Ajay K. Amlani is President and CEO of Aware, Inc., where he leads innovation in biometric authentication, identity verification, and security solutions for global financial institutions and government agencies. A recognized leader in identity and defense technology, Ajay brings more than two decades of experience advancing the future of secure digital transactions. 

He co-founded and invented CLEAR, which now serves over 12 million members across 43 airports, and founded YOU Technology, a mobile-first retail loyalty platform acquired by Kroger. His leadership roles at iProov, IDEMIA, General Motors, PwC, and Baxter International reflect his breadth of expertise across industries. Ajay also served as a White House Fellow and Senior Policy Advisor at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, where he spearheaded biometric security initiatives. He later helped launch the Department of Defense’s Defense Innovation Unit, focused on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. 

With deep experience in both the public and private sectors, Ajay offers a unique perspective on how technology, regulation, and market forces intersect to shape trust, identity, and financial innovation. He is also an advisory council member of the Women’s Coaching Alliance, supporting leadership development and equity.