Open to opportunities

Esther Aikomo

@estheraikomo

Message

I am an experienced CDD and compliance analyst reducing regulatory risk.

United Kingdom

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek a regulatory-focused compliance or CDD role where I can apply legal and contract expertise, lead process improvements, and work cross-functionally to reduce risk and strengthen controls.

I am a dynamic compliance professional with over 10 years' experience in Customer Due Diligence, KYC processes and UK regulatory compliance across banking, oil & gas and maritime sectors. I lead end-to-end CDD and onboarding programmes, conduct transaction monitoring and adverse media screening using tools such as Dow Jones, and have delivered measurable risk reduction including a 15% decrease in high-risk clients and a 95% compliance rate on new account onboarding.

I combine corporate law expertise with contract lifecycle management to negotiate and execute high-value agreements—having supported loan restructurings and contracts (including a £114M restructuring and multi-million pound settlements and ROV contracts). I focus on pragmatic process improvement, stakeholder engagement and strengthening control frameworks to boost compliance effectiveness and reduce legal and financial exposure.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

CDD Analyst

Starling Bank

Jan 2023 - Jan 2025 (2 years)

Conducted CDD screening using Dow Jones and transaction monitoring to detect AML/fraud risks, implementing onboarding controls that reduced high-risk clients by 15%. Ensured compliance with HMRC and FCA standards and supported sanctions/PEP screening.

Dow Jones Transaction Monitoring KYC AML Customer Onboarding Risk Assessment

Caseworker (Volunteer)

British Red Cross

Jan 2022 - Jan 2023 (1 year)

Supported refugee services by providing casework assistance and coordinating referrals, contributing to client support and community integration outcomes during 2022–2023.

Casework client support Referrals Communication

Customer Acquisition KYC Analyst

Starling Bank

Jan 2022 - Jan 2023 (1 year)

Analyzed counterparties' financial and compliance histories to define risk profiles and completed KYC/CDD processes, contributing to a 14% drop in legal breaches. Produced MI reports and improved controls, boosting compliance effectiveness by 17%.

KYC Risk Assessment Cross Border Payments Stakeholder Management

Legal Compliance Analyst

Marine Platforms Ltd

Jan 2014 - Jan 2021 (7 years)

Performed risk assessments, audits and regulatory monitoring to identify compliance gaps and implement controls, improving risk resilience by 12% and increasing NSFR by 16%. Delivered training and corrective action plans to enforce corporate governance.

Regulatory Compliance Risk Assessment Audit Corporate Governance Compliance Policy Implementation Liquidity Monitoring Internal Controls

Contract Analyst

Marine Platforms Ltd

Jan 2011 - Jan 2021 (10 years)

Reviewed and negotiated commercial contracts including a £114M loan restructuring and settlement agreements, securing a £1.9M resolution from an initial £78M claim and protecting business interests through robust contract governance.