Patriots’ Owner Pushes for a German Debut

Before joining the private equity firm New 2nd Capital, accounting professional Kate Merli had a diverse career in venture capital, tax and SEC compliance, and valuation. Kate Merli spent more than a decade in the Boston area, graduating with a BS and MS from Bentley College. After graduating she worked for several Boston-based accounting firms, and is fan of the region's National Football League (NFL) team, the New England Patriots. 

Patriots’ owner Robert Kraft hopes that worldwide interest in the NFL will grow as football teams play more games abroad. Since 2007, the NFL has held games in international venues in London and more recently in Mexico. 

In an interview with a German magazine, Kraft expressed his desire for the Patriots to be the first NFL team to play on German soil, possibly in Berlin. In 2015, 6.6 million Germans identified themselves as American football fans, more than the number of fans in the United Kingdom. Kraft has also discussed the possibility of overseas games in France, China, Brazil, and Canada.

NYJL Offers Job-training Support through Steps to Success Committee

A former controller for venture firm Atlas Venture and Bentley College alumna, CFO Kate Merli has a diverse background in financial administration, accounting, and regulatory reporting. Outside of her professional duties, Kate Merli is involved with the New York Junior League (NYJL), one of the leading women-led nonprofit organizations in the country.

The NYJL was founded more than a century ago by college student Mary Harriman, who was inspired to address the poverty she witnessed. Today, more than 2,800 NYJL members work alongside community-based partners to support underserved families and children. Members sit on over 30 committees dedicated to specific focus areas, including education, culture, and employment.

The NYJL Steps to Success committee coordinates with local organizations to increase economic empowerment through job-training workshops. These programs are targeted at several disenfranchised groups, including people facing homelessness and individuals of low-income. In partnership with homeless shelters and family centers, the committee provides job search support and occupational skills training.

The New York Junior League 2019 Winter Ball

The recipient of a master’s in accountancy from Bentley University, Kate Merli draws upon previous experience with companies such as KPMG in her role as chief financial officer at New 2nd Capital. Outside of her responsibilities with the New York-based private equity firm, Kate Merli dedicates herself to a range of philanthropic pursuits, including volunteering with the New York Junior League (NYJL).

One of the most important women’s volunteer organizations in New York City, NYJL has assisted underserved communities in the metropolitan area for more than 100 years. Today, nearly 3,000 NYJL volunteers offer their time, energy, and expertise to direct service projects and collaborative partnerships with more than 20 community organizations. To finance its initiatives, NYJL relies on funds raised through individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and events such as the annual Winter Ball.

The organization’s largest fundraising event, the Winter Ball brings together NYJL members and supporters to honor outstanding volunteers and celebrate the success of community initiatives. The NYJL 2019 Winter Ball will be held February 23 at Pier 60 at Chelsea Piers in Manhattan. In addition to honoring five of the organization’s most active volunteers of 2018, the event will feature both a silent and live auction as well as cocktails, dinner, and a reception.

A range of sponsorships are available for the 2019 Winter Ball. To learn more or to reserve tickets, visit www.nyjl.org/winter-ball.

SEC Launches FinHub

The chief financial officer of New 2nd Capital in New York City, Kate Merli has more than 10 years of experience in the private equity and financial services sector. As part of her work with New 2nd Capital, Kate Merli keeps abreast of news and developments at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Founded by the US Congress in response to the 1929 stock market crash and the ensuing Great Depression, the SEC has been regulating the securities industry since 1934. Today, the SEC is led by a group of five commissioners, with the commission chairman appointed by the US president. In addition to enforcing securities laws, issuing new rules and guidelines, and coordinating securities regulation with international governing bodies, the SEC plays an important role in developing rules and regulations for emerging financial technology.

In October 2018, the SEC announced the creation of a new resource, the Strategic Hub for Innovation and Financial Technology, known as FinHub. Hosted on the SEC website, FinHub provides a central location for members of the public, regulators, and securities industry professionals to give guidance and feedback regarding innovation in the securities sector. It will also serve as a clearinghouse for SEC announcements regarding working groups, proposed regulations, and newly created guidelines for the financial technology sector. 

For more information about FinHub, please visit www.sec.gov/finhub.