The Aspen Institute Finance Leaders Fellowship (FLF) is a global community of values-based finance leaders — ignited through rigorous self-reflection and bold action — harnessing the catalytic power of finance to build the Good Society.

Selected for their singular leadership and capacity to drive change, FLF Fellows embark on a transformative journey of courageous conversation and deep self-reflection, grounded in the Aspen Institute’s 75-year tradition of text-based dialogue. During four week-long seminars along the initial two-year phase of their FLF journey, Fellows connect across geographies, ideologies, and lived experiences to examine the values that guide them and the power they hold to shape a better world. Since its founding in 2016, FLF has launched eight cohorts and inspired 172 Fellows across 25 countries to use finance as a force for good.

Each year, the program selects a class of approximately 23 Fellows through a highly competitive nominations process. The most compelling nominations come from nominators who can speak to both the nominee’s demonstrated leadership in finance and their alignment with the distinct qualities the Finance Leaders Fellowship seeks to cultivate. The criteria for identifying impactful FLF Fellows include:

• Demonstrated Leadership: An accomplished and recognized senior leader within—or adjacent to—the global finance industry. The nominee holds a prominent position and a proven track record of driving meaningful, difficult change across their spheres of influence in the industry and society.

• Inflection Point: At a personal or professional inflection point—a moment of readiness for open-hearted transformation. The nominee is prepared to pause, reflect on their values and leadership, reconsider what impact and success mean to them, and shift their focus from individual advancement toward creating impact through finance.

• Fellowship Engagement: A willingness to engage deeply, reflect open-heartedly, and build authentic, accountable relationships with Fellow peers. The nominee demonstrates the capacity to be a caring, vulnerable, and constructive presence—both during the two-year seminar phase and as an active member of the Fellowship community thereafter.

• Courageous Action: Ready to confront the societal challenges they are uniquely positioned to influence through their role, background, and network in finance. The nominee seeks to use their platform and partnerships to catalyze meaningful change—driving their organization and broader industry in building the Good Society.

• Age: Typically between 35-50 years old. 

Nomination Process: You can save your progress and return to the form at any time by checking the box at the top of the page. Once submitted, both you and your nominee will receive automated confirmation emails. The nominee will then be prompted to complete a brief Candidate Confirmation Form to finalize their nomination for the 2025 Class 8 process.

As you complete the questions below, please focus on the unique aspects of the Fellowship described above and include specific examples to illustrate your responses. If you or your nominee have any questions about the form or the process, please Kimi Phillips-Lohrmann (kimi.pl@aspeninstitute.org) or Clarke Fox (clarke.fox@aspeninstitute.org). 

With deep gratitude for the time and care you bring to championing your nominee for the Finance Leaders Fellowship.