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Hey, fintech fam! 💜

I’m beyond excited to announce that the agenda and venue for the Fintech Feminists Book Launch Party are officially live, and let me tell you, it’s going to be a night to remember. 🎉

This isn’t just any book launch—it’s a must-attend celebration of women redefining fintech's future. I’m organizing an unforgettable evening to celebrate us and everything we’ve accomplished. Because, let’s be real, we deserve it. 💪💸

If you’re serious about being part of the future of fintech and connecting with the women making it happen, you absolutely need to be there. This is where the industry’s next moves will be made, and you don’t want to be left out of the conversation.

Oh, and one last thing…there are only FIVE early bird tickets left. ⚡ Grab yours now before they’re gone for good!

Now, let's dive into some fintech news.

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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 Liza Landsman Passes the Baton at Stash

Liza Landsman announced this week she is stepping down as CEO of fintech Stash, making way for co-founders Brandon Krieg and Ed Robinson to take over as co-chief executive officers. 

After more than a year at the helm, Landsman leaves with the company stronger than ever, boasting 1.5 million active users, $3.5 billion in assets, and a brand-new AI-powered platform, Money Coach, designed to democratize financial advice. 

As she wrote on LinkedIn announcing her departure, 

“When the board and founders asked me to step in to lead the next chapter for the business I was energized by the challenge of rejuvenating a business whose purpose was so meaningful and whose "bones" were so great,” she wrote. “

Today, I couldn't be prouder of the work the team has done since then: streamlining the product and getting the portfolio robust again, opening up new distribution channels & ways for customers to access the platform, bringing the company EBITDA positive for the first time in its 9+ year history.” 

But her next move? Volunteering for Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign—because when you’re a trailblazer, the next challenge is always bigger.

Why It Matters:

Liza’s journey with Stash is one of carving her own path. Her leadership lessons, which will be featured in my upcoming book Fintech Feminists, offer a playbook for anyone looking to disrupt their field.

For fintech companies specifically, her focus on solving real problems and building long-term financial habits (not just customer numbers) should be a guiding light. Her leadership bolstered Stash’s mission—to empower the 99% left behind by traditional finance—and her impact will resonate far beyond her tenure.

Liza’s Leadership Formula:

1. Know Your Non-Negotiables: Liza’s success? Regular self-inventory checks. She identified her priorities and stuck to a short list of non-negotiables—giving her the clarity and focus that drove Stash forward.

2. Solve Real Problems, Not Hypotheticals: At Stash, it was never about flashy products. Liza went after the real gaps in the market—helping everyday Americans start investing with as little as $5. It’s a lesson in going after what really matters to your audience.

3. Build Habits, Not Just Users: Instead of chasing product hype, Liza focused on building financial habits for Stash’s users, creating long-term engagement that actually helps people—something every fintech should aspire to.

The Bottom Line:

Liza Landsman didn’t just steer the ship at Stash—she tuned up the engine and handed it back better than ever. Under her leadership, Stash hit profitability for the first time in its 9+ year history and launched an AI-driven platform that’s pushing the future of financial services. Her story is a masterclass in leadership, and as she moves on to new challenges, the fintech world—and beyond—would do well to take notes.

#2 AI’s $20 Trillion Promise

Fresh research from Fundrise hit my desk this week, showcasing AI’s market potential is projected to hit $20 trillion. Yep, trillion. 

The team at Fundrise analyzed 40 years of data across tech cycles—PCs, the internet, mobile, cloud—and guess what? Each wave grew about three times the market cap of the one before. If history is any guide, AI’s impact could be just as transformative (and lucrative).

Why It Matters:

For fintech companies, AI isn’t just another buzzword to throw into your next investor pitch. The winners in this game are the ones who figure out how to leverage AI to automate, personalize, and scale like never before. 

And if you’re not paying attention, well…you could get left in the dust as AI reshapes everything from financial modeling to customer service. Plus, this $20 trillion opportunity? Fintech is right in the crosshairs, with AI set to turbocharge decision-making, risk assessment, and fraud detection.

Key Insights:

• The Rule of Three: Every major tech wave has grown market caps about 3x. PCs led to the internet, which gave way to mobile, and then cloud computing. If AI follows suit, we’re looking at a $20 trillion market cap, 3x the cloud.

