Gary Gensler Returns to MIT Sloan to Lead on AI and Finance
Cambridge, Massachusetts — January 27, 2025
In a significant development for the academia-industry nexus, MIT Sloan School of Management has officially announced the return of Gary Gensler as a Professor of the Practice. Gensler will lead initiatives in both the Global Economics and Management Group and the Finance Group, with a keen focus on artificial intelligence, financial technology, and public policy.
A Dual Role in AI and Finance
Gensler’s appointment heralds an exciting new chapter for MIT’s scholarship in finance and technology. Alongside his teaching responsibilities, he will co-direct the FinTechAI@CSAIL initiative in partnership with Professor Andrew W. Lo. This innovative program will facilitate collaboration between member organizations and preeminent MIT researchers, aiming to explore the latest advancements in AI and its applications to finance.
Welcoming Words from Colleagues
Simon Johnson, the Ronald A. Kurtz Professor of Entrepreneurship, expressed his enthusiasm: "My colleagues and I are delighted to welcome him back. He and I will be teaching a new course together, and we look forward to engaging with as many students as possible on a range of issues of great importance to the global economy."
A Distinguished Career
Gensler’s career trajectory is notable for its breadth and depth, spanning significant roles in public service, academia, and the private sector. Most recently, he served as the Chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) during the Biden Administration, where he oversaw a $120 trillion segment of financial markets.
Passion for Innovation and Education
Commenting on his return to MIT, Gensler stated, “I am honored to return to MIT, whose faculty, staff, and students have long been at the cutting edge of research and technology. I’m thrilled to once again collaborate with MIT’s distinguished team of scholars, creating a better future for all through artificial intelligence, finance, and technology.”
Academic Contributions
Before his tenure at the SEC, Gensler was noted for his role as Professor of the Practice of Global Economics and Management and as co-director of the FinTech@CSAIL initiative. He was also recognized for his excellence in teaching, having received the MIT Sloan Outstanding Teacher Award based on student nominations for the 2018–19 academic year.
Regulatory Experience That Shaped Financial Policy
Gensler’s regulatory expertise is expansive. He previously chaired the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), where he played a pivotal role in reforming the $400 trillion swaps market post the 2008 financial crisis. He also worked closely with U.S. Senator Paul Sarbanes, contributing to the drafting of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Financial Expertise from Wall Street
His pragmatic experience extends to Wall Street, having worked for Goldman Sachs for nearly two decades where he held various leadership roles. Gensler has worked in mergers and acquisitions, and has steered fixed income and currency trading in Asia, before ultimately becoming co-head of finance globally for the firm.
Strong Academic Foundations
Gensler earned his undergraduate degree in economics summa cum laude from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he also obtained an MBA. He further distinguished himself as the recipient of the Tamar Frankel Fiduciary Prize in 2014.
Support From MIT’s Leadership
Georgia Perakis, the interim dean of the MIT Sloan School, warmly welcomed Gensler back to the institution, stating, “We are happy to welcome Gary back to MIT Sloan after his service at the SEC. I know that our students will benefit tremendously from the opportunity to learn from him, with the breadth of experience he has had in his career.”
Excitement Among Faculty
Paul Asquith, the Gordon Y. Billard Professor of Finance at MIT, reflected on Gensler’s prior contributions to the faculty: “It is rare to have a true scholar who brings as much real-world experience as he. I am certain that his contributions will continue upon his return.”
Industry Leaders Show Enthusiasm
Andrew W. Lo, Professor of Finance and Director of the Laboratory for Financial Engineering at MIT, noted the timely nature of Gensler’s return during a period of rapid technological change. “He’s a proven leader with deep experience in both public service and the private sector,” remarked Lo.
Engaging Curriculum Planned
Under Gensler’s guidance, MIT Sloan is poised to roll out exciting new courses that encompass topics relevant to the intersection of AI, finance, and public policy. The curriculum will not only benefit current students but also serve as a significant resource for industry professionals seeking to navigate an evolving financial landscape.
A Focus on the Future
As Gensler steps into this dual role at MIT, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation regarding the educational impacts his leadership will foster. The incorporation of artificial intelligence into financial studies is a forward-thinking approach that will better prepare students for careers in finance.
An Empowered FinTech Collaboration
The collaborative FinTechAI@CSAIL initiative aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry, catalyzing groundbreaking research and fostering innovation. With Gensler at the helm, member companies will have the unique opportunity to work closely with top-tier researchers on pressing challenges in the finance sector.
Conclusion: Embracing Innovation at MIT
Gary Gensler’s return to MIT Sloan School of Management is a watershed moment, signaling a renewed commitment to advancing the realms of finance, technology, and public policy. His wealth of experience, coupled with a deep dedication to education, promises to enrich the academic community and provide invaluable insights into the future of finance. The collaboration between academia and industry as driven by initiatives like FinTechAI@CSAIL will undoubtedly position MIT as a leader in the converging worlds of technology and finance. The future is bright, and expectations are high for what lies ahead.
