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Hi, fintech fam! 💜

"Power is making things happen without asking for permission."

This quote from the one and only Beyoncé has always struck a chord with me, especially when I think about building Fintech Is Femme.

When I left the traditional 9-5 to dive into entrepreneurship, it was the first time I truly embraced this mantra. I stopped asking for permission and started forging my own path.

How did I do it? By owning my story and crafting a powerful content strategy.

Now, I’m bringing together 25 incredible speakers at the Fintech Is Femme Creator Summit to help you build your story, too—and to connect you with some of the top fintech, media, and content storytellers in the industry.

Join us on September 9. Save your spot here!

Now, let's dive into the latest news!

UPGRADE TO BECOME A FINTECH FEMINIST

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For just $50, becoming a premium member means you’re not just supporting female-led journalism—you’re fueling a movement. Your support transforms Fintech Is Femme from a newsletter into a thriving media empire and community where women connect, learn, and uplift one another.

We are also working on special perks for premium members, including exclusive access to invite-only events, input on content direction, public speaking, and personal branding coaching!

Join us in making a powerful impact. Thank you for championing women in fintech!

#TRENDING

What’s Up In Fintech

Every Thursday, I deliver the hottest fintech news and trends, keeping you updated with the most essential insights impacting the industry.

#1 Fintech and the Creator Economy: The Opportunity You Can’t Ignore

The creator economy is finally getting the recognition it deserves.

No longer a niche hobby or a side gig, this booming industry is shaping up to be a major force in the global economy, and the world is taking notice.

Just recently, the White House hosted its first-ever Creator Economy Conference, where President Joe Biden acknowledged the massive potential of this new economic frontier.

That’s right—the President of the United States is paying attention to what creators are doing, and that’s a big deal.

So, what exactly is the creator economy? Simply put, it’s an entire ecosystem built around independent digital content creators—think YouTubers, TikTok stars, bloggers, and influencers who are making a living by sharing their passions with the world.

This economy is already valued in the billions and is projected to hit half a trillion dollars by 2027. In 2022 alone, Goldman Sachs estimated the creator economy reached a whopping $250 billion. That’s one of the fastest-growing segments of the global economy, driven by more than 165 million creators who’ve jumped on board since 2020, according to Adobe's "Future of Creativity" study.

But the reality is that you don’t need to be a typical content creator to participate in the creator economy.

We are all part of this ecosystem—from the influencers we know to their teams, communities, and the businesses and platforms built around their content. This diversity is also reflected in the wide range of creators involved—not just your typical content creators, but also founders, investors, data scientists, educators, community builders, and C-suite executives.

They’re all harnessing the power of content to drive business growth.

Why It Matters

But here’s the thing: while the creator economy is growing at breakneck speed, the financial world hasn’t quite kept up.

Traditional banks and financial services are often not built to support creators, who typically operate as solopreneurs or small businesses.

These creators have unique financial needs and challenges, like irregular income streams and the lack of conventional financial documentation, making accessing traditional banking products, loans, and credit services tough.

That’s where fintech steps in, offering tailor-made solutions that make life easier for creators.

Let’s talk about one of the biggest headaches creators face—getting paid.

If you’re a creator, you know how frustrating it can be to deal with the traditional invoicing and payment processes. You have to onboard as a vendor with your clients, send out invoices, and then sit around waiting—sometimes for up to 90 days—to get paid. And let’s not even get started on those high transaction fees that eat into your earnings. It’s a major pain, especially in an industry where cash flow is king.

Thankfully, fintech companies are stepping up to solve this problem. Take Wave HQ, for example. It’s an all-in-one financial management platform designed specifically with creators in mind.

Wave makes it super easy to send out professional invoices, receive payments quickly, and manage your bookkeeping—all in one place. It even sends automated payment reminders and allows users to accept credit card payments, which means less hassle and faster payments. These financial tools are game-changers for creators and small business owners.

Another area where traditional banks fall short is in meeting the banking needs of creators. Many creators find themselves stuck using personal accounts for their business expenses because they can’t meet the strict Know Your Business (KYB) requirements imposed by traditional banks.

This not only makes financial management more complicated but also limits their access to business credit and other essential financial products.