• Where the Money’s Going: AI is driving growth across the tech stack. This means that if you’re not investing in AI infrastructure, you’re missing the boat. Nvidia’s jaw-dropping growth? Not a fluke—just the start.

• Winners and Losers: Each tech revolution has clear winners. (Remember when Blockbuster thought Netflix was just a cute little idea?) Don’t be the next Blockbuster.

The Bottom Line: Fintechs, pay attention: AI could be worth $20 trillion by the early 2030s, a market size that could rival 20% of the U.S. stock market. The fintechs that harness AI’s power could see growth like we’ve never seen before—those that don’t? Well, we know how that story ends. It’s not just about keeping up—it’s about making sure you’re leading the charge in a revolution that’s about to change everything.

Check out the full research, here. 

#3 70% of Shark Tank Investor’s Best Returns Come from Women-Led Companies

Kevin O’Leary, aka Mr. Wonderful from Shark Tank, recently shared a statistic that, let’s be real, doesn’t surprise women entrepreneurs at all:

70% of his venture capital returns come from women-led companies.

For O’Leary, it’s not a fluke—it’s a clear pattern that proves what many of us have known all along: women founders are not only great at managing risk, but they’re also crushing it when it comes to navigating complex challenges and delivering higher returns.

Why It Matters for You:

Here’s the takeaway: Women-led businesses have a competitive edge, especially in industries like fintech, where the balance between innovation and regulation is key.

O’Leary’s data confirms that our approach to risk, decision-making, and leadership isn’t just different—it’s better.

Fintech companies can learn from this by investing in and promoting diverse leadership. If you’re a woman entrepreneur, now’s the time to lean into these strengths and use them to your advantage in growing your business.

Key Insights for Women Entrepreneurs:

• Risk Management Mastery: Women founders excel at thoughtful, deliberate growth. O’Leary highlights how we don’t gamble—we make smart, calculated decisions that keep businesses steady, even during turbulent times. This is your superpower in fintech or any industry.

• Balanced Leadership: If you’re juggling family, work, and team leadership, don’t see it as a burden—see it as an asset. O’Leary recognizes that women’s ability to multitask and prioritize makes us powerhouse leaders who get things done.

• ROI on Women-Led Companies: The 70% stat isn’t just about equality—it’s about the bottom line. Women-led companies are outperforming because we know how to strike the right balance between risk and reward. This is your proof point when talking to investors, partners, or even yourself.

The Bottom Line for Fintech (and Beyond):

Kevin O’Leary’s insight—that women-led ventures deliver the majority of his returns—shouldn’t be viewed as just a cool stat, but as a call to action.

Women, especially in fintech, are uniquely positioned to lead through times of change and growth.

Our ability to manage risk and drive strategic success isn’t just good leadership—it’s smart business.

So take this as validation that your approach is not only valuable but also highly effective in a competitive marketplace. It’s time to own it.

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_{MARK YOUR CALENDARS}

Come join us every Thursday to keep up with the best fintech events! These events are perfect for meeting people, learning new things, and connecting with our fintech community. Let's add these fun events to our schedules - I hope to see you there!

_{OCTOBER 22}

[NEW YORK] FINTECH FEMINISTS BOOK LAUNCH PARTY (+ LIVE PODCAST)

Here’s the event breakdown:

📅 Date: October 22, 2024

📍 Location: Silver Lining Lounge (145 Bowery, New York, NY 10002)

​• 6pm - 7:30pm: Start the night mingling with the industry’s top innovators over an open bar and gourmet sushi from Sake No Hana.

​• 7:30pm - 8pm: An exclusive LIVE recording of the Humans of Fintech podcast featuring the brilliant Amy Nauiokas, one of fintech’s most influential investors. You’ll get insider access to her journey building a $1.1 billion empire and shaping companies like Betterment and eToro. This conversation is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

​• 8pm - 9pm: A live musical performance by a female-led band, setting the perfect tone for a night of celebration and connection.

​• 9pm - 10pm: Party vibes, more drinks, and music to keep the energy going.

​• After 10pm: VIP after-party on the roof—luxury and exclusivity at its finest.

This is THE fintech celebration — hang.

_FINTUNES

🎵 KAYTRANADA - Witchy (feat. Childish Gambino)

It’s getting spooky and vibey with this new song that dropped on my YouTube eight days ago.

_{LET’S CONNECT}

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

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🎤 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 💜