Derek Ferguson

Derek is the Chief Software Officer at Fitch, where he leads the development of software used by investors to identify opportunities and quantify risk. Fitch’s products have won 27 awards — and counting — in the last two years alone.

Derek also led the creation of the software systems that enable Sustainable Fitch, a groundbreaking platform that compiles granular and transparent ESG ratings for some 1,000 entities, helping investors make smarter decisions with their money. It won the ESG Research of the Year for Fixed Income award two years in a row.

Outside of software creation, Derek is the author of the bestselling Broadband Internet Access for Dummies, an expert in masterclasses hosted by GOTO Chicago, and a speaker at prestigious events — from JavaOne to TechEd and beyond.