UPDATE: Business Insider has just announced its highly anticipated list of the 2025 Rising Stars of Wall Street, featuring young finance professionals who are already reshaping the industry landscape. This year’s roster showcases 25 standout individuals under the age of 35, hailing from top firms like JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, and BlackRock. These emerging leaders are making waves in sectors from private equity to cutting-edge technology transactions.
The annual selection process involved nominations from industry insiders, with final choices made by Business Insider’s editorial team. The talent on this list reflects the dynamic shifts currently occurring within the financial sector, characterized by a surge in deal activity. After a rocky start to the year marked by geopolitical tensions and recession fears, dealmaking is back on track, with bankers and private equity investors driving significant IPOs and mergers.
Among the rising stars, Jack Levendoski, an executive director at JPMorgan Chase, stands out for his involvement in monumental deals, including Palo Alto Networks’ $25 billion acquisition of CyberArk. He emphasizes the revitalized market, stating, “The market now feels extremely busy.” His impressive portfolio includes a role in Twitter’s $44 billion sale to Elon Musk.
Another highlight is Mary-Grace Papatheodorou of Morgan Stanley, who has managed some of the year’s highest-profile IPOs. With a knack for negotiation, she has rapidly ascended to managing director, crafting successful equity syndicates for companies like Figma and Chime. Amidst her demanding role, she embraces the pressures, recently balancing work and maternity leave after welcoming her first child.
The sports finance sector is represented by Lamar Cardinez of Blue Owl Capital, who has turned his childhood dreams into a career by investing in sports teams. His pivotal role in the $4 billion sale of the Phoenix Suns showcases his unique blend of operational knowledge and financial expertise.
Emerging trends in finance are also spotlighted. Private infrastructure investments have surged, with Aman Mittal from Moelis & Company leading efforts in the data center sector, advising on over $25 billion in transactions. Meanwhile, Madelaine O’Connell at HPS, part of BlackRock, is innovating in private credit, developing customized loan solutions that cater to investment-grade companies.
As these rising stars navigate the financial landscape, they represent not only their firms but the future of an industry undergoing rapid transformation. The collective impact of their work is poised to reshape how finance operates, particularly in the wake of significant global challenges.
The announcement of the 2025 Rising Stars of Wall Street serves as a crucial reminder of the fresh talent infusing energy and innovation into one of the world’s most competitive industries. As these professionals continue to make their mark, their influence will undoubtedly extend far beyond the confines of Wall Street.
Stay tuned for further updates as these rising stars embark on their promising careers, driving the next era of finance.