Zest AI Welcomes Esther Kahng as Chief of Staff and Public Policy Leader

In a significant move, Zest AI, a prominent player in financial technology and artificial intelligence, has appointed Esther Kahng as its new Head of Public Policy and Chief of Staff. This strategic appointment, announced on February 12, 2025, marks a pivotal moment for the company as it seeks to enhance its engagement with policymakers and regulatory bodies.

Kahng brings to Zest AI a wealth of experience from her more than ten years of service on Capitol Hill, where she played a key role in shaping financial services legislation. Most recently, she held the position of Chief Counsel for the House Financial Services Committee, working alongside Chairwoman Maxine Waters (D-CA). In this capacity, she was instrumental in addressing legislative matters concerning financial technology and artificial intelligence, advocating for the technological advancements that are increasingly crucial for consumer welfare and community banks.

According to Mike de Vere, CEO of Zest AI, "Kahng's deep understanding of financial services policy and regulatory frameworks makes her the ideal leader for our government relations efforts at this crucial time for our industry." He emphasized the need to leverage AI technologies to widen access to credit, thereby creating economic opportunities for Americans and fostering growth in business and job markets.

Kahng's impressive background includes previous roles within the House Financial Services Committee, where she excelled as Director of Housing and Insurance Policy and Senior Counsel. Her proven track record of navigating complex legislative landscapes and fostering bipartisan cooperation underscores her capacity to lead Zest AI's initiatives successfully.

In her new role, Kahng expressed her enthusiasm about the transformative potential of technology within the financial sector. "I've seen firsthand how technology can transform financial services for the better, and Zest AI is at a pivotal moment as they continue their important work, expanding access to responsible credit through AI-powered solutions." She is confident that Zest AI's collaborative efforts with credit unions and community banks have already made a positive impact, enabling thousands of hardworking Americans to obtain fair financial services.

Looking ahead, Kahng is determined to ensure that innovation in finance keeps pace with consumer protection and market stability. Her goal is for Zest AI to work closely with policymakers and regulators to cultivate an inclusive financial ecosystem that meets the needs of all citizens. This partnership aims to establish a more resilient and equitable financial system, echoing Zest AI's mission to utilize technology for the betterment of society.

About Zest AI

Founded in 2009, Zest AI has remained focused on broadening access to fair lending through AI technologies. The company empowers financial institutions to utilize advanced AI lending solutions to better serve their borrowers, increasing equity in the financial landscape. In recognition of its rapid growth and innovation, Zest AI was named a Deloitte Technology Fast 500 company, further solidifying its reputation within the industry. To learn more about Zest AI and its initiatives, visit Zest.ai and connect on LinkedIn.