Kirsten Trusko
Co-Founder | Banking, Capital Markets & Strategic Finance

With more than two decades of executive leadership in financial technology, payments, banking, and digital innovation, Kirsten Trusko has built her career at the intersection of finance, technology, and economic resilience. She is widely recognized for advancing innovative financial solutions that improve access to capital, strengthen communities, and modernize payment ecosystems.

As Chief Executive Officer of Payments as a Lifeline (PaaL), Kirsten leads a coalition of fintech companies, financial institutions, government agencies, and private-sector partners working to ensure financial services remain accessible before, during, and after disasters. Under her leadership, PaaL has become a nationally recognized initiative driving financial resilience and accelerating collaboration across the public and private sectors.

Throughout her career, Kirsten has advised Fortune 500 companies, startups, nonprofit organizations, and government leaders on financial innovation, digital payments, blockchain technologies, anti-money laundering (AML), digital assets, regulatory strategy, and emerging financial technologies. She has testified before the United States Congress and serves on the Board Advisory for the Federal Reserve's Faster Payments Council, helping shape the future of secure and accessible financial infrastructure.

Recognized by Money20/20 as a "FinTech Superhero," Kirsten is known for championing ethical, transparent, and data-driven financial innovation that delivers greater security, accessibility, and financial inclusion.

Her areas of expertise include:

  • Banking and capital markets

  • Financial technology (FinTech)

  • Payments and digital commerce

  • Capital formation and investor relations

  • Blockchain and digital assets

  • Regulatory strategy and compliance

  • Public-private partnerships

  • Strategic leadership and organizational development

As Partner for Banking, Capital Markets & Strategic Finance at High Desert Music Hotel, Kirsten provides leadership in investment strategy, capital formation, financial partnerships, and institutional relationships. Her experience connecting investors, financial institutions, and strategic partners helps position High Desert Music Hotel for responsible growth while supporting its vision of becoming a world-class destination that celebrates music, culture, hospitality, and the enduring spirit of Northern New Mexico.