Michael Schlein

President and CEO

Michael Schlein brings nearly 30 years of extensive international banking, management and public service experience to his role as President and CEO of Accion. He is responsible for creating and implementing Accion’s strategy, managing its global team, and building a high-performing organization. Michael builds partnerships with the public and private sector, encouraging more energy, investments, and action directed at creating a financially inclusive world.

Michael joined Accion in 2007 as a member of its Board of Directors and in 2009, became Accion’s President and CEO. Prior to his employment at Accion, Michael served as President of Citigroup’s International Franchise Management, where he managed the bank’s network of 100 Chief Country Officers. Before that, he ran communications, philanthropy, government relations, branding, and human resources for Citigroup. He served as Chief of Staff at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in the Clinton Administration and in New York’s City Hall in the Dinkins and Koch Administrations. He began his career in investment banking.

From 2014 until Jan. 2021, Michael served as the Chairman of the New York City Economic Development Corporation, which encourages economic growth throughout New York City’s five boroughs and facilitates investments that build capacity, generate prosperity, and catalyze the economic vibrancy of city life as a whole.

Michael has graduate and undergraduate degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa.

Latest by Michael Schlein

Article • Feb 08, 2022
An uneven recovery is not a recovery
Article • Jan 19, 2022
A unique opportunity to expand your network and knowledge
Article • Nov 23, 2021
Toward a more resilient, inclusive world
Article • Jul 07, 2021
With support from fintech, farmers can grow an inclusive global recovery
Article • May 18, 2021
Growing disparities threaten an inclusive recovery
Article • May 06, 2021
Coming together to help address the root causes of the migration crisis
Article • Mar 11, 2021
Lessons from one year of pandemic responses can open opportunity to rebuild
Article • Feb 22, 2021
Three ways to ensure people aren’t left behind in the rush to go digital
Article • Dec 16, 2020
Fintech startups are small yet mighty partners in building resilience—but they need to grow to succeed
Article • Nov 24, 2020
This year, I’m more thankful than ever for your dedication to helping the most vulnerable people
Article • Oct 08, 2020
Remembering Accion’s founder Joe Blatchford, 1934-2020
Article • Jul 07, 2020
Inclusive fintech startups need access to capital and networks to keep reaching the underserved
Article • Jun 22, 2020
How impact investing can build financially resilient communities
Article • Jun 16, 2020
How we are helping US small businesses recover, and how you can join
Article • May 05, 2020
Your support can help continue building a financially inclusive world
Article • Apr 23, 2020
The financial engine for half the world’s jobs is about to seize up
Article • Mar 26, 2020
My note to Accion staff: Next steps to help vulnerable families and businesses
Article • Mar 13, 2020
Responding to COVID-19: Focused on our mission and the safety of our staff
Article • Jan 21, 2020
Even in a world of global super platforms, local innovation still matters
Article • Nov 26, 2019
What I'm grateful for
Article • Oct 18, 2019
Building responsible digital financial services
Article • Sep 23, 2019
Fintech for Inclusion: Why Accion is betting big on startups
Article • Apr 11, 2019
The fintech event that puts people first
Article • Apr 03, 2019
India, fintech, and new trends accelerating financial inclusion
Article • Dec 04, 2018
How can we bring insurance to those who need it most?
Article • Nov 19, 2018
How you’ve helped us make a real difference
Article • Nov 16, 2018
Can the financially underserved trust fintech?
Article • Nov 01, 2018
Mastercard and Accion’s partnership to unlock growth for millions of underserved microbusinesses
Article • Oct 25, 2018
Three fintech trends that will reshape social impact in 2019
Article • Oct 15, 2018
Does human touch still have a place in a high-tech world?
Article • Jun 08, 2018
Sobering news on financial inclusion
Article • Apr 27, 2018
Aadhaar, demonetization, and the future of finance in India
Article • Apr 11, 2018
Demystifying digital lending to reach the underserved
Article • Apr 04, 2018
Will fintech realize its potential for financial inclusion?
Article • Feb 20, 2018
Can impact investing rekindle the American dream?
Article • Jan 08, 2018
New strategies and technologies are making insurance more inclusive
Article • Dec 06, 2017
Trends that may change the world
Article • Nov 20, 2017
Why I’m grateful this Thanksgiving season
Article • Oct 13, 2017
How will we create a financially inclusive world?
Article • Jul 31, 2017
Banks and fintech startups are working together to accelerate financial inclusion
Article • Jul 17, 2017
Inclusive fintech leaders meet to accelerate innovation
Article • Jun 28, 2017
How microfinance institutions can integrate fintech
Article • Apr 20, 2017
Using big data – and small data – to accelerate financial inclusion
Article • Mar 14, 2017
What I learned at LendIt
Article • Nov 18, 2016
What's next for Accion
Article • Nov 03, 2016
Fintech for good: 6 takeaways from Money 20/20
Article • Jul 14, 2016
New emerging markets report shows banks lead financial inclusion
Article • Jan 25, 2016
How alternative data can promote financial inclusion
Article • Dec 31, 2015
Q&A with Grassland CEO and Chairman Rodrigo Yang
Article • Dec 08, 2015
Inside the US Treasury 2015 Forum on Financial Inclusion
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