Title: CEO
Firm: MuniPro
Age: 34
Bringing digital transformation to the municipal bond market is a long way from becoming a doctor, but William Kim's career path has taken him from a short internship at Jacobi Hospital in the Bronx to Wall Street, focusing on the tech side of the financial industry.
"I traded in my labor and delivery scrubs for a career in finance when I had an incredible opportunity to intern at Merrill Lynch as a 16-year-old senior at Stuyvesant High School," Will recalled.
After 12 years as a banker at Merrill and later Wells Fargo, he started MuniPro in 2018, a one-stop shop for issuer information, market data and analytical tools.
"I still work with bankers, advisors and issuers, but now it's on the tech side of the muni market," Will said, adding that he uses the latest technology and artificial intelligence solutions for financial planning, debt management and bond analytics.
Will feels his career benefited from internships, training and mentors over the years.
"I was never part of a formal training program at any firm, but I learned from others," he said. "I am indebted to all the folks who helped me along the way," including Ed Stasen, Ed Curland, Ed Sisk, Art Gorman, David Stephens, Spencer Coker, Rick Molke and many other mentors, he said.
"I loved being a banker and it gave me the foundation to start MuniPro and get things done for my incredible clients," he added.
A New York native, Will lives in Times Square with his wife, Catherine, and their 10-month-old son, Henry.
When he is not working, he enjoys preparing sushi dinners for his family and traveling.
He graduated with honors from McGill University in Montreal with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and finance.
Will's 17 years of experience in the municipal market sets him apart, according to former colleague Craig Hrinkevich, who worked with Will at Wells Fargo where he spent nearly seven years as a public power banker.
"He has become a leader in integrating technology to help create a more efficient marketplace and an innovator who is driving the digital transformation in the municipal market," he said.
"Will uses his extensive knowledge of artificial intelligence to build products that are second-to-none," Hrinkevich continued. "He ensures that his clients — buy side, sell side, issuers and investors — achieve exceptional outcomes."
