Dubbed by American Banker as "the sharpest mind analyzing banking policy today--maybe ever," KAREN PETROU is one of the most influential experts on financial policy and regulation in the world. She is cofounder and Managing Partner of Federal Financial Analytics, a consulting firm that provides analysis and advisory services on legislative, regulatory, and public-policy issues. Known for nonpartisan analysis, Petrou has testified before many U.S. government agencies. She is frequently interviewed for expert commentary and her work has been featured in the Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, American Banker, and Marketplace. Recently, Petrou has been featured for her pro bono work developing a new financial instrument to speed treatments and cures for disabilities and diseases, starting with those that cause severe vision impairment. Karen lives in Washington D.C. with her husband Basil and guide dog, Zuni.