There’s also Karat, a fintech company that’s rewriting the rules for issuing business credit cards. Instead of relying on traditional credit scores, Karat looks at non-traditional metrics like social media engagement to determine creditworthiness.

Let’s be real—like any other business, creators need access to capital to grow.

But because traditional financial institutions don’t always understand the unique aspects of the creator economy, getting a loan can feel like an uphill battle. Luckily, fintech companies are starting to fill this gap with financing options that make sense for creators.

Platforms like OnlyFans, for example, provide a steady income stream by allowing creators to monetize their content directly from fans. With over 2 million creators on board, OnlyFans has built a robust payment network that supports creators around the globe, handling transactions in multiple currencies with ease. This level of financial infrastructure is crucial for creators who rely on consistent, reliable income to sustain and grow their businesses.

In a nutshell, the creator economy is a rapidly growing market with huge, untapped financial needs.

As more people join this vibrant community, the role of fintech will become increasingly important. Fintech has the chance to redefine how creators manage their money, access capital, and scale their businesses.

As President Biden pointed out, more people are interested in becoming creators than ever before, and this trend is only going to accelerate.

For those in the fintech industry, this is a golden opportunity to innovate and make a real impact. The creator economy is here to stay, and the smart money is on those who help it thrive.

#2 Why Kamala Harris Could Be Fintech’s Biggest Champion Yet

If Vice President Kamala Harris becomes the next President of the United States, her leadership could significantly shape the future of fintech in ways that promote both innovation and inclusion.

Penny Pritzker, former U.S. Commerce Secretary and a prominent investor in fintech companies like Ellevest, recently shared her insights on what a Harris presidency might mean for the industry.

Pritzker predicts that Harris would foster collaboration between U.S. corporations and the government, potentially benefiting the technology, energy, and finance sectors, which have often struggled to find allies in the Democratic Party.

As Harris begins to define her economic agenda—especially with the DNC in full effect this week—her approach seems likely to reflect her background as a prosecutor, where she focused on holding businesses accountable, especially those exploiting consumers.

This experience suggests that while Harris may support innovation in fintech, she would also advocate for strong regulatory measures to protect consumers and ensure fair practices.

Why It Matters

The potential shift Harris could bring contrasts with the sometimes rocky relationship between corporate leaders and the Biden administration.

While President Biden’s policies, particularly his regulatory and tax agenda, have been seen by some as punitive, sectors like semiconductors and renewable energy have thrived under his leadership, thanks to targeted tax breaks and investments. Harris, with her deep ties to California—a hub for tech and innovation—could bring a more nuanced approach, balancing regulation with the needs of the fintech industry.

Regulation and innovation often clash, with some arguing that too much regulation stifles creativity and progress. However, Harris, like her tenure as Vice President, seems poised to challenge this narrative.

The Biden administration, under her influence, has already shown that regulation doesn’t have to be the enemy of innovation. For example, their executive order on AI standards demonstrates a commitment to safety and transparency without hindering technological advancement.

One of the most promising aspects of a potential Harris presidency for fintech is her focus on financial inclusion, particularly for women and people of color.

The current state of venture capital funding is stark—only 2% goes to women, and even less to women in fintech. Harris’s passion for closing these gaps through entrepreneurship and access to capital could lead to groundbreaking changes in the industry.

Harris’s support from Silicon Valley heavyweights like Reid Hoffman, founder of LinkedIn, underscores the belief in her ability to drive progress. Her commitment to building wealth in underserved communities, opening capital access to diverse entrepreneurs, and supporting innovative startups could transform the fintech landscape.

With Harris at the helm, there’s a real opportunity to create a more inclusive and equitable economy—one that fosters innovation and ensures that the benefits of financial technology are accessible to all.

As Michelle Obama said during her speech this week at the DNC on Harris:

"She understands that most of us will never be afforded the grace of failing forward… we will never benefit from the affirmative action of generational wealth."

#3 Women, AI, and the Future of Fintech

I’m excited to share that I recently had the opportunity to join the Women’s World Banking podcast, and I highly recommend that you tune in—it’s an episode you don’t want to miss!

We dove deep into some crucial topics that impact our industry, like the growing importance of financial inclusion and the role fintech can play in bridging the gender gap in financial services.

