At Morgan Stanley I lead efforts to defend our technology stack; from the physical and network layers to applications, devices, and client-facing digital offerings. With nearly 600 branches, 17,000 advisors, and seven million clients, protecting this infrastructure is no small task, especially as wealth management becomes increasingly internet-facing.
Before joining the financial sector, I spent my career at the NSA, where I rose to lead counterterrorism operations and later cyber-exploitation missions. I ran global operations to track terrorist threats and executed cyber campaigns to defend US and allied interests. I also served at the US Embassy in London, UK, helping the UK prepare for the 2012 Summer Olympics.
My transition to finance was driven by purpose. After witnessing cyberattacks like the 2012 Iranian-led assault on NASDAQ, I knew I wanted to help protect this critical infrastructure. Morgan Stanley stood out for its conviction. Leadership here does not see cybersecurity as someone else’s problem and there is a firm-wide commitment to proactive defense and resilience.
Today, I bring an adversary’s lens to the firm’s digital ecosystem. As more clients expect 24/7 access via mobile and online platforms, our cyber risk increases, but so does our resolve. My job is to stay ahead of that curve, protecting both the firm and the millions who entrust us with their financial futures.