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Biography

Edward A. Mermelstein has built a distinguished career at the intersection of investment, policy, and execution. Trained as a lawyer and operating as a strategist, he has represented investors, family offices, and institutions across multiple economic cycles, with a focus on capital deployment, regulatory navigation, and large-scale project delivery.

From 2022 to 2025, Edward served as the Commissioner for International Affairs for the City of New York, where he led the city’s diplomatic and global engagement strategy. In this capacity, he worked directly with municipal leadership, the international diplomatic corps, and global business leaders to translate shared priorities into actionable partnerships that strengthened New York’s role as a global hub. His tenure underscored his ability to connect public policy with private sector execution, positioning the city as a trusted partner in global problem-solving.

Previously, Edward founded and led law and investment advisory platforms focused on cross-border capital and real assets, supporting clients across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. His entrepreneurial leadership has enabled international investors to access U.S. markets, navigate complex legal frameworks, and structure long-term strategies for wealth preservation and growth.

Edward’s expertise has been widely recognized in leading outlets including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Financial Times, CNBC, and Forbes, where he is frequently cited on topics ranging from foreign direct investment and real estate trends to international policy and regulatory issues.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Edward is deeply engaged in philanthropy and civic leadership. He has served in leadership or advisory roles with organizations such as UNDC, UJA, COJECO, the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), ZAKA, and the NYU Board of Overseers, reflecting his commitment to strengthening cultural ties, humanitarian response, and educational advancement.

A personal story of resilience and determination, Edward immigrated from Ukraine with his family in 1976. He earned a B.A. from New York University and a J.D. from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School. Fluent in both English and Russian, he moves easily between cultures and perspectives, a quality that has made him especially effective as a bridge between global investors, policymakers, and civic institutions.

Today, Edward continues to bring together diplomacy, investment and law to build practical solutions that create long-term value for governments, companies, and family offices worldwide.

Credentials:

• Media appearances in CNBC, Fox Business, Reuters, Forbes

• Recognition: “Top 10 most influential figures in NYC real estate”

• Legal and investment firm history: Rheem Bell & Mermelstein, One & Only holdings

Popular Talks:

Global Cities and Diplomacy: Building Bridges Between Municipal Leadership and International Partners
Exploring how cities like New York shape international engagement and foster global cooperation through diplomacy at the local level.

Cross-Border Investment: Navigating Legal, Political, and Cultural Complexities
Insights into managing capital flows across jurisdictions while balancing opportunity, regulation, and cultural nuance.

The Future of Urban Development: Investment, Policy, and Community Impact
Examining how foreign direct investment and strategic planning can create sustainable, long-term value for cities.

Crisis and Opportunity: Lessons from Leading New York’s International Affairs Office (2022–2025)
Reflections on transforming global disruptions into actionable partnerships that benefit both governments and investors.

Philanthropy and Civic Leadership: Strengthening Communities Through Global Engagement
How philanthropic platforms and civic institutions can serve as engines of resilience and bridge diverse communities.

From Ukraine to New York: A Personal Journey of Resilience, Leadership, and Global Perspective
Edward shares his personal immigrant story, lessons in leadership, and perspective on international relations.