Elizabeth Travis

A recognised financial crime compliance expert with 30+ years in financial services, specialising in multi-jurisdictional reviews, regulatory collaboration, and financial crime framework enhancement. A trusted advisor on risk management, sanctions compliance, and independent assurance for financial institutions, regulators, and industry bodies. A Fellow of the International Compliance Association, driving compliance excellence.

What makes you a Risky Woman?

I’ve repeatedly stepped out of my comfort zone—first by retraining as a self-employed graphic designer, then by co-founding a financial crime consultancy with my husband. Along the way, I’ve gained the confidence to call myself an expert. Still ambitious, always learning, and now looking ahead to my next move as a NED.

Name your top 3 achievements

1. Running a successful business for 18 years. I have built and managed a company without needing any extra funding or loans, ensuring long-term stability and growth.
2. Gaining a new qualification during lock-down: I earned a Prof.PgDip in Financial Crime Compliance whilst also working full-time as a sanctions advisory SME, proving my commitment to learning and development under pressure.
3. Breaking into IT audit in the 1990’s. I started working in IT audit when it was a male-dominated field, overcoming bias and proving that women can succeed in technology.

What is the biggest risk you’ve taken in your career?

My biggest risk was co-founding OpusDatum with my husband, leaving successful Big 4 careers to pursue entrepreneurship with no financial backing. With a mortgage, small children, and little to no savings, we stepped into the unknown, relying on resilience, expertise, and vision to build a business from the ground up.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

I love Georgian history and architecture and now recreate 18th-century costumes by hand for my husband and I to wear at Georgian and Regency events.

What is the best quality for successful leaders in Risk?

For me, the most important quality in a risk leader is making good decisions, even when when things are uncertain. Throughout my career, I’ve had to make tough calls without having all the answers. I’ve stayed true to my values, challenged outdated thinking, and pushed for meaningful change.

I believe trust and confidence in the financial sector come from asking tough questions and refusing to accept complacency. Solving complex problems requires collaboration, and I value working closely with our clients to find the best solutions.

Integrity is at the core of everything I do and is even incorporated into our company values. I believe in being honest, transparent, and accountable. I also embrace innovation, always looking ahead and finding solutions where others see obstacles. Success in risk isn’t about playing it safe. It’s about having the courage to do what’s right, even when it’s difficult.