Chief Compliance Officer Joins Ascensus

Phillip Gillespie has joined Ascensus as its new chief legal, risk and compliance officer. Gillespie reports to Ascensus Chair and CEO David Musto and is based in the company’s Newton, Mass. office.

“Against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving legal, risk, and regulatory environment for tax-advantaged savings, we are very pleased to have Phil join our team,” said Musto. “Ascensus is a market leader with a track record of success for clients while operating in a highly controlled, secure manner. With our strong growth trajectory requiring focus on technology, client experience, and AI, Phil’s more than 30 years of experience as a general counsel and commercial business partner, in private practice and as a regulator, make him a perfect fit for the opportunities ahead.”

Gillespie most recently served as senior counsel in the Investment Management and Securities Practice Group of Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr in Boston, Mass. Previously, he was EVP and general counsel for State Street Global Advisors, with responsibility for the global legal affairs of State Street Corporation’s asset management arm. Prior to State Street, Gillespie held legal function leadership roles with Oppenheimer Funds, Merrill Lynch Investment Managers, and Chancellor LGT Asset Management.

Earlier in his career, he served as a senior counsel with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, as an associate with Perkins Coie, and on the staff of the U.S. Court of Appeals.

After earning his bachelor’s degree in Foreign Services from Georgetown University, Gillespie was awarded his juris doctor degree from Tulane Law School. He has served as an adjunct professor at Boston University Law School in the institution’s program for Banking and Financial Services since 2020.

Gillespie succeeds Joe Dansky, who earlier in 2024 shared his plans to leave Ascensus to pursue new career opportunities. Dansky will remain with Ascensus until early May to support the leadership transition.