Elizabeth Martine

Senior Risk & Controls Leader | Helping leaders navigate complexity, step into bigger roles, and lead with confidence

I’m a senior leader in financial services with over 15 years’ experience working across banking and investment management, partnering closely with executive teams and boards on risk, governance, controls and organisational change.

In my current role as Controls Design & Oversight Director at Close Brothers, I’m building a bank-wide Controls Centre of Excellence and shaping how the organisation approaches control effectiveness, assurance and governance.

My work spans technology and change controls, data governance, and enterprise-wide frameworks - often in complex, ambiguous environments where expectations aren’t always clear.

Alongside this, I’ve spent much of my career mentoring and developing others - particularly those stepping into more senior roles or navigating periods of transition. I’m passionate about helping people think clearly, build confidence, and operate effectively in environments where there isn’t a clear playbook.
I also chair the Gender Balance Network at Close Brothers, where I focus on breaking down barriers and supporting progression for women across the organisation.

What I Help With
I support mentees who are navigating stretch, transition or complexity, including:

• Stepping into a bigger or more senior role
• Building confidence and credibility at executive level
• Navigating organisational politics and ambiguity
• Leading in regulated or high-pressure environments
• Moving from technical expert to strategic leader
• Returning to work after time away (including maternity leave)
• Thinking through career direction and next moves

My Approach
My mentoring style is thoughtful, practical and quietly challenging.

• I won’t give you a script - because in most senior roles, there isn’t one. Instead, I’ll help you:

• Step back and see the bigger system you’re operating in

• Clarify what really matters (and what doesn’t)

• Challenge assumptions and unhelpful patterns

• Build confidence in your own judgement

• Turn insight into practical, workable action
  I bring a mix of real-world experience, structured thinking, and curiosity, and I create space for honest conversations - including the things that aren’t always said out loud in the workplace.

Who I Work Best With
I tend to work best with:

• Senior managers and emerging leaders
• Individuals stepping into executive or ExCo-1 roles
• High performers who feel stretched, stuck or uncertain
• Women navigating key career transitions
• People working in complex, regulated or fast-changing environments

Background & Credentials

• Controls Design & Oversight Director, Close Brothers
• 15+ years in financial services (banking, wealth, investment management)
• Experience across credit risk, operational risk, enterprise risk and governance
• Chair, Gender Balance Network
• ILM Level 7 Executive Coaching & Mentoring (in progress)