Jo Ann Barefoot

Jo Ann Barefoot is a prominent figure at the intersection of financial regulation and technology, recognized for her advocacy of regulation innovation. Early in her career, Barefoot was appointed to the staff of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs by Chairman Senator William Proxmire of Wisconsin. She later became the first woman to serve as Deputy Comptroller of the Currency, where she worked to address discriminatory practices and expand access to fair financial services for women and minority groups. In this role, she established the first federal consumer protection oversight function for national banks. Following her public sector service, Barefoot held private-sector roles including partner at KPMG and co-chairman of Treliant Risk Advisors.

Barefoot is the founder and CEO of the global nonprofit Alliance for Innovative Regulation, which focuses on bridging technology and financial regulation. She launched the organization to foster collaboration among leaders from the financial and technology sectors, aiming to help regulators understand emerging technologies that can improve financial health. In addition to leading the Alliance for Innovative Regulation, Barefoot is a senior fellow emerita at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government's Center for Business and Government and has authored a series of papers on regulation innovation. She is also co-founder of Hummingbird Regtech, a company designing anti-financial crime software.

Barefoot has authored several books and nearly 200 articles and is a frequent source for media coverage on fintech, regulatory technology, and financial inclusion. She has testified before Congress and federal officials. Her podcast, "Barefoot Innovation," explores innovation with CEOs, lawmakers, regulators, advocates, and academics. Barefoot serves on the board of Oportun, the fintech advisory committee for FINRA, is a member of the Milken Institute U.S. FinTech Advisory Committee, and chairs the board of directors of FinRegLab. She has previously chaired the board of the Financial Health Network and served on the CFPB's Consumer Advisory Board.

Barefoot has received several honors in the financial services industry, including the Senator William Proxmire Lifetime Achievement Award from the American College of Consumer Financial Services Lawyers, becoming the first non-attorney to receive this recognition. She has been named one of the top-three Most Influential Women in Fintech by American Banker, Woman of the Year by Finovate, included on the Forbes 50 Over 50 list, and inducted into the Fintech Hall of Fame by CB Insights.

Throughout her career, Barefoot has focused on addressing financial inequities and developing solutions to create inclusive financial systems. She is a keynote speaker at industry events worldwide, known for her regulatory expertise, technological insight, and commitment to consumer protection. Her experience spans Capitol Hill, the federal government, global consulting, entrepreneurship, and academia, positioning her as an authoritative voice in financial technology, regulatory innovation, and financial inclusion.