Under Kirsten’s leadership, the IIA plays an active role in helping shape public policy and perceptions around market issues. She is a vocal advocate for the efficiency and cost savings of fintech technology in democratizing the capital markets, particularly as it relates to retail investors and those saving for retirement or other life milestones through public pension plans, 401(K) plans, 529 college savings accounts and others.
Before joining the IIA in 2025, she served as CEO of Modern Markets Initiative, educating the public on the benefits of automated trading and fintech technology as it relates to investors. Prior to that, she served as Director of Government Relations for the International Securities Exchange where she created bipartisan outreach and advocacy strategy on financial services and tax matters impacting exchanges and retail investors. She was also a Senior Associate at Squire Patton Boggs LLP, providing strategic counsel to technology startups, stock exchanges, Industry trade organizations, and brokerages on financial services, tax, and technology matters.
Kirsten holds a J.D. degree from Georgetown University Law Center and a B.A. degree from Columbia University.
