FinancialTrading.com’s 10 Most Influential People in Finance

4. Ben Bernanke

Ben Bernanke is the current Chairman of the Federal Reserve, currently midway through his second term in the position. When he became the Chairman in 2006, the American economy was performing well but of course 2008 would see the global economy fall into crisis. During the early stages of his tenure, Bernanke went out of his way to publically announce his goals and the reasoning behind any and all action he was taking. Unfortunately, due to the influence his words were having on the stock market, this was soon halted.

President Obama believes in Bernanke so much that he not only consults him on a wide range of budgeting concerns but also publicly stated that he would be nominating him for his second term, which was eventually confirmed in 2010. Obama said Bernanke’s “Background, temperament, courage and creativity” helped to prevent another great depression. With Obama backing him so heavily and relying on his expert advice, Mr Bernanke could potentially influence decisions far from the usual remit of a man in his position.