ISDA Future Leaders in Derivatives

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Scott O'Malia

The derivatives market faces some exciting opportunities in the years ahead and it is more important than ever that we identify and nurture potential leaders across a diverse range of functions, business lines and geographies. The ISDA Future Leaders in Derivatives program will give participants the opportunity to develop their careers and professional networks, providing a platform to take on future leadership positions. This program will be critical to ensure the market continues to flourish for years to come.

Scott O'Malia, ISDA CEO

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The ISDA Future Leaders in Derivatives (IFLD) program aims to make a positive impact on the future of the derivatives industry by identifying a diverse group of emerging leaders across the industry. The IFLD program is open to any individual representing an organization that is an ISDA member.

 

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

The program has four core objectives:

  • To create an active forum for networking and discussion of industry topics and future industry trends;
  • To increase the demographic, cultural and professional diversity of senior leaders within the financial services sector;
  • To support emerging leaders in developing soft skills and technical expertise; and
  • To develop and produce content on issues of strategic importance to ISDA and its members.

 

AREAS OF FOCUS

Program participants have focused on topics that are of strategic importance to ISDA.

The 2024/2025 cohort of the IFLD developed a whitepaper on collateral and liquidity efficiency in the derivatives market that was published at ISDA’s 39th Annual General Meeting in Amsterdam on May 15, 2025.

The previous cohort for 2023/2024 focused on artificial intelligence; the cohort for 2022/2023 focused on energy security in relation to the global derivatives market; and the 2021/2022 program participants focused on technology and environmental, social and governance.

Below are links to the five whitepapers produced by the IFLD so far.

Nominations for the fifth cohort of the IFLD will open later in 2025.

WHITEPAPERS

 

MORE INFORMATION

For more information on the IFLD program, please contact us on IFLD@isda.org