As someone passionate about fintech and its potential to drive positive change, I found the conversation incredibly insightful. We discussed how Women’s World Banking is leading the charge in ensuring that women worldwide have access to the financial tools they need to thrive—tools that many of us might take for granted.

Their work is not just important; it’s transformative, shaping the future of our industry by making it more inclusive and equitable.

Understanding these issues is key if you’re looking to stay ahead in fintech.

The podcast offers valuable perspectives that can help you better serve your customers, innovate with purpose, and contribute to a more inclusive financial ecosystem.

So, grab your headphones, tune in, and let’s continue the conversation on how we can all contribute to driving meaningful change in fintech.

I also include many data points and sneak peeks in my upcoming book, Fintech Feminists.

Check out the full episode here.

_{MARK YOUR CALENDARS}

Join us every Thursday to stay updated on the top fintech events each week! These events are a great way to network, learn, and connect with our fintech community. Let's fill our calendars with these awesome events - I would love to see you there! If you have an event to share, please inform me!

_{WEDNESDAY-FRIDAY 9/18-9/20}

​[COLUMBUS] FPA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2024

Did you know that 90% of financial decisions are driven by emotion? That’s according to Nobel Prize-winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman.

It’s a powerful reminder that financial decisions are more than just numbers—they’re a form of self-expression and a critical aspect of self-care. This is especially true when you consider that money is a leading cause of stress for 90% of Americans.

This is even more pronounced for women, who, on average, earn 17% less and have 68% less wealth than men. That’s why I’m so passionate about wealth tech—technology that’s not just changing the financial landscape but also reshaping how we approach financial wellness.

I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be attending the FPA Annual Conference this September in Columbus for an industry-leading discussion on how technology is making financial planning more human and behaviorally-focused.

I’ll be moderating a stellar panel featuring:

🎤 Dani Fava, Chief Strategy Officer, Carson Group

🎤 Margaret J. Hartigan, Founder & CEO, Marstone

🎤 Kate Ring, Chief Compliance Officer, Stash

We’ll dive into how fintech enables financial advisors to reach more people, making financial planning accessible to everyone.

And yes, we’ll probably touch on the role of AI too. 🤖

_{WEDNESDAY 9/4}

[VIRTUAL] ​Fintech Feminists: Women Redefining Global Economic Equity

In collaboration with the New York Public Library, I’m hosting a virtual workshop exploring how women in fintech drive global economic equity. Learn to navigate and transform digital finance as leaders and entrepreneurs.

Drawing from interviews featured in my upcoming book, Fintech Feminists, I’ll offers insights, including:

• How fintech is bridging gender wealth gaps with insights from Sallie Krawcheck

• Shivani Siroya’s strategies for tackling global financial inclusion challenges

• Angel Rich’s methods for boosting financial literacy in communities of color

• A comprehensive roadmap to success designed for women and entrepreneurs in fintech

• Actionable insights to thrive in an evolving and inclusive financial landscape

_{MONDAY 9/9}

[NYC] ​The FINTECH IS FEMME CREATOR SUMMIT

Join us in NYC on September 9 for a day of actionable insights and connections tailored for founders, business leaders, content creators, and entrepreneurs.

The Fintech Is Femme Creator Summit bridges the gap between business leadership and content creation, bringing together those eager to leverage content for growth.

Learn from industry experts who’ve scaled profitable businesses through storytelling and fintech.

If you want to elevate your personal brand, master monetization, and network with top leaders, don’t miss this opportunity.

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_FINTUNES

🎵 Femininomenon

I’m totally feeling the energy of this and how it’s resonating with our country!

Here are a few more ways I can help you:

📰 Share this newsletter with a friend and start growing your network.

🔗 Connect with me on LinkedIn for daily insights on female leadership.

🤝 Grow your business through content & community by partnering with me.

📣 Promote yourself to 50,000 subscribers by sponsoring this newsletter.

🎤 Host an epic event by booking me as a speaker, moderator, or emcee.

📚 Increase your expertise by pre-ordering your copy of my book, Fintech Feminists: Increasing Inclusion, Redefining Innovation, and Changing the Future for Women Around the World.

That’s all for now! See you Tuesday!

Love,

Nicole 💜