Driven to Excel: Indian American Executive Naureen Hassan Takes Helm at DriveWealth

Financial technology platform DriveWealth has appointed Naureen Hassan as its new global Chief Executive Officer, marking another milestone in the distinguished career of an Indian American executive whose journey from immigrant roots to Wall Street leadership exemplifies the American dream.

Hassan is a 25-year veteran of the financial services industry with expertise in strategy, digital transformation, cybersecurity and regulatory/risk management. She joins DriveWealth with decades of deep expertise in digital and product innovation, operational excellence and regulatory management across global banking and wealth management, bringing a wealth of experience from some of the most prestigious institutions in finance.

A Heritage Rooted in Kerala

Born to immigrant parents from Kerala, India, Hassan grew up in Pennsylvania, where her family settled as part of the broader Indian diaspora that has contributed significantly to America’s financial services sector. Kerala is the southern Indian state known for producing professionals who have excelled in global finance, technology, and healthcare.

Growing up in south-central Pennsylvania, Hassan’s path would eventually lead her through some of the most elite educational institutions in the country and into the highest echelons of American finance.

Hassan’s academic credentials reflect the emphasis on education that characterizes many Indian American families. She holds an MBA from Stanford University Graduate School of Business and an AB from Princeton University, two institutions that have served as launching pads for countless financial industry leaders.

Hassan started her career at McKinsey & Company, as business analyst and associate principal, the prestigious consulting firm that has been a traditional starting point for many executives who later transition into senior roles in banking and finance.

Her experience spanning traditional banking, Federal Reserve operations, and now fintech positions her uniquely to navigate the evolving landscape of financial services.

Rising Through Financial Services

Hassan’s particular strength is in digital transformation and risk management.

Before joining Morgan Stanley in March 2016, she was an executive vice president of investor services, segments and platforms, at Charles Schwab Corporation. Prior to joining New York Fed, Hassan served as the chief digital officer of wealth management at Morgan Stanley.

At Morgan Stanley, Hassan played a crucial role in the firm’s digital transformation efforts, overseeing technology initiatives that modernized wealth management services during a period of rapid industry evolution.

One of Hassan’s most significant roles came when she became First Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the New York Federal Reserve, making her one of the highest-ranking Indian American executives in the Federal Reserve System.

She joined UBS from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, where she was COO and First Vice President, the second ranking officer at one of the most influential regional Fed banks. This position placed her at the center of monetary policy implementation and financial system oversight during a critical period that included the COVID-19 pandemic’s economic impact.

Hassan’s next major role came when she served as the president of UBS Americas, where she led a $14 billion revenue division with more than 25,000 employees. This appointment made her one of the most senior Indian American executives at a major global investment bank.

At UBS, she spearheaded UBS’s integration efforts and oversaw significant operations across the Americas region. Hassan retired as president of UBS Americas last July, but her retirement proved short-lived as DriveWealth’s opportunity emerged.

DriveWealth Appointment

Hassan succeeds Michael Blaugrund, who is stepping down as CEO to accept a newly created position at ICE (Intercontinental Exchange). Hassan will officially assume her new role in October, taking over leadership of the brokerage-as-a-service provider at a time of rapid growth in financial technology.

Hassan’s expertise has been recognized across the financial services industry. She currently serves as an Industry Governor (Floor Member) at FINRA and has been a Governor since 2024. Her board service extends beyond regulatory roles, as she serves as Board Member for Partnership for New York City, American Swiss Foundation Board, and Ownership Works.

Hassan’s appointment as CEO of DriveWealth represents another example of Indian American professionals reaching the highest levels of American business leadership. Her career path—from the children of Kerala immigrants to CEO of a major fintech company—reflects broader trends of Indian American success in finance and technology.

The timing is particularly significant as the financial services industry undergoes rapid digital transformation, areas where Hassan has demonstrated particular expertise throughout her career. Her experience spanning traditional banking, Federal Reserve operations, and now fintech positions her uniquely to navigate the evolving landscape of financial services.

The story was aggregated by AI from several news reports and edited by American Kahani’s News Desk.