Aspen is a place for leaders to lift their sights above the possessions which possess them. To confront their own nature as human beings, to regain control over their own humanity by becoming more self-aware, more self-correcting, and hence more self-fulfilling.
The Fellowship has opened nominations for its 2026 cohort—FLF Class 9. Those wishing to be nominated or to nominate a candidate should complete the 2026 Nomination Form by Sunday, January 11, 2026. Click here for more information.
The Aspen Institute Finance Leaders Fellowship (FLF) is a global community of values-based finance leaders—ignited to bold action through rigorous self-reflection—harnessing the catalytic power of finance to build the Good Society.
Since its founding in 2016 by Aspen Institute Henry Crown Fellow, Ranji Nagaswami, and Aspen Institute Trustee, Chris Varelas, FLF has launched eight classes of Fellows and inspired 172 Fellows across 25 countries to use finance as a force for societal good.
Working across the foremost financial markets and institutions worldwide, and representing a dynamic cross section of industry sectors, FLF Fellows are key decision-makers managing vital gears within the intricate machinery of global finance. Selected for their singular leadership and capacity to drive meaningful change, 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. Over four week-long seminars during 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.
The Fellowship experience changes how leaders lead — how they run their organizations, contribute to their communities and society, and make tough decisions.
“As the number of problems in the world grow at a faster rate than the solutions to address them, leadership has never been more necessary. Leaders in finance are uniquely positioned to use their power and position to design these solutions and impact the world beyond just their organizations.”
Ranji Nagaswami (Henry Crown Fellow) and Chris Varelas (Aspen Institute Trustee) Co-Founders, Aspen Finance Leaders Fellowship
