Samara Epstein Cohen

At-a-Glance

Serves as Senior Managing Director and Global Head of Market Development at BlackRock.
Previously served as Chief Investment Officer of ETF and Index Investments at BlackRock.
Was a Managing Director at Goldman Sachs from August 1999 to April 2015, where she built and led the Global Market Transition team.
Is a member of the Board of Directors for the Securities Industry Financial Markets Association (SIFMA).
Recognized as one of American Banker’s Most Powerful Women in Finance (2023, 2024) and Barron’s Most Influential Women in U.S. Finance (four consecutive years).
Holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts in Economics/Theatre Arts.

Biography

Samara Cohen is a Senior Managing Director and Global Head of Market Development for BlackRock. In this role, she focuses on shaping the evolution of market structure to support investor access and product innovation. She collaborates with various stakeholders across the capital markets ecosystem, including investors, academics, market makers, trading venues, and service providers.