# Michael Schlein

> Michael Schlein is President and CEO of Accion, a global nonprofit working to expand responsible financial services for underserved people. A former Citigroup executive and SEC chief of staff, he has led Accion since 2009, supporting inclusive fintech investment, digital transformation, and research. He was appointed chair of Accion Opportunity Fund in August 2025.

- **Role:** President and CEO at Accion
- **Organizations:** Accion, Accion Opportunity Fund, Citigroup (former), U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (former), New York City government (former), New York City Economic Development Corporation (former chair)
- **Nationality:** American
- **Education:** Bachelor’s degree in economics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Master’s degree in political science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, London School of Economics
- **Known for:** Led Accion’s shift toward inclusive fintech investment and digital transformation., Oversaw Accion during the launch of its $152.5 million Digital Transformation Fund in May 2024 and the close of its separate $61.6 million early-stage fintech fund in September 2025., Served as NYCEDC board chair from 2014 to January 2021.

## Career timeline

- **Early career** — Worked at Smith Barney on municipal access to capital markets.
- **1989-1993** — Chief of staff to the New York City Deputy Mayor for Finance and Economic Development.
- **1994-1997** — Chief of staff to SEC Chairman Arthur Levitt.
- **1997** — Returned to Smith Barney; later held senior roles at Citigroup.
- **Before 2009** — President of Citigroup International Franchise Management, managing 100 chief country officers.
- **2007** — Joined Accion’s board.
- **2009** — Became President and CEO of Accion.
- **2014-2021** — Chaired NYCEDC’s board until January 2021.
- **2020** — Joined the board of the organization now known as Accion Opportunity Fund.
- **2025** — Appointed chair of Accion Opportunity Fund’s board on August 18.

## Achievements

- Led Accion’s shift toward inclusive fintech investment and digital transformation.
- Oversaw Accion during the launch of its $152.5 million Digital Transformation Fund in May 2024 and the close of its separate $61.6 million early-stage fintech fund in September 2025.
- Served as NYCEDC board chair from 2014 to January 2021.
- Graduated Phi Beta Kappa from MIT.

## Latest updates

- **2026-04** — Published an essay for Accion’s 65th anniversary, emphasizing responsible services, consumer outcomes, and partnerships. Accion reported an organization-wide historical reach of over 500 million people across 77 countries.
- **2025-11** — Wrote about a 2025 Ethiopia visit and meeting Amazing Style owner Mohammed Side.
- **2025-09** — Accion announced the final close of a $61.6 million early-stage fintech fund and the rebranding of Accion Venture Lab to Accion Ventures.
- **2025-08** — Appointed chair of Accion Opportunity Fund’s board.
- **2025-05** — Discussed inclusive finance and his ambitions for Ethiopia in a Shega interview.

## Links

- Website: https://www.accion.org/people/michael-schlein/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mschlein/

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/michael-schlein
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-09