Maria Long, Partner and Head of ODD, spearheads ORC’s ODD services and delivers specialized advisory support to Sovereign Wealth Funds, Central Banks, Custodians, GPs, Pension Funds and Family Offices in navigating operational risks linked to investments. With a robust background in investment operations, regulatory compliance, due diligence and advisory spanning over 20 years, Maria brings a seasoned and comprehensive approach to client advice.

Before joining ORC, Maria held roles at both the Standards Board for Alternative Investments (SBAI) and Man Group.

Maria's expertise includes implementing resilient investment programs, fund manager selection and the application of global best practice standards. She is also recognized as an ESG, investment governance and digital assets due diligence specialist.

Prior to her role as Research and Content Director at SBAI, where Maria lobbied global regulators on emerging regulation and was responsible for authoring a number of industry white papers, Maria has held senior positions with Man FRM, as both Head of Middle Office Accounting and as an Operational Due Diligence specialist. Other roles include Accounting Operations Manager at Northern Trust, as well as investment operations positions with Unigestion and Thames River Capital hedge funds, where she was responsible for trade execution, valuations and client reporting.

As a member of the SBAI's Working Groups on Digital Assets and Responsible Investment, Maria actively engages in shaping industry standards. Her academic background includes a first-class Bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences (Astronomy and Cosmology). Maria is a frequent panellist and speaker at financial services forums, showcasing her thought leadership.