Rachel Wilson: Data Security
Rachel Wilson a cybersecurity strategist and former NSA senior executive guiding global leaders to safeguard wealth, data, and trust in the digital economy.
- Highlights:
- Managing Director & Head of Cybersecurity, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
- Former National Security Agency (NSA) senior executive
- Advisor to global financial leaders on cyber defense and data protection
- Expert in nation-state threats, AI risk, and cyber policy
- Formats:
Keynote (45–60 minutes), executive cyber briefing, fireside chat, or leadership session
- Audiences:
Financial institutions, corporate leadership teams, cybersecurity and technology conferences, risk and compliance departments, government and policy groups, enterprise clients, and Fortune 500 organizations.
- Outcomes:
- Clear understanding of current and emerging cyber threats impacting business and finance.
- Strategies for building a security-first culture and reducing human risk.
- Actionable insights on AI, quantum computing, and evolving nation-state attack patterns.
- Travels from: New York, NY
- **Fee range: $20,001 - $35,000
Keynote Topics
The New Cyberthreat Landscape
As the types of cyberattacks and nature of the attackers has changed in the last 18 months, how should businesses be responding?
Rachel Wilson brings her unique perspective as a former National Security Agency executive and current CISO for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management to bear on the question of how we can best defend ourselves against an increasingly hostile cyberenvironment.
From the Dark Web to Wall Street: A Career Journey
Rachel discusses her career at the NSA where she became the youngest person in NSA history to be elevated to the Senior Executive ranks all while raising a young family at home. She describes her decision to leave government and pursue a career on Wall Street as Morgan Stanley’s first ever Head of Cybersecurity.
In this talk, Rachel balances humor and candid stories with career advice and tales of caution and the challenges she faced on her journey.
Talent Short Bio
Rachel Wilson is a leading cybersecurity executive, keynote speaker, and trusted advisor to global financial and technology leaders. As Managing Director and Head of Cybersecurity for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, she directs the firm’s strategy to protect client data, assets, and digital infrastructure across one of the world’s largest financial networks.
Before joining Morgan Stanley, Rachel spent 15 years at the National Security Agency (NSA), where she led global operations to combat nation-state cyber threats. Her work included securing U.S. government systems, disrupting foreign cyberattacks, and pioneering intelligence initiatives that shaped the modern cybersecurity landscape.
Today, Rachel is one of the most respected voices on the intersection of cybersecurity, finance, and human risk. She helps executives understand the realities of cyber warfare, the challenges of AI and quantum computing, and the importance of creating a security-first culture. Her insights, drawn from both intelligence and industry, equip audiences to navigate an era where trust, technology, and data security define success.
Read Full Bio
Rachel Wilson is a Managing Director of Morgan Stanley and Head of Wealth Management Data Security and Infrastructure Risk. Her team of security professionals is responsible for protecting all sensitive client data from any type of theft, loss or compromise. She also oversees the resilience of Wealth Management’s critical infrastructure and the continuity of core business processes at times of turbulence.
From 2017-2020, Rachel Wilson served as the first-ever Head of Wealth Management Cybersecurity. In this role, Rachel advised senior business and technology leaders on a range of cybersecurity issues, including secure code development standards, secure network architecture, vendor relationships, advanced persistent threat (APT) detection and mobile security.
Her team drove innovation for new cybersecurity and authentication technology in the pursuit of protecting the integrity and confidentiality of firm and client data. In 2019, Rachel Wilson was recognized by Morgan Stanley Wealth Management as part of the MAKERS Class, a program that honors women who serve as groundbreakers, innovators and advocates. She was also named one of the Top Women in WealthTech 2020 by ThinkAdvisor.
Prior to joining the firm in 2017, Rachel spent 15 years at the National Security Agency (NSA), where she held several key senior executive-level leadership positions. Between 2008 and 2010, she ran NSA’s counterterrorism operations and led a global enterprise in detecting and disrupting terrorist plotting against the U.S. and its allies. Between 2010 and 2012, Rachel served as NSA’s Chief of Operations in the U.K., working out of the U.S. Embassy in London.
In this role, she worked with U.K. intelligence services to counter terrorist and cyber threats to the 2012 Olympics. Returning to the U.S. in 2012, Rachel Wilson spent nearly five years leading NSA’s cyber exploitation operations as the Deputy and then Chief of the Remote Operations Center within NSA’s Tailored Access Operations. In this capacity, she led the planning and execution of thousands of cyber exploitation operations against a wide array of foreign intelligence, military and cyber targets, and Rachel Wilson served as the committing official for many of NSA’s highest risk and most important intelligence gathering activities.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on LinkedIn
Talent Videos
Rachel Wilson — Speaker Reel
Cybersecurity executive Rachel Wilson shares her intelligence-driven insights on protecting financial systems, data, and leadership integrity in an age of digital disruption.
Read Summary & Key Moments
Summary
In this comprehensive speaker reel, Rachel Wilson, Managing Director and Head of Cybersecurity for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, showcases her expertise through excerpts from keynote addresses, panel discussions, and interviews. She opens by describing her journey from the National Security Agency (NSA) to Wall Street, highlighting how principles from intelligence and defense apply directly to corporate cybersecurity strategy.
Rachel explores the convergence of nation-state tactics, organized cybercrime, and financial technology, revealing how these forces shape risk across global markets. She emphasizes that cybersecurity is no longer a technical silo—it’s a leadership imperative requiring collaboration between executives, IT, and operations.
