Biography
Deniz Johnson is a highly accomplished digital transformation expert with over 25 years of success implementing emerging technology at leading financial services, software, and healthcare companies.
An acclaimed executive and thought leader within the global fintech community, Johnson frequently speaks on responsible AI and fintech. Her expertise has led to guest lecturing opportunities wordlike and prestigious industry recognition, including being named one of Innovate Finance’s Top 45 Global Female Fintech Leaders and twice honored by NYC Fintech Women as an Inspiring FinTech Female Leader in the US, as well as receiving the BAI Global Innovation Rising Star Award in 2023.
Currently serving as the COO of Stratyfy, Johnson implements transparent machine learning solutions for financial institutions, directly addressing bias in AI and driving smarter, more informed risk decisions. Her prior experience includes serving as the Managing Director of State Street Corporation’s Alternative Investment Solutions and the SVP of Shared Services at Acadian Asset Management. Deniz has also held leadership roles specializing in digital transformation at high-profile organizations including Pegasystems and Mayo Clinic.
Johnson holds a Bachelor of Science in Management Engineering from Istanbul Technical University and an MBA from the University of Iowa.
Passion
My driving force is creating a more accessible financial future through technology. Financial health is crucial to people’s well-being, and I’m committed to leveraging innovation to reduce the volatility and complexity that too often characterize our current systems. We live in a diverse world, and our financial infrastructure should reflect that, adapting to new technologies and the evolving ways we do business.
Best Story
In 2024, I did an TV interview with the Business Channel Turk, where I was able to share my long career journey – from starting in healthcare, to spearheading data solutions and digitization at a large bank, to teaching at Northeastern University, and ultimately joining Stratyfy full time. I have led digital transformations using emerging technologies from their early stages to their current, more widespread adoption.
It was an honor to do this interview and articulate the core motivations that have shaped my path. Having often been the sole representative of my background in technical leadership, it was particularly meaningful to share my journey in hopes of inspiring others.
Origin Story
For the past 20+ years, working within large organizations across industries such as insurance, healthcare IT and financial services, I aimed to be the change agent.
Today, as COO of Stratyfy, this passion continues as I lead the implementation of transparent machine learning solutions that enable financial institutions to make smarter, more informed risk decisions and actively address bias in AI.
My commitment also extends beyond my role at Stratyfy through my involvement as the Co-organizer of the Boston Fintech community, Co-founder of Boston Women in FinTech, Mentor to MassChallenge, Advocate for Fintech Sandbox, and board member of multiple companies in this space.
Example talks
List of Speaking appearances
All my speaking engagements and recordings can be found in this document:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/speaking-appearances-deniz-a-johnson-mba/
@WomenInno #Popup at Industrious Financial District with Deniz Johnson
Featured Video
I am willing to travel
More than 100 miles
When it comes to payments
I generally get paid for speaking but make exceptions
Topics
Best Story
In 2024, I did an TV interview with the Business Channel Turk, where I was able to share my long career journey – from starting in healthcare, to spearheading data solutions and digitization at a large bank, to teaching at Northeastern University, and ultimately joining Stratyfy full time. I have led digital transformations using emerging technologies from their early stages to their current, more widespread adoption.
It was an honor to do this interview and articulate the core motivations that have shaped my path. Having often been the sole representative of my background in technical leadership, it was particularly meaningful to share my journey in hopes of inspiring others.
Origin Story
For the past 20+ years, working within large organizations across industries such as insurance, healthcare IT and financial services, I aimed to be the change agent.
Today, as COO of Stratyfy, this passion continues as I lead the implementation of transparent machine learning solutions that enable financial institutions to make smarter, more informed risk decisions and actively address bias in AI.
My commitment also extends beyond my role at Stratyfy through my involvement as the Co-organizer of the Boston Fintech community, Co-founder of Boston Women in FinTech, Mentor to MassChallenge, Advocate for Fintech Sandbox, and board member of multiple companies in this space.
Example talks
List of Speaking appearances
All my speaking engagements and recordings can be found in this document:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/speaking-appearances-deniz-a-johnson-mba/