The Power of Community, A Legacy of Leadership

As the 2026 SIFMA C&L Annual Seminar approaches, we spoke with Seminar Chair Mark Seffinger about carrying forward a more than 50-year legacy—and how the C&L community is preparing for the future.

You’ve said that “SIFMA C&L is where you see leadership and community in action.” When you think about the C&L Annual Seminar, what moments or experiences best bring that idea to life for you?

Leadership, to me, is multi-faceted—and the C&L Annual Seminar brings that to life in a very tangible way.

Each year, industry leaders commit significant time beyond their day-to-day responsibilities to shape a program that is rigorous, relevant, and forward-looking. That dedication to continuous learning, moving the needle, and advancing the profession epitomizes leadership in action.

Community is also reflected in our affinity programming – whether it’s the Women’s Lunch, LGBTQ+ gatherings, or events for future leaders. These moments shine a spotlight on different communities within the larger C&L ecosystem and reinforce that everyone should feel welcome and have a home here at SIFMA. Inclusivity strengthens our entire profession.

You’ve noted that you’ve learned from every leader who came before you. What lessons from past C&L Chairs or mentors have most shaped your own approach to leadership?

As I reflect on my 30+ years in the industry, the individuals who have had the greatest impact on me were predominantly deeply engaged with SIFMA. I may have only fully realized that recently, but it doesn’t surprise me. They were exceptional practitioners who also set a powerful example: leadership extends beyond your own firm. It means contributing and giving back to the industry as a whole—i.e., working with regulators, advancing shared initiatives, and thinking collectively. Because I began my career in that environment, this perspective has always been second nature and felt like an essential part of the job.

Looking ahead to the 2026 program, what conversations do you believe will be especially meaningful for senior compliance and legal leaders?

The 2026 theme – The Power of Community, A Legacy of Leadership – reflects both continuity and evolution. This year, we were very intentional about ensuring the program is not only relevant to today’s regulatory environment, but also firmly focused on where the industry is headed next.

Artificial intelligence, for example, is woven throughout the agenda—from our featured speaker, Zack Kass, to panels exploring AI’s impact on firms and discussions around new and emerging products, both within and adjacent to our industry. We’ll still cover the essential “need-to-know” topics, but we are equally focused on being forward-looking and helping leaders prepare for what’s ahead.

For first-time attendees or rising professionals, what do you hope they experience—or take away—from being part of the C&L Annual Seminar?

Beyond the learning and continuing education, one of the greatest benefits is the opportunity for attendees to build or reconnect with their network. Not everyone can participate in committees or executive councils, but the Seminar brings people together from across the industry to form new relationships and strengthen existing ones. You will certainly leave with an expanded network – people you can call to pressure-test ideas, whiteboard challenges, or get a quick temperature check. That’s invaluable.

Importantly, those of us who have been in the industry for some time have a responsibility to pass this community onto the next generation. We’ve built something sustainable at SIFMA C&L, and it’s incumbent upon us to ensure future leaders are prepared, engaged, and ready to take the baton. I want to feel confident that SIFMA, and the compliance and legal profession, are in excellent hands.

When attendees leave the 2026 C&L Annual Seminar, what do you hope they say about the experience—and about the strength of this community?

My goal is for attendees to say that the conversations had were meaningful, the programming was interesting and forward-looking, and the connections they made will continue well beyond the Seminar. Above all, I hope they feel the strength of this community and that, together, we are all part of something greater.

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Mark Seffinger is Chief Compliance Officer, SoFi Securities LLC, and Chair of the 2026 C&L Annual Seminar.