William F. Wechsler

William F. Wechsler is a leading authority on geopolitics, security, crisis management, and global risk, making him a highly sought-after keynote speaker. With a career spanning over three decades in U.S. government, finance, and international policy, he has played a crucial role in shaping strategies to combat transnational threats, counterterrorism, and organised crime. His extensive government service includes positions such as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Combating Terrorism, where he advised multiple Secretaries of Defense and oversaw policies on counterterrorism, irregular warfare, and special operations. Earlier, as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Counternarcotics and Global Threats, he managed a $1.6 billion budget, directing global programs that integrated law enforcement with military operations. His contributions were pivotal in Afghanistan, where he helped institutionalise military counter-threat finance structures to disrupt illicit financial networks.

William's expertise extends beyond military and security operations to international finance and economic policy. During the Clinton administration, he served as Special Advisor to the Secretary of the Treasury, where he helped establish the legal frameworks for imposing foreign sanctions and combating money laundering, policies that continue to shape global economic security. At the White House, he was Director for Transnational Threats on the National Security Council, responsible for U.S. policy on terrorism and global crime networks. His work provided the foundation for modern counter-threat finance efforts, linking national security with financial integrity. His leadership in these roles gave him a unique perspective on how economic policies influence security and international stability, making him a valuable resource for business leaders and policymakers navigating geopolitical risks.

Currently, William serves as the Senior Director of the Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East Programs at the Atlantic Council, where he leads efforts on U.S.-Middle East relations, regional security, and economic integration. He is also President of the Center on Illicit Networks & Transnational Organized Crime, leveraging his expertise to combat global criminal organisations. His previous roles as a Senior Fellow at the Middle East Initiative and the Center for American Progress have further cemented his reputation as a thought leader in geopolitics, international security, and crisis management. With deep knowledge of Middle Eastern affairs and global security dynamics, he provides strategic insights for businesses, governments, and organisations seeking to understand and respond to international challenges.

Beyond government and policy, William's background in finance strengthens his ability to analyze and predict global risks. As a former Managing Director of Greenwich Associates and Vice Chairman of Capitol Peak Asset Management, he has worked at the intersection of security and economics. His expertise in financial risk management, sanctions enforcement, and economic security makes him particularly valuable for corporations managing geopolitical uncertainty. As a keynote speaker, William distills complex global issues into actionable insights, helping business leaders and policymakers navigate an unpredictable world. His ability to connect national security with financial stability and international affairs ensures his relevance across industries, making him one of the most respected voices on global risk and crisis management today.