The American Fintech Council (AFC) elects Phil Goldfeder as Executive Director

The American Fintech Council (AFC), the leading trade association representing responsible fintech companies that create critical access to safe and affordable financial services, has announced that it has selected financial services and technology leader, proven government strategist and public servant Phil Goldfeder as its CEO. CEO (CEO). Goldfeder has over two decades of private and public sector experience and will be instrumental in steering AFC’s mission to promote responsible innovation and inclusion within financial technology services. He begins his new role in March.

“Fintech is paving the way for the future of financial services and the US Fintech Council sets the standard to distinguish the responsible companies and industry experts focused on consumer protection, transparency, compliance and regulatory modernization,” said Phil Goldfeder. “My entire career has been dedicated to public service, and this new role will allow me to work alongside diverse and innovative companies that empower consumers by creating critical access to financial services.”

Most recently, Goldfeder served as Senior Vice President of Global Public Affairs at Cross River, a financial institution and technology infrastructure provider offering embedded financial solutions. He has been a leader in shaping the new financial services landscape since early 2015, guided by his career in public service, the ability to effect positive change and develop deep relationships with diverse leaders across all levels of government. He previously served as an elected member of the New York State Assembly representing various neighborhoods in Queens, NY, and before that served as a senior advisor to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

“We are delighted that Phil will lead us in the next phase of our journey to demonstrate that responsible fintech is leading the financial industry in providing consumers with the innovative, fair and accessible financial products they need. Phil has a strong vision for the future of AFC which, together with his experience as a public servant and in financial services, make him an influential, collaborative and thoughtful leader.We are proud to have him as our next CEO. said Martha O’Malley, Prosper assistant general counsel and AFC board member.

“Phil’s dedication to building a more inclusive financial system makes him the ideal choice to lead AFC’s next stage of growth,” said New York State Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D,WF-Queens), Chair of the Committee on Consumer Affairs and Protection. “I have had the opportunity to work with Phil both as a colleague in the NYS Legislature and in his previous role promoting responsible innovation and consumer protection, and look forward to our continued work as he implements positive change for the industry.”

AFC and its members deliver for clients by leading and advocating for the next generation of companies at the intersection of technology and financial services. It promotes innovative, transparent and responsible products that promote competition, consumer protection and economic health, inclusion and fairness. AFC is committed to robust industry standards, with a focus on consumer protection and regulatory compliance, as well as advocating for and embracing appropriate government regulation.

“The fintech industry needs an influential voice to advocate for the critical financial services companies like Cross River provide,” said Gilles Gade, founder, CEO and chairman of Cross River. “Phil is a stalwart of responsible innovation and regulatory transformation and the perfect choice to lead AFC. He will remain a pillar of the Cross River family and we wish him continued success in this next role.”

As AFC’s Executive Director, Goldfeder will play a key role in the continued formation and maturation of the Council, and he will guide its continued engagement with government leaders, industry stakeholders, regulators, non-profit organizations and community advocates.

“Known for his many years of public service and for his passionate advocacy, Phil is the perfect person for the job,” said Professor Cornelius Hurley, assistant professor at Boston University and chairman of the AFC Community Advisory Board. “His widely respected voice and dynamic presence make AFC a key player in these challenging times and we will benefit from the respect he commands at all levels of government and industry.”