Ladan Archin

Ladan Archin has over 15 years of experience in public policy, international finance and consulting. Born and raised in Iran, Ladan moved to the United States at sixteen, and as the home that she knew was transforming into Islamic rule. With a bachelor’s degree in physics, and while enrolled in a master’s program in applied mathematics, Ladan decided to change course. She studied international relations and economics at Johns Hopkins School of International Studies (SAIS), where she was research assistant to Professor Fouad Ajami. Subsequent to graduation from SAIS, Ladan joined the Research Department of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. After two years, Ladan moved to Washington, DC and worked for the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of World Bank Group, from 1995 until 2001. She then moved to San Francisco to work at a start up company, but after the events of 9/11, moved back to Washington. Ladan was the Iran Country Director for the Office of the Secretary of Defense from 2002 to 2007. Later, Ladan served as Assistant Director at the Department of Treasury’s Terror Finance and Intelligence Department, in charge of the Middle East, Africa and the Western Hemisphere. During her tenure with both US Treasury and DOD, Ladan advised various US Government senior-level staff on strategy and policy via briefings, reports, and presentations. She later lived in Dubai, UAE for two years to help open Grant Thornton’s government advisory offices there. She is now an independent consultant, focusing on anti-money laundering and terrorism finance issues, and is a part-time health coach, living in Washington, DC. She is also writing a novel based on her experiences.