Caroline Pham on the American Dream
Until July 4th, the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream is showcasing U.S. citizens sharing their perspectives on what the 2026 American Dream means to them. Among those featured is Caroline Pham, who serves as the Chief Legal Officer at MoonPay and was formerly a Commissioner of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
Pham emphasizes that achieving the American Dream heavily relies on access to capital. After all, anyone can have a great idea, but the real challenge lies in turning that idea into reality. It often comes down to having an investor who believes in you—someone willing to provide that crucial initial funding, be it through seed rounds, venture capital, or angel investments.
Access to capital can also mean securing that first loan from a bank to launch a small business or hire employees. Every step toward achieving that dream involves credit and funding.
Financial markets exist to ensure there’s a flow of credit to those businesses and households that contribute to economic growth. Whether you’re involved in an industry like timber or gold, or if you’re managing a loan, the market offers the means to manage risks effectively.
What’s particularly remarkable about today’s financial landscape is the technology enabling deeper connections between individuals through mobile applications. With just a smartphone, people can conduct financial transactions and engage in virtual communities from virtually anywhere in the world.
Technology like blockchain and Web3 has made it possible to process financial transactions in a matter of seconds, which could be transformative for the digital economy.
However, there’s a crucial element that can’t be overlooked—financial literacy. In the U.S., important subjects like home economics and basic financial management have fallen by the wayside. Many people aren’t taught how to manage their accounts, navigate banks, or invest wisely. It seems essential that improving financial literacy will play a significant role in enhancing the prosperity and security of Americans.
The American Dream Video Project shares real stories that illuminate pathways to opportunity. This series is part of the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream’s celebration of America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The center is positioned as Washington, D.C.’s latest cultural institution, focused on interactive experiences that tell stories of achieving the American Dream.
