Peggy Sally Claire Reed, 69, born on May 1, 1956, in Pasadena, California, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2025, in West Orange, New Jersey. Peggy lived a life defined by ambition, brilliance, and fierce independence. She was a powerhouse in every sense of the word: a visionary entrepreneur, a pioneer in finance, and a woman who refused to be anything less than extraordinary.

Peggy built her career at a time when women in finance were few and far between. Long before it was common to see women in leadership roles in trading and foreign exchange, Peggy was already breaking barriers with grit, intelligence, and an unwavering drive. She became one of the first female figures to rise through the male-dominated currency trading world, helping overturn the industry’s “boys’ club” reputation. Her role in reshaping that landscape was even highlighted in a 2016 Bloomberg feature on the rise of women in currency markets.

Over the course of her remarkable career, Peggy held leadership positions at some of the world’s most respected financial institutions, including Bank of America, Standard Chartered Bank, Barclays Bank, and American International Group (AIG). She also brought her expertise to the tech-driven side of the financial industry with key roles at Hotspot FXi and Lava Trading, where she helped integrate new technologies into the evolving trading ecosystem.

She lived as she worked, with intensity and passion. Peggy was never one to sit quietly on the sidelines. She believed in making things happen, standing her ground, and seizing opportunity. Those who knew her often described her as unstoppable, outspoken, and absolutely unforgettable. She brought fire to every room she entered, matched by a sharp intellect and a fearless heart.

Beyond her professional achievements, Peggy was deeply devoted to her family. She is survived by her loving husband, Bob Alvarado, and her four children, Sean, Austin, Reed, and Kellyann Alvarado, who carry forward her spirit and strength. She also leaves behind her beloved sisters, Nancy O'Kelly and Lorey Spohr, who stood beside her through the many chapters of her life.

Peggy’s journey took her from the foothills of Southern California to the fast-paced world of New York, Europe, Asia, and everywhere in between - her presence and friendships were global. But wherever she was, she lived with purpose and courage. She challenged norms, elevated those around her, and never backed down from a fight worth having.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Cathedral Parish of St. Francis of Assisi, in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, followed by a celebration of life at Tavern 73 73 US-46, Pine Brook, NJ 07058 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.

Peggy Reed was not a wallflower. She was a force of nature who lived out loud, loved deeply, and changed the world in her own bold way. Her impact endures, and her story continues through all who were inspired by her.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

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