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Social Responsibility
At Essend Group, we believe that true leadership isn’t just measured by profit margins—it’s reflected in how we care for people. That’s why social responsibility, especially in the area of mental health, is at the core of our mission.
Essend is actively engaging in projects and partnerships that support mental health across industries. As part of our commitment, we’re proud to collaborate with Maxine Brown—a licensed CPA, mental health advocate, and dynamic public speaker—who brings both professional expertise and lived experience to this vital work. Together, we are developing tools, trainings, and strategic initiatives designed to help organizations foster mentally healthy, stigma-free, and resilient workplaces.
Whether it’s through awareness campaigns, resource development, or speaking engagements, we aim to be a catalyst for lasting change—helping companies prioritize employee wellness while achieving their broader business goals.
Because at Essend, we know that healthy people build thriving companies
CPA, Mental Health Advocate, Public Speaker
Experience You Can Trust
1
Fractional Leadership Services
TRUSTED FRACTIONAL CHIEF AUDIT, RISK & COMPLIANCE LEADERSHIP - WITHOUT THE OVERHEAD
On-demand fractional Chief Audit Executive (CAE), Chief Risk Officer (CRO), and Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) services for organizations seeking senior-level governance without hiring full-time. Our seasoned professionals with step in as embedded leaders to drive strategic oversight, risk mitigation and audit readiness. We help you deliver clear and effective board communications. We ensure your reporting tells the right story (strategically and succinctly).
2
Internal Audit & Assurance Services
STRENGTHEN INTERNAL CONTROLS AND PROTECT ENTREPRISE VALUE
Our risk-based internal audit and assurance services help organizations evaluate, design and enhance control frameworks across all business functions. Whether you're a regulated entity or a fast-scaling enterprise, we bring proven independent assurance and actionable insights that will align with your objectives.
4
Regulatory Compliance Services
STAYING AHEAD OF CHANGING REGULATIONS WITH TAILORED COMPLIANCE PROGRAMS.
We support organizations in navigating complex regulatory landscapes with clarity and precision. We conduct compliance reviews, regulatory gap assessments, design control frameworks and implement monitoring tools aligned with global and local standards. From AML to data privacy, we help you close compliance gaps before they become liabilities.
5
AI Awareness and Readiness Guidance
EMPOWERING AND EMBRACING THE FUTURE OF AI
Helping businesses and governments understand the fundamentals of AI and uncover opportunities to enhance their operations and processes. We provide tailored workshops, readiness assessments and strategic guidance sessions to ensure your organization is equipped to integrate AI solutions effectively, driving innovation and operational excellence.
WHO WE ARE
Essend Group LLC is a boutique audit, risk and compliance consultancy led by practitioners with a combined 65+ years' experience from leading banks, insurers, educational institutions and health care organizations. We believe in driving innovation responsibly. Our mission is to help organizations build trust, navigate complexity and uphold humanity in every audit, risk and compliance decision. We empower clients with insightful and ethical solutions that drive lasting impact in evolving markets and environments.
We don't follow playbooks - we build frameworks tailored to your business. And we don't treat you like a transaction, we become your trusted partner in governance and value creation.
Our team stands out at the intersection of deep industry expertise and forward-thinking strategy. We are a collective of elite audit, risk and compliance professionals known for tackling high-stakes challenges with integrity, agility and vision. With global experiences across financial services, regulatory frameworks and corporate governance.
Dr. Michael Williams
CEO and Founder
Dr. Willliams has a Ph.D in Public Administration with over 30 years of experience in business development and operational effectiveness. Dr. Williams has provided job opportunities for over 20,000 residents in the Tri-State area. Dr. Williams has helped organizations develop business concepts, conflict resolution methods and new marketing strategies to build partnerships in both the public and private section.
Maxine Brown
Chief Audit & Risk Executive
Maxine is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with over 15+ years audit experience in the Banking and Insurance industries. Maxine's work experience includes PwC, Bank of America and AIG. As the Head of Internal Audit, Maxine has led cross-jurisdictional audit teams demonstrating proficiency and expertise in internal controls, risk management and governance processes. Maxine is also a passionate advocate for mental health, governance innovation and ethical leadership across borders.
Adesh Balgobin
Assurance and Advisory Manager
Adesh is a seasoned Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) with over 15 years of specialized experience in the insurance industry and a decade of expertise in internal audit and forensic investigations. Based in Trinidad, he brings a deep understanding of the Caribbean regulatory and commercial landscape, making him a vital force in navigating complex compliance environments. Adesh has led high-stakes audits, uncovered multi-layered fraud schemes, and advised senior leadership on risk mitigation strategies that drive both accountability and resilience.
Scott Brown
Vision & Innovation Advisor
Scott is a strategic visionary and innovation catalyst with a strong focus on the intersection of emerging technologies and real-world transformation. With over eight years of experience in banking and trust services, Scott combines operational insight with a forward-thinking mindset, constantly exploring how AI and digital solutions can reshape the future of audit, compliance, and governance. Known for his bold ideas, analytical depth, and passion for solving complex problems, Scott plays a pivotal role in guiding strategic direction for Essend and its clients.
At Essend Group LLC, we believe in driving innovation responsibly. Our mission is to help organizations build trust, navigate complexity and uphold humanity in every audit, risk and compliance decision. We empower clients with insightful and ethical solutions that drive lasting impact in evolving markets and environments.
Join Our Team - Build the future of Audit, Risk & Compliance
We're looking for innovative and driven professionals to join our mission of shaping compliance and governance. Be part of the team that's leading the way in responsible AI.
