Esther Aluko

Esther Aluko is a powerhouse in the world of compliance, leadership, and personal development. A highly sought-after keynote speaker and award-winning career coach, Esther brings a unique blend of corporate expertise and personal empowerment to the stage. With over a decade of experience across financial institutions and consultancy firms, she is recognised for her dynamic speaking style and her ability to translate complex regulatory themes into relatable and inspiring narratives. As Business Implementation Lead at Barclays UK, her most significant achievement to date, she currently drives critical initiatives in AML, KYC, and sanctions compliance, cementing her status as a leader in operational change and regulatory strategy.

Esther’s journey began with a strong foundation in banking operations and risk management. Her early roles at Metro Bank and Co-op Bank involved in-depth exposure to AML investigations and KYC risk assessments, where she developed her technical expertise and a keen eye for compliance. With a commitment to continuous professional growth, she later earned credentials including the Master Project Manager (MPM) qualification and the PRINCE2 Foundation Certification, alongside a recent ICA Qualification in 2024. These academic milestones and industry certifications laid the groundwork for her career trajectory and her capacity to mentor and uplift others. Esther’s formative years were defined by her drive to make complex compliance processes more efficient and accessible, which remains a central theme in her speaking today.

Professionally, Esther has built an impressive portfolio of leadership roles. She has held key positions including Regulatory Operations Lead at EML, Onboarding Manager at IBM’s Promontory, and Senior AML Consultant at NIBC Bank. In these roles, she led multinational teams, spearheaded regulatory change initiatives, and managed sanctions and transaction monitoring frameworks with high-level compliance outcomes. Beyond the boardroom, she is the creator of the widely acclaimed empowerment events ‘RESET’ and ‘Intellectual Ladies - Empowerment’, which have inspired countless individuals to overcome personal and professional barriers. Esther is also a published writer on leadership, ethical decision-making, and time management - adding thought leadership to her growing list of achievements.

Audiences hire Esther for her ability to energise, educate and inspire. Her key topics include leadership development, resilience and mindset transformation, career planning, women’s empowerment, and navigating compliance in financial services. These themes are not only timely but vital in today’s evolving workplace, where organisations are seeking both regulatory excellence and human-centred leadership. Esther speaks with a deep authenticity, blending lived experience with practical strategy, and leaves her audience with actionable insights and lasting motivation. Whether for a corporate event, academic panel or leadership summit, Esther Aluko is a compelling choice for any stage.