Through compelling examples, she explains how financial institutions must defend not just against external adversaries but also internal vulnerabilities, human error, and evolving AI threats. Her remarks highlight themes of trust, culture, and foresight, urging organizations to integrate cyber risk management into every business decision.
The reel concludes with Rachel’s message on empowerment: cybersecurity success depends on informed leadership, resilient teams, and a proactive mindset that views security as a driver of innovation, not a barrier.
Key Moments
03:01–10:00 — Intelligence lessons applied to corporate cybersecurity
10:01–18:00 — Financial sector threats and dark web influence
18:01–25:00 — AI, automation, and the evolving cyber risk landscape
25:01–32:00 — Leadership, communication, and building a security culture
32:01–38:30 — Women in cybersecurity and inclusive leadership
From the Dark Web to Wall Street: Cyber Threats in 2020: Rachel Wilson
Cybersecurity leader Rachel Wilson explores the connections between the dark web, nation-state hacking, and the financial systems that underpin global markets.
Read Summary & Key Moments
Summary
In this comprehensive keynote, Rachel Wilson, Head of Cybersecurity for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management and former NSA senior executive, offers a deep dive into the cyber threat landscape confronting global finance. She begins by explaining how cybercrime has evolved from isolated incidents to a sprawling underground economy thriving on the dark web.
Rachel details how state-sponsored actors, organized crime groups, and insider threats target financial institutions, leveraging ransomware, supply chain infiltration, and data exfiltration for profit and influence. Drawing on her intelligence background, she reveals how threat actors trade stolen credentials, weaponize emerging technologies, and exploit human error at every level of the financial system.
She underscores that cybersecurity in finance is no longer a purely technical discipline — it is a leadership and culture challenge. Rachel outlines the critical role of proactive defense, cross-sector intelligence sharing, and executive awareness in protecting investors and markets.
Closing her talk, she challenges financial leaders to view cybersecurity as both a fiduciary responsibility and a competitive advantage, urging organizations to adopt intelligence-led, human-centered defense strategies to secure the future of global finance.
Key Moments
05:31–15:00 — The dark web economy and its impact on financial systems
15:01–25:00 — Nation-state and organized crime threat actors
25:01–35:00 — Case studies: ransomware, data theft, and insider risk
35:01–45:00 — Emerging technologies: AI, automation, and quantum implications
45:01–54:30 — Building intelligence-driven defenses and resilience frameworks
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
No reviews available for this post.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses and other costs
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Deposits and securing a booking
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Additional tips and takeaways
- Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
- There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
- Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
- When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
- Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
- Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
- Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
View further speakers
- (20)
Kathy Caprino, M.A., helps in empowering women in their careers and leadership journeys. As an internationally-recognized women’s career and executive coach, writer, leadership trainer, and sought-after speaker, Kathy embodies a unique blend of corporate expertise, coaching prowess, and therapeutic insight. With a career spanning 18 years as a corporate executive and 15 years as a […]
- Travels from: Stamford, CT
- Leadership Speakers
- (32)
Ty Bennett is the Owner & CEO of the largest Ninja Warrior Gym in the world and it’s not stopping there – soon he will have three Ninja Warrior Gyms to add to his portfolio. An active CEO and serial entrepreneur, he has built three multi-million dollar businesses in three different industries. Ty and his […]
- Travels from: Salt Lake City, UT
- Leadership Speakers
- (20)
- Featured
Sanjay Sood PhD MBA is an award-winning marketing professor, branding strategist, and keynote speaker known for bridging academic research with real-world brand strategy. As a professor at the UCLA Anderson School of Management, he is widely respected for his work in brand management, behavioral decision making, and media and entertainment strategy. Sood holds an MBA […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Marketing Speakers
- (18)
- (5)
Deborah Perry Piscione, a renowned authority in innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of work in the metaverse. With a distinguished career spanning decades, Deborah has garnered international recognition for her groundbreaking insights into the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and its impact on business and society. As a sought-after keynote speaker, author, and thought leader, […]
- Travels from: San Francisco, CA
- Innovation Speakers
- (10)
Kerri Strug vaulted into Olympic history with her courageous performance during the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. With the world watching, she executed a near-flawless vault on an injured ankle, securing the first-ever team gold medal for the U.S. women’s gymnastics team. Her determination and resilience in that defining moment made her an American hero, […]
- Travels from: Phoenix, AZ
- Summer Olympians
- (24)
Lilah Jones was part of the founding sales team that helped build Google Cloud from startup to $106B. She spent nearly a decade introducing Fortune 500 companies to cloud transformation while mastering the art of leading teams through change. After 9 years at Google plus previous experience at Microsoft and Oracle, Lilah left to focus […]
- Travels from: Chicago, IL
- Leadership Speakers
- (15)
Noramay Cadena is a Managing Partner at Supply Change Capital, a pioneering venture firm that strategically invests in the convergence of food, culture, and technology. With a distinguished career path deeply rooted in venture capital, Noramay’s expertise spans the realms of innovation, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment. Previously, she served as a Managing Partner at MiLA […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- STEM Speakers
- (8)
Mark Divine stands as a beacon of resilience, leadership, and mental toughness in the realm of personal development and leadership training. As the founder and CEO of SEALFIT, a renowned leadership and peak performance academy, Mark has dedicated his life to empowering individuals to unleash their full potential. With his multifaceted background as a former […]
- Travels from: Carlsbad, CA
- Military Speakers
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
