Jennifer Newton, Esq.
Founder & CEO
As the Founder and CEO of the National Association of Black Compliance & Risk Management Professionals (NABCRMP), Jennifer is a nationally recognized leader in regulatory compliance, governance, and risk management. She launched NABCRMP with a clear mission: to create a vibrant, inclusive network that empowers Black professionals across compliance, legal, and risk functions. Under her leadership, NABCRMP has grown into a pivotal organization—championing diversity, equity, and excellence through targeted educational campaigns, cutting-edge training programs, and strategic industry partnerships.
Jennifer’s impact extends far beyond NABCRMP. Over the course of fifteen years, she has served as a trusted advisor to clients ranging from early-stage startups to global corporations. Her ability to navigate complex regulatory frameworks—both domestically and internationally—has made her an invaluable asset to businesses seeking to strengthen their legal, compliance, and governance strategies. Her counsel is always tailored, pragmatic, and rooted in a deep understanding of risk across sectors.
Determined to level the playing field for entrepreneurs, Jennifer also founded StartSmart Counsel, a modern legal practice focused on helping startups and small-to-midsize businesses launch and grow ethically and sustainably. Jennifer believes that economic inclusion begins with access—and that no founder should be priced out of high-quality legal and compliance support. Today, StartSmart Counsel stands as more than just a law firm—it is a strategic partner and advocate for the economic resilience of underrepresented founders and emerging companies.
In addition to leading two mission-driven organizations, Jennifer shares her expertise as an adjunct professor at Fordham University School of Law and lends her voice to national conversations as a frequent speaker at major conferences. Her insights have been featured in top-tier publications such as Compliance Week, Law360, American Banker, The Wall Street Journal, TechTarget and JDSupra. She has been named one of South Florida's Most Powerful and Influential Black Leaders by Legacy Magazine, and recognized by the National Black Lawyers as one of the “Top 40 Under 40” in Banking and Finance.
Jennifer was also recently appointed to serve on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee, where she advises on policies impacting emerging businesses and underserved entrepreneurs. In addition, she sits on the boards of several nonprofit organizations, including the Ten North Group and the Community Justice Project in Miami. Her unwavering dedication to building equitable systems—within organizations and across industries—continues to shape her leadership and impact.
She holds a Juris Doctor from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law and earned her Bachelor of Science degree with honors in Social Science and Sociology, with a concentration in Political Science, as a double major.
