CEO, Modern Markets Initiative

Kirsten Wegner is the Chief Executive Officer of Modern Markets Initiative (“MMI”), the education and advocacy organization for technological innovation in creating the world’s best markets for investors.  Under Kirsten’s leadership, MMI has played 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 automated trading, 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 ABLE savings plan for individuals with disabilities.  In her role at MMI, Kirsten has appeared before the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, the American Bar Association Derivatives & Futures Law Committee, the National Conference on Public Employees Retirement Systems, the Princeton University Quant & Fintech Conference, New York University’s College & Career Lab, and other prestigious venues.

She is often sought out for her timely views and insights on public policy and markets issues and has published more than a half dozen op-ed pieces in leading media outlets. She is frequently quoted in such major media outlets as the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg News, Politico and Business Insider.

Before to joining MMI in 2016, she served as Director, 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. Previously, she was 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.