Karen Finerman
Karen Finerman is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Metropolitan Capital Advisors, a New York–based investment management firm. She is widely recognized as a leading voice in financial media and investor education, best known for her long-standing role as a panelist on CNBC’s Fast Money since 2007. On the program, Finerman delivers actionable market insights, stock analysis, and risk perspectives as part of a roundtable of seasoned Wall Street traders. Finerman began her career as a Trader at First City Capital, a prominent risk arbitrage fund, where she gained early experience in event-driven investing and merger arbitrage strategies. She later joined Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, where she rose to become Lead Research Analyst for the firm’s Risk Arbitrage department. Beyond her hedge fund leadership and trading background, Finerman has spent decades navigating high-stakes financial markets while advocating for greater representation of women in finance. She is a prominent champion of gender equity on Wall Street, using her platform to encourage leadership, mentorship, and long-term career development within the industry. Finerman is also the author of the New York Times best-selling book Finerman’s Rules, in which she shares practical insights on investing, business strategy, risk management, and leadership.
Karen Finerman Professional Experience / Academic History
Professional Experience
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Panelist, Fast Money
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Co-Founder and CEO
Academic History
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B.S., Finance
Karen Finerman is one of the original panelists on CNBC’s Fast Money, having appeared on the program since its launch in 2007.
She is widely respected for her candid, thoughtful market commentary, combining rigorous analytical insight with a clear ability to demystify complex financial topics for a broad audience.
On the show, Finerman regularly weighs in on daily market activity, macroeconomic developments, political events, and their implications for corporations, investors, and shareholders.
MEDIA PRESENCE & THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Beyond CNBC, Finerman is a prominent investor, hedge fund executive, and financial commentator with a strong media presence across national platforms.
She frequently shares her expertise through outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, NPR, NBC News, and other major financial and news organizations.
She also serves as host of the podcast How She Does It and co-host of HerMoney’s InvestingFixx, where she focuses on financial literacy, investing education, and economic empowerment, particularly for women seeking to build long-term wealth and confidence in financial decision-making.
PHILANTHROPY
Finerman is deeply committed to philanthropy and civic engagement. She is a board member of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and serves on the Wharton Board of Advisors, supporting her alma mater.
Additionally, she dedicated 15 years as a board member of Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, contributing to healthcare leadership and community development initiatives.