BURBANK, Calif., Feb. 12, 2025 – Zest AI, a leading financial technology and artificial intelligence company, today announced the appointment of Esther Kahng as Head of Public Policy and Chief of Staff. In this role, Kahng will serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and lead the company’s engagement with policymakers and regulatory bodies, drawing on her extensive experience in financial services policy and legislation.
Kahng joins Zest AI following a distinguished career spanning over a decade on Capitol Hill, most recently serving as Chief Counsel to the House Financial Services Committee under Chairwoman Maxine Waters (D-CA). During her tenure, she was at the forefront of legislative and regulatory efforts around financial technology and AI, working to support advances in technology that benefit consumers and community banks.
“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,” said Mike de Vere, CEO of Zest AI. “One of the most impactful ways AI is going to strengthen the U.S. financial system is through expanding access to credit to create more opportunities for Americans. Access to capital represents potential business growth, job creation, and economic mobility. By using technology to make lending more inclusive while maintaining strong underwriting standards, we’re building a more resilient and dynamic U.S. financial system that works for everyone.”
Prior to her role as Chief Counsel, Kahng served in other senior positions within the House Financial Services Committee, including Director of Housing and Insurance Policy and Senior Counsel, demonstrating exceptional leadership in driving a proactive legislative agenda and moving bipartisan legislation.
“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. Their track record of partnering with credit unions and community banks has already helped thousands of hardworking Americans access fair financial services,” said Esther Kahng, Head of Public Policy and Chief of Staff. “As the intersection of finance, technology, and artificial intelligence continues to evolve, I look forward to continuing to work with policymakers and regulators to ensure innovation advances hand-in-hand with consumer protection and market stability. Together, we can build a more inclusive and resilient financial system that works for everyone.”
About Zest AI
Zest AI is a tech company on a mission to broaden access to equitable lending. Since 2009, we’ve worked with financial institutions to use AI lending technology to better serve their borrowers. Today, we work with all types of lenders as a catalyst for economic equity by helping them leverage AI’s potential for good. Most recently, we were named as a Deloitte Technology Fast 500 company. Learn more at Zest.ai and connect with us on LinkedIn.
