HarborOne Bancorp, Inc., the parent company of HarborOne Bank, has announced that Inez Friedman-Boyce has been named one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in Banking by Women We Admire. This prestigious recognition celebrates Friedman-Boyce’s outstanding contributions to the banking industry, her expertise, and her unwavering commitment to ethical practices in the sector. Friedman-Boyce serves as Executive Vice President (EVP), Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary at HarborOne Bank, as well as Chief Legal Officer for HarborOne Bancorp, Inc. In these roles, she leads the Legal and Compliance functions and provides strategic legal counsel to the Board of Directors and senior management.
As Chief Legal Officer, Friedman-Boyce is responsible for overseeing the bank’s legal and compliance frameworks, including SEC reporting, corporate governance, and the negotiation of key contracts. Her responsibilities also extend to handling regulatory applications, managing regulatory examinations, and overseeing litigation and other disputes that may arise. Her work ensures that HarborOne Bank operates smoothly, within legal boundaries, and maintains its high ethical standards.
“Friedman-Boyce has played an instrumental role in the growth and success of HarborOne Bank,” said Joseph F. Casey, President and CEO of HarborOne Bank. “Her leadership, expertise, and dedication to upholding the highest legal and ethical standards have been invaluable to our organization. On behalf of the leadership team and Board of Directors of HarborOne, I extend my sincere congratulations to Inez for this well-deserved recognition.”
Friedman-Boyce’s role extends beyond legal affairs, as she also oversees HarborOne’s Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) program. Under her guidance, HarborOne Bank has earned multiple consecutive “Outstanding” ratings from federal and state regulators, an achievement that places the bank among a select group of institutions excelling at meeting the credit needs of their local communities. She believes that community service is a critical aspect of both community banking and enhancing shareholder value, underscoring her commitment to improving the lives of people in the areas HarborOne serves.
Outside of HarborOne, Friedman-Boyce is deeply involved in social justice initiatives. She serves as the president and co-chair of Lawyers for Civil Rights, an organization dedicated to promoting racial equity and social justice in Greater Boston and the Gateway Cities of Massachusetts. Through this leadership, Friedman-Boyce has contributed to advancing legal and policy reforms aimed at creating a more equitable society. Additionally, she sits on the boards of OneGoal Massachusetts, a non-profit focused on providing first-generation college students with the support they need to succeed, and the Providence Performing Arts Center, where she helps guide the cultural landscape of the community.
Friedman-Boyce joined HarborOne in 2019, bringing with her more than 25 years of experience in private legal practice, including 15 years as a partner at Goodwin Procter, where she was a key member of the Financial Institutions and Litigation groups. Her career in private practice saw her advising corporate boards and management teams in banking, financial services, and fintech industries. Her legal expertise made her a trusted advisor to major players in the industry, and she has become a sought-after commentator and thought leader. She has contributed as an author, panelist, and moderator at various publications and organizations, further cementing her standing as an industry expert.
Friedman-Boyce holds a B.A. from Amherst College and a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center, where she graduated with honors. Her academic background, combined with her extensive professional experience, has positioned her as a leader in both legal and banking sectors, making her well-suited for her current role at HarborOne Bank.
As a key executive, Friedman-Boyce has helped shape HarborOne’s strategic direction while ensuring its operations comply with evolving regulations. Her leadership has been instrumental in the bank’s growth and its commitment to making a positive impact on the communities it serves. The recognition from Women We Admire highlights not only her professional success but also her dedication to improving the banking industry and fostering positive change.
