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Hey, fintech fam! 💜

After a challenging week of reflection, I’ve landed on a renewed fire that reminds me that this journey is far from over. That’s why I’m thrilled to speak at Harvard University this Thursday evening!

I’ll make the case for why building in fintech is a game-changer for women in entrepreneurship, presenting to the Harvard Undergraduate Women in Entrepreneurship cohort.

Together, we’ll explore how women tackle our economy’s most pressing issues, with opportunity and impact leading the way.

Afterward, I’ll host a live podcast recording with the incredible founders of Frich Money, Katrin Kaurov and Aleksandra Medina—two trailblazers redefining financial independence for Gen Z. 🎙️💸

Nearly 100 attendees have already registered, and as a thank-you, I’ll be gifting signed copies of my book, Fintech Feminists, to the first 50 guests! 📚 Sign up here.

If you’re like me, you’ve spent the last week searching for answers. I’ve used this time to reflect and map out how we, as a community, can shape our futures in fintech with our voices leading the way.

Mark your calendars for Dec. 9 in NYC—we’re taking things up a notch. Read on to see what’s in store and how to get involved.

IMPACT

Why the Fintech Industry’s Silence on Politics Risks Leaving Innovation Behind

Let’s talk about something that came up—or, more accurately, didn’t come up—at last month’s big industry conference. 

In Las Vegas, thousands of fintech leaders and innovators gathered under one roof, with panels on everything from the rise of AI in finance (Nvidia everywhere) to the future of payments (a topic that’s become a fixture on the conference circuit). 

And yet, the most pressing topic that will shape our industry’s immediate future was conspicuously absent: 

The U.S. election.

This wasn’t a subtle oversight. This was a missed opportunity of staggering proportions. Here we were, on one of the most influential stages in fintech, barely whispering about the elephant in the room, as Fortune reporter Luisa Beltran aptly noted. 

The upcoming administration will profoundly alter everything from regulatory frameworks to funding priorities, even the essential inclusivity of financial services.

And perhaps the silence was nowhere more surprising than with Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Rohit Chopra, whose very position—and possibly the entire CFPB—is on the line due to the election results. 

And let’s be honest: it’s not just this one conference, this is just the most recent example. 

Across the U.S., main stages at fintech industry events have shied away from openly addressing political realities. 

As a former reporter, editor, and content director in B2B publications, I know what’s typically happening behind the scenes.

There’s a persistent mentality that because we’re a “niche” industry, content around politics isn’t ours to discuss. After all, we’re not politicians—we’re financial services professionals.

However, fintech is in a very different place now.

Our industry isn’t niche; it’s massive.

Fintech touches nearly every sector and is integral in how people access, manage, and grow their wealth.

In many ways, fintech shapes daily life and defines opportunities, especially for underrepresented communities.

Ignoring the political forces that impact our work is not just limiting—it’s a disservice to the people who depend on this industry to foster change, create equity, and provide access.

It’s time we embrace our influence and recognize that shaping economic and financial services policy is just as much our responsibility as anyone’s.

I’ll admit, even on my Fintech Is Femme summit stages, I haven’t always made space for these conversations. 

But it’s time we change that.

Avoiding Politics Is a Costly Oversight

Ignoring politics in fintech isn’t a stance of neutrality; it’s a position of risk.

Politics shapes the very policies that determine who gets to participate in our industry and who doesn’t.

The stakes are high, and here’s why:

#1 Funding for Women- and POC-Owned Startups:

In the first half of 2024, startups founded by women received only 2.2% of capital invested in all venture-backed startups in the United States, according to PitchBook. Since 2008, the average yearly percentage has hovered around that amount, peaking at 2.8% in 2009.

Research by McKinsey suggests that more inclusive funding policies could boost U.S. GDP by up to $1 trillion over the next decade. Yet, without a suitable political climate, we’ll struggle to create funding ecosystems that embrace diversity, ultimately stifling innovation and economic growth.

#2 Economic Inclusion:

According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), 5.4% of U.S. households—representing 7.1 million people—are still “unbanked,” with many from marginalized communities.

True economic inclusion goes beyond meeting basic needs; it empowers individuals to participate in the economy actively, make meaningful financial choices, and achieve financial security.

Policies that enhance access to financial services are crucial if fintech is to reach and support these communities effectively. Imagine the impact of bipartisan “safe harbor” laws enabling fintech companies to serve the unbanked without restrictive corporate barriers, opening pathways to financial empowerment for millions.

Pro Tip: Fintech startups should consider partnering with credit unions over traditional big banks. Credit unions offer more alignment on values like community and inclusion, creating greater opportunities to drive meaningful impact, rather than simply enriching big bank shareholders.

