Who: Elizabeth Warren, Assistant to the President

How she fiercely influenced finance: Following the financial crisis, the Harvard Law School Professor became Chair of the Congressional Oversight Panel, and leads the investigation of the $700 billion U.S. banking bailout.

Her chairmanship, as well as her bankruptcy law work, was commended by Time, which named Warren one of the 100 Most Influential People in 2010. According to the magazine, Warren is one of the "Thinkers" who most affect our world, for the second year running.

Warren is also credited with proposing a new and independent consumer watchdog for financial products and services. Her wish was granted when she recently was appointed as the special adviser responsible for setting up the newly-instated Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

The Oklahoma native was also recognized as one of "The Decade's Most Influential Lawyers" by The National Law Journal for her accomplishments in legal education.

What's next: As part of Warren's position as special advisor, she must recommend a director to govern the new agency. Yet, it remains unclear whether Warren herself will be considered for the job.

Luckily Warren still has time to fully establish the agency, as consumer financial protection functions held by other federal agencies won't officially transfer to the CFPB until July 21, 2011.