Modern organic synthesis depends heavily on the use of catalysts for selective transformations. We have discovered a class of synthetic peptides that catalyze a number of enantioselective and regioselective reactions. This presentation will describe the discovery and use of peptides containing proteinogenic and non-natural amino acids for a variety of asymmetric bond formations. The connections between peptide sequence and stereoselectivity will be explored in a range of mechanistically distinct reactions. Prospects for generalizations and eventual design of catalysts from first principles will be evaluated. The presentation will also discuss potential analogies to enzymes.