Who: Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee

How he fiercely influenced finance in 2010: Christopher Dodd, Connecticut's longest-serving senator, was recognized as one of the year's most influential people in corporate governance by the National Association of Corporate Directors. The outgoing chairman of the Senate Banking Committee championed the reform bill designed to overhaul the financial services industry, attaching his name to the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

In particular, Dodd sponsored a bill that created the Consumer Financial Protection Agency, giving the office the authority to regulate a range of consumer financial services, such as online banking, credit unions and mortgages.

Although he acknowledged that the legislation was not perfect at this year's SIFMA conference, Dodd said it ended "too big to fail," increased market transparency and enhanced investor protection by strengthening SEC authority and empowering shareholders. Dodd also said the reform law enables qualified regulators, not congressmen, to create the new financial rules, according to Housing Wire.

What's next: Dodd has retired from the Senate and will be replaced by DemocraticSen. Richard Blumenthal. His chairman position will be filled by Sen. Tim Johnson (D-S.D.). Before leaving the Hill, Dodd advised fellow Congressmen to not repeal portions of the reform law to give consumers the confidence they need, noted Housing Wire. Dodd said he believes strong decision-making and strong regulations will advance the financial services industry.

"It has scarcely been three months since the President signed the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act into law, but I am pleased to report that the process of implementation is moving swiftly and efficiently," he told the SIFMA audience. "The next Congress has the responsibility to hold regular oversight hearings and keep the regulators on their toes," he added.