Valerie Abend has been named the new Chief Executive Officer of FS-ISAC, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity and resilience in the global financial system. Her appointment, effective 3 September 2025, follows a planned succession after the retirement of Steven Silberstein. Abend brings over 30 years of experience in both the private and public sectors, having previously served as Accenture’s Global Financial Services Security Lead.
Abend’s extensive background includes advising senior executives on cyber risk management, developing security strategies, and fostering public-private partnerships. She has also served on various international boards, including the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s Cyber Security Advisory Panel. Her expertise is expected to guide FS-ISAC’s 5,000-plus member financial firms through the complexities of today’s cybersecurity landscape.
Kristopher Fador, Board Chair of FS-ISAC and Chief Information Security Officer at Bank of America, expressed confidence in Abend’s leadership, stating, “We are thrilled to have such a dynamic successor in Valerie, a trusted leader in our community with both the breadth and depth of experience needed to lead FS-ISAC into the future.”
Abend expressed her enthusiasm for the role, saying, “I am deeply honoured for the opportunity to lead FS-ISAC and grateful to Steve for his counsel through this transition. As we look ahead, FS-ISAC is uniquely positioned to advance the financial sector’s security and resilience in the face of growing cyber threats and complex geopolitical and technology change.”
FS-ISAC, founded in 1999, continues to play a crucial role in protecting financial institutions worldwide, representing $100 trillion in assets across 75 countries. With Abend at the helm, the organisation aims to further strengthen its mission amidst evolving global challenges.
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