distinguished career spanning over a decade in financial services, Esther Aluko is a seasoned leader and motivational speaker whose impact resonates far beyond regulatory compliance. From managing anti-money laundering operations to delivering large-scale transformation projects, Esther’s journey is defined by a rare blend of operational precision, strategic thinking, and the ability to inspire and elevate those around her. Having held senior leadership roles across global institutions such as Barclays, IBM Consulting, ING, and ABN AMRO, Esther has built and led teams of up to 65 individuals across the UK, Europe, and North America. Her expertise lies in high-stakes environments, where she has consistently driven excellence in KYC, AML, Transaction Monitoring, and Sanctions compliance, ensuring alignment with evolving regulatory standards.
What sets Esther apart is her unique capacity to turn complexity into clarity - whether leading multi-jurisdictional risk reduction programmes or supporting corporate boards through regulatory audits. At Barclays, she currently serves as Business Implementation Lead, spearheading cross-functional projects that shape the bank’s risk and compliance landscape. Prior to this, she worked as Regulatory Operations Lead at EML, managing Sanctions Screening and supporting the implementation of a comprehensive Financial Crime Risk Framework. Throughout her career, Esther has demonstrated a consistent ability to lead teams through change, resolve high-impact compliance issues, and introduce forward-thinking controls that streamline operations and improve audit readiness.
Esther is not only an operational leader - she is also a powerful communicator and trusted career mentor. As a Career & Personal Development Coach, she has delivered motivational talks across the UK, Belgium, Ireland, and West Africa. Her mission is to help individuals unlock personal effectiveness, navigate career transitions, and develop the mindset necessary to succeed in high-pressure environments. Esther’s speaking style is engaging, pragmatic, and grounded in real-world leadership experience. Her workshops and talks are built on values of resilience, purpose, and ownership - giving audiences tools they can immediately apply.
Esther’s story is one of transformation, grit, and purposeful leadership. From reviewing suspicious activity reports for global banks to training teams in best practices for regulatory compliance, she has built a legacy of excellence. Her voice is a call to action, for professionals seeking direction, for organisations managing complex change, and for future leaders striving to grow. Through every keynote, coaching session or panel, Esther empowers others to see challenges not as roadblocks but as gateways to growth.
