FS-ISAC Names Cybersecurity Veteran as New CEO
FS-ISAC has tapped a seasoned cybersecurity leader as its next CEO, succeeding Steven Silberstein after his six-year tenure.
The member-driven non-profit organization, which protects the global financial system against cyber threats, confirmed that Valerie Abend took the helm on 3 September 2025, according to a media release on Friday.
Her appointment follows a carefully planned leadership transition set in motion when Steven Silberstein announced his retirement last year.
Global Cybersecurity Authority
Abend joins FS-ISAC from Accenture, where she led the Global Financial Services Security practice. With more than three decades of public- and private-sector experience, she has advised boards, C-suite executives, and regulators worldwide.
Her track record includes guiding enterprise-wide cyber resilience strategies, shaping public-private partnerships, and advising on international cybersecurity policy.
A Mission Against Growing Threats
In her first remarks as CEO, Abend highlighted FS-ISAC’s critical role in an increasingly volatile landscape: «As we look ahead, FS-ISAC is uniquely positioned to advance the financial sector’s security and resilience in the face of growing cyber threats and complex geopolitical and technological change.»
FS-ISAC represents more than 5,000 member institutions across 75 countries, together safeguarding $100 trillion in assets. Through its real-time information-sharing network, the organisation amplifies intelligence and practices across the sector to strengthen collective defences.
