Benjamin T. Alden

Benjamin T. Alden is a Principal in Vanguard's Investment Management Division with a rich background in legal, compliance, risk management, and financial services.

Before Vanguard, Ben was the Head of Strategy & Development for Vanguard's Financial Advisor Services division, where he managed a $3 trillion AUM and provided various products and services to advisors.

Ben also held the position of Chief Risk Officer within the same division.

Beyond Vanguard, he serves on the Investment Adviser Association's Board of Governors, showcasing his commitment to the industry.

Prior to his role at Vanguard, Ben was the Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel at Betterment, a position where he honed his expertise in legal matters, compliance, and risk management.

His outstanding contributions led to recognitions such as The Legal 500's 2019 'GC Powerlist' and Chambers and Partners 'Most Influential GCs in the USA' list.

At Betterment, he also took on roles such as Chief Compliance Officer, General Manager for the 401(k) business line, and Head of Business Development, showcasing his diverse skill set.

Before delving into the legal field, Ben worked as a management consultant within the financial services industry, providing him with a unique perspective on the sector.

Ben's educational background includes a J.D. from Stanford Law School, a B.A. in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from Cornell University, and further studies at The London School of Economics and Political Science.

His professional journey also includes experiences as an Associate at Sullivan & Cromwell and Spears & Imes, as well as a Law Clerk to Judge Colleen McMahon at the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Benjamin has also shared his knowledge as a Lecturer of Law at Columbia Law School, further establishing his authority in the legal field.