Tonia Bottoms

Tonia Bottoms is a dynamic leader who serves as a Senior Director and Senior Managing Counsel specializing in retirement plans and financial products, providing strategic guidance and oversight to ensure compliance and drive innovation. Tonia’s expertise in regulatory and legislative matters positions her as a trusted advisor within the industry.
In her role as a belonging and inclusion advocate, Tonia champions initiatives that elevate employee experiences, advance inclusive leadership, and foster supplier diversity. She is dedicated to creating opportunities for the next generation of talent and implementing meaningful changes that impact underrepresented populations.Tonia has served in a variety of leadership roles within BNY’s employee resource groups, including as Global Co-Chair of IMPACT, chair of IMPACT’s Black Leadership Forum and co-chair of Women’s Initiative Network Jersey City chapter. She’s been recognized as a three-time 100 Ethnic Minority Executive on Empower’s Role Model list, a 2022 Most Influential Black Lawyer by Savoy Magazine, a “CUP 2022 Finance Catalyst” by the Council of Urban Professionals and a 2024 SIFMA Compliance & Legal Society DEI Advocate.
Tonia is a sought-after speaker at industry conferences and events. She has delivered keynote addresses and participated in panel discussions on topics such as diversity and inclusion, regulatory compliance, and financial innovation. Her recent speaking engagements include the SIFMA Compliance & Legal Annual Conference, SIFMA D&I Summit, the Women in Finance Summit, and the Global Diversity Leadership Conference.
Beyond her professional achievements, Tonia is a dedicated board member of the Girl Scouts of Nassau County and the Money Management Institute Gateway Foundation. She is also a past Co-Chair of the SIFMA Retirement and Education Savings Committee and a former board member of the American Red Cross (Greater NY Region).

Tonia holds Bachelor of Science in Finance and Juris Doctorate degrees from the University of Maryland.