Jeff Lillien

Jeff Lillien grew up in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs, where he was raised in a first-generation American household that encouraged academic curiosity and awareness of the world. From an early age, he displayed strong mathematical abilities and developed a passion for problem-solving. His interest in current events, government, and financial systems grew alongside these talents, which later guided him toward the study of Economics. This field allowed him to explore the mechanics of societal structures using analytical tools.

Jeff began his higher education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he furthered his interest in critical thinking, institutional systems, and the practical application of mathematics and technology. At MIT, he was mentored by a professor whose influence helped shape his academic and professional direction. He also lived in La Maison Française, where he became fluent in French. This experience contributed to his later achievement of a translator’s certificate in commercial French from the Paris Chamber of Commerce. He studied law at New York University School of Law, where he became a member of the Law Review and was later elected editor. He completed his legal studies as a visiting student at Northwestern University School of Law in Chicago, which added further depth to his understanding of the intersection between regulation, commerce, and innovation.

Jeffrey's decision to pursue law was shaped by personal experiences within his family, particularly in navigating legal and economic challenges. He started his legal career at Mayer Brown in Chicago, focusing on lending and securities law. Over time, his work expanded into developing financial products, facilitating complex transactions, and creating legal frameworks that connect traditional financial markets with emerging technologies. He has practiced law in both Chicago and the New York City area.

Jeffrey Lillien's contributions include work on key financial initiatives such as the Foreign Exchange Global Code and U.S. Treasury Markets Best Practices. He also produced whitepapers on digital transformation and supported the Regulated Settlement Network, which explores the use of distributed ledger technology to improve settlement processes. His efforts have focused on enhancing transparency, reducing risk, and improving efficiency in continuously operating financial systems.