About Jeff Lillien

Attorney And Financial Industry Expert

Early Life & Education

‍Jeff Lillien was born and raised in the Chicago area, spending his early years in the city and its suburbs. Growing up in a first-generation American household, he was surrounded by a culture of curiosity and a strong appreciation for education. From a young age, he displayed an aptitude for mathematics, naturally leading him to develop problem-solving skills. His family valued staying engaged with current events, understanding government functions, and following financial developments, which shaped his early worldview. These influences guided his decision to study Economics, a field that allowed him to explore the structural forces that shape society through an analytical lens.

Jeffrey's academic path began at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he received a rigorous education and developed a strong foundation in critical thinking. Under the guidance of a mentor who played a key role in shaping his views on public policy and institutional systems, he deepened his understanding of how complex organizations function. MIT also enhanced his interest in applying mathematical and technological approaches to real-world problems. While living at La Maison Française, he immersed himself in the French language and culture, achieving fluency and earning a commercial French translator’s certificate from the Paris Chamber of Commerce. This combination of technical, analytical, and language skills broadened his academic and personal development.

‍Lillien pursued a legal education at New York University School of Law. His academic achievements earned him a place in the Law Review, and he later served as an editor. He concluded his legal studies by returning to Chicago for a visiting year at Northwestern University School of Law. These academic experiences gave him insight into the legal foundations of economic systems and helped him understand how law intersects with business and emerging technologies.

‍Career

‍Jeffrey Lillien's decision to enter the legal profession was deeply personal, influenced by his family's financial and legal challenges. Determined to make a difference, he began his career at the law firm Mayer Brown in C associate, he focused on lending and securities law, gaining experience in legal interpretation and regulatory matters within the financial sector. His early work honed his ability to analyze complex legal structures and contributed to his professional development.

As his career advanced, Jeff became a key figure in developing innovative financial products and legal frameworks to support modern business practices. His work helped shape new business relationships and transactions, particularly those that required a balance between regulatory compliance and technological advancement. His efforts often focused on creating systems that could improve transparency, efficiency, and long-term stability in financial markets. He split his time between Chicago and the New York City area, maintaining a presence in both financial hubs and contributing to initiatives with national and global reach.

Industry Contributions & Projects

Jeffrey has contributed to several projects to modernize and streamline financial systems throughout his career. His work combines deep legal knowledge with forward-thinking applications in market infrastructure. Some of his significant contributions include:

Supporting the Foreign Exchange Global Code, a set of principles designed to promote fairness and efficiency in the global foreign exchange market

Contributing to Treasury Markets Best Practices, guidelines created to support transparency and proper conduct in the U.S. Treasury market

Co-authoring a white paper on Digitization and Capital Markets, which explored how digital systems can enhance market transparency, improve risk management, and help define digital asset categories

Participating in the Regulated Settlement Network, an industry initiative that uses distributed ledger technology to digitize settlement processes for fixed-income securities and reduce associated risks
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Through these efforts, Lillien has addressed several critical issues:

Creating standards for principled conduct in financial markets

Transforming outdated financial instruments into digital formats compatible with modern systems

Using distributed ledger technology to reduce settlement delays and risks

Building the infrastructure for real-time asset transfers and liquidity operations around the clock


His work has consistently supported the shift from traditional finance toward a more technologically integrated and efficient future.

Professional Memberships & Affiliations

Jeff Lillien has remained active in several professional associations, contributing his expertise to advancing legal and financial standards. His memberships include:

International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA), where he helps shape global standards for derivatives

Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA), supporting initiatives relevant to broker-dealers, investment banks, and asset managers

Global Financial Markets Association (GFMA), which works to promote resilient and effective capital markets worldwide

Financial Markets Lawyers Group (FMLG) focused on improving the foreign exchange industry's legal frameworks and documentation practices.


Jeff has presented his work at conferences hosted by central banks in the U.S., U.K., Europe, and Japan and at events organized by the above associations. His presentations reflect a practical understanding of how legal systems must adapt to support modern financial markets.

Publications & Media

Jeffrey has authored and contributed to numerous white papers and articles that discuss financial regulation, digital transformation, and market reform. His writing has been featured in industry journals and policy forums. In addition, his perspectives have been referenced in media coverage and expert panel discussions, especially regarding the application of digital tools to modernize financial infrastructure. While links to some of his written work are forthcoming, his thought leadership continues to inform conversations across legal and economic communities.

Pro Bono Work, Philanthropy & Community Involvement

Community service has always been central to Lillien's life. While at MIT, he volunteered with Tutoring Plus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, helping middle school students with mathematics. This early commitment to mentorship reflected values shared with his academic mentor and established a foundation for his long-term public service efforts.

As a legal professional, Jeffrey Lillien has undertaken extensive pro bono work. His early contributions focused on human rights, serving on the Midwest Immigrant Rights Center boards and the Heartland Alliance, where he co-chaired the Human Rights Council. He has also been involved in advisory boards at Northwestern and DePaul law schools, supporting their human rights programs. In recent years, his pro bono work has included support for artists in New York City and advocacy for disabled military veterans nationwide. He has received awards for these efforts, which he views as a meaningful part of his career.

In addition to his legal work, Jeff has provided financial support to charitable organizations, particularly those focused on education and environmental protection. His contributions reflect a broader commitment to supporting causes that align with long-term social and ecological sustainability.

Personal Life

Jeffrey is a devoted father who treasures time spent with his child. They share a love for music and the arts, using these interests to connect, learn, and grow. Their shared experiences are essential to his life and reflect his creativity and emotional development values.

Lillien remains closely connected to his hometown of Chicago, supporting its local sports teams and enjoying its renowned pizza. The city continues to hold personal and cultural significance in his life.
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