Lee Saba: Leading Financial Technology Innovation

As CTO & Head of Market Structure at Rialto Markets, Lee E. Saba leverages over 20 years of financial services experience to revolutionize private markets through cutting-edge technology solutions. His leadership spans tokenization of assets, next-generation transfer agent services, and private credit platform development—all designed to democratize capital access.

With deep expertise in market dynamics and technology integration, Lee co-chairs the FIX Trading Community’s Global Steering Committee and serves on its Board of Directors, where he shapes global standards for electronic trading across multiple asset classes. Previously, as Managing Director at Wellington Management, he spearheaded multi-asset electronic trading infrastructure and blockchain innovation initiatives.

Lee Saba: Leading Financial Technology Innovation

As CTO & Head of Market Structure at Rialto Markets, Lee E. Saba leverages over 20 years of financial services experience to revolutionize private markets through cutting-edge technology solutions. His leadership spans tokenization of assets, next-generation transfer agent services, and private credit platform development—all designed to democratize capital access.

With deep expertise in market dynamics and technology integration, Lee co-chairs the FIX Trading Community’s Global Steering Committee and serves on its Board of Directors, where he shapes global standards for electronic trading across multiple asset classes. Previously, as Managing Director at Wellington Management, he spearheaded multi-asset electronic trading infrastructure and blockchain innovation initiatives.

Building a Distinguished Financial Career

Wellington Management (2002-2019)

Progressed from Trading Systems Analyst to Managing Director, leading multi-asset electronic trading infrastructure and blockchain innovation initiatives.

Rialto Markets (2019-Present)

As CTO & Head of Market Structure, leads technology development for innovative private market solutions including asset tokenization and digital securities trading.

FIX Trading Community (2009-Present)

Served as Chair of Buy Side Working Group before advancing to Co-Chair of Global Steering Committee, shaping worldwide electronic trading standards.

Northeastern University (2016-2019)

Originated FinTech curriculum and served as guest lecturer while also advising the university’s student-led Impact Investing initiative.

Wellington Management (2002-2019)

Progressed from Trading Systems Analyst to Managing Director, leading multi-asset electronic trading infrastructure and blockchain innovation initiatives.

FIX Trading Community (2009-Present)

Served as Chair of Buy Side Working Group before advancing to Co-Chair of Global Steering Committee, shaping worldwide electronic trading standards.

Rialto Markets (2019-Present)

As CTO & Head of Market Structure, leads technology development for innovative private market solutions including asset tokenization and digital securities trading.

Northeastern University (2016-2019)

Originated FinTech curriculum and served as guest lecturer while also advising the university’s student-led Impact Investing initiative.

 

Lee’s impressive career trajectory demonstrates both technical expertise and leadership capabilities. At Wellington Management, he rose through multiple positions over 17 years, ultimately becoming Managing Director where he chaired the IT FinTech Working Group—researching blockchain technology and digital assets that would later inform his work at Rialto Markets.

Transforming Private Markets Through Technology

Democratized Access

Rialto has opened private capital markets to more investors nationwide through innovative fintech and regulatory paths like Reg A+, Reg CF, and Reg D.

Regulatory Compliance

Led the creation of Rialto’s regulatory infrastructure, securing FINRA membership and SEC registration to ensure compliant offerings and investor trust.

Technological Innovation

Helped Rialto engineer advanced platforms supporting both primary issuance and secondary trading of private securities-including digital asset securities.

Tokenized Economy

Oversaw the building and deployment of advanced infrastructure enabling seamless, compliant transactions across the full lifecycle of tokenized assets.

Expertise & Leadership Impact

Industry Leadership

Co-chairs the FIX Trading Community's Global Steering Committee, developing standards for electronic trading and connectivity across multiple asset classes.

Educational Advancement

Pioneered FinTech curriculum development at Northeastern University, preparing students for careers in financial services through exposure to existing and emerging technologies.

Team Building

Leverages strong leadership and social influence skills to build high-performing technical and business teams that deliver innovative financial solutions.

Throughout his career, Lee has demonstrated exceptional ability to bridge technical innovation and practical business applications. His expertise extends beyond development to encompass regulatory compliance, market structure, and strategic leadership—skills essential for navigating the complex intersection of finance and technology.

As an industry advisor and mentor, Lee remains committed to fostering the next generation of financial technology professionals. His work continues to focus on democratizing access to capital and investment opportunities, creating a more inclusive financial ecosystem through thoughtful application of technology and market structure innovation.