Mr. Trump has named 16 business leaders to serve on what's being called the President's Strategic and Policy Forum, described as a group meant to guide his administration on economic matters.

The list is notable for leaning toward New York executives and industries — finance in particular. The list echoes Mr. Trump's picks for a number of major economic positions, including Treasury secretary (the former Goldman Sachs partner and hedge fund manager Steven T. Mnuchin) and commerce secretary (the billionaire investor Wilbur L. Ross).

Given his long experience as a New York real estate investor, Mr. Trump's selections may not come as a surprise.

"Donald comes from the financial services world. I think he tends to pick people who he's comfortable with," Stephen A. Schwarzman, the co-founder and chief executive of the Blackstone Group, who is leading the forum effort, told CNBC Friday afternoon.