Esther Aluko

Esther Aluko is an award-winning keynote speaker, Diversity & Inclusion advocate, and executive coach with a rich background in regulatory operations and strategic leadership. With over a decade of experience in financial services, Esther has become a powerful voice for inclusive leadership, ethical governance, and empowerment. Drawing on her academic grounding in Intercultural Management, Project Management, and Anti-Money Laundering compliance, she bridges the gap between operational excellence and social impact, delivering talks that resonate with both corporate and community audiences.

Esther began her career in compliance and risk management, working across major financial institutions such as ING, ABN AMRO, and Co-op Bank. Over time, she held progressively senior roles, including Quality Assurance Manager, KYC Manager, and Regulatory Operations Lead, where she led diverse teams in implementing AML/KYC controls, sanctions screening, and remediation projects. Today, Esther serves as Business Implementation Lead at Barclays UK, where she leads strategic risk-reduction initiatives, organisational change management, and compliance innovation across departments. She has directly influenced how institutions approach financial crime risk, not only by optimising controls but by fostering inclusive cultures that value transparency, collaboration, and representation at all levels.

Alongside her corporate achievements, Esther has built a parallel career as a respected executive coach and international speaker. She has addressed audiences at the Manchester Metropolitan University’s Networking Event for Students of Colour, Greater Manchester’s Black Tech Expo, and other empowerment platforms across the UK, Ireland, Belgium, and West Africa. Her ability to connect with diverse audiences is enhanced by her lived experience and her unwavering commitment to representation. Esther is the founder of the ‘RESET’ and ‘Intellectual Ladies – Empowerment’ events, which focus on unlocking potential, supporting women and mothers in leadership, and promoting resilience in underrepresented communities.

Esther’s speaking style is engaging, grounded, and solution oriented. She combines technical expertise with powerful storytelling, often drawing on real-world case studies from her work in global financial institutions. Her insights on risk, leadership, equity, and change inspire audiences to think differently and act with purpose. Through her work, Esther continues to challenge norms, champion diversity, and empower organisations to build cultures where all individuals – regardless of background – can thrive and lead.