In fact, credit unions serve over 130 million members in the U.S., with nearly 60% of them belonging to low- or moderate-income households—an alignment that fintechs focused on economic inclusion should find compelling. 

#3 Data Privacy and AI Regulations:

With AI rapidly embedding itself in financial services, regulatory oversight is inevitable. Accenture finds that 80% of bank executives believe AI will transform their industry, yet 72% express concern over compliance. 

The European Union’s GDPR standard has shown what robust data protection looks like, and similar regulations are coming to the U.S. Fintech should be at the forefront of these discussions, shaping policies that balance innovation with ethical responsibility.

Women in fintech—and fintech as a whole—cannot afford to ignore politics.

The data speaks volumes: according to Finextra, women comprise just 30% of the fintech workforce, with even fewer in leadership. Oliver Wyman reports that women hold only 20% of executive roles and a mere 6% of CEO positions in financial services.

When our industry avoids discussing the political context that directly affects gender equity and diversity, we lose the chance to influence our own futures.

Let’s be clear: when policies are created without our voices, they rarely work in our favor.

The Urgency of Collective Action

Imagine the potential if women in fintech not only took part in these discussions but led them.

I’m not talking about off-the-record, closed-door sessions that are distanced from headline-making discussions.

I mean main-stage, influential voices that drive our industry’s culture, priorities, media, and policies.

The current status quo relegates our voices to the periphery, and that’s precisely how we’ve ended up with an industry that underfunds diverse founders and underestimates the needs of marginalized communities.

Building a Fintech Future That Reflects Us

When we come together, our collective impact magnifies. Here’s why organizing is crucial—and how Fintech Is Femme aims to lead this charge:

1. Driving Equitable Funding for Diverse Founders: According to Boston Consulting Group, startups founded by women generate twice as much revenue per dollar invested compared to those founded by men. Yet, they receive only a fraction of the funding (that’s not a meritocracy)!

   By building a network that champions diverse founders, we can push for equitable funding practices that benefit the entire industry.

2. Narrowing the Gender Leadership Gap: Deloitte reports that gender-diverse leadership teams are 21% more likely to achieve above-average profitability, yet women occupy just 6% of CEO roles in financial services.

   A community where women actively support, mentor, and uplift each other can help build a pipeline for female leadership, transforming fintech’s executive landscape.

3. Advocating for Inclusive Policies: Studies by Pew Research indicate that marginalized communities face disproportionate barriers to accessing financial services. Through organized advocacy, we can influence policies to foster fairer banking practices, increased transparency, and equitable lending that benefits everyone.

4. Setting Standards for Ethical AI and Data Privacy: With 62% of consumers concerned about data privacy, organized industry voices must advocate for standards prioritizing ethical AI practices. By educating and mobilizing women in fintech, we can push for policies that ensure responsible innovation without compromising consumer rights.

5. Accelerating Careers and Securing Deals: Women with robust professional networks are significantly more likely to reach higher career levels. Our community is about building strong networks where members can secure deals, exchange job opportunities, and advance their careers. When we organize, we don’t just build a network; we build resilience and pathways for the next generation of women in fintech.

Introducing The Academy of Fintech and The Femmys

If you’re ready to be part of this change, I’m thrilled to announce The Academy of Fintech—a membership-based community designed to provide women in fintech with the tools, data, and networks to lead these crucial conversations.

Here, we’ll break down complex policy issues, discuss their impact on our industry, and organize to influence them in ways that reflect the diversity and resilience of our community.

And on December 9, I’ll be hosting the first-ever meeting of The Femmys—The Academy Awards of Finance and Technology in New York City.

This prestigious and exclusive gathering will bring together founding members of The Academy of Fintech, presented by Fintech Is Femme, to recognize and reward the industry’s leaders, pioneers, and advocates. 

But this event is about more than accolades.

Founding members will have voting rights to select award recipients and the opportunity to shape the values and policies that guide our industry.

This isn’t just a platform for recognition; it’s a way to take our place at the table, organize meaningfully, and champion a vision for a more inclusive fintech.

Joining The Academy isn’t just about advocacy. It’s about accelerating careers, making connections, and creating real opportunities for women to thrive in fintech.

As a founding member, you’ll have access to exclusive events, expert educational courses, and resources to help you make a tangible impact on the future of our industry.

Let’s not wait for another conference to bypass these critical conversations.

Let’s create our own main stage, set our own agenda, and build a fintech future that includes us all.

If you’re ready to lead the change and join us at The Femmys, sign up for The Academy of Fintech waitlist here. Doing so ensures an invitation to our most exclusive and influential event of the year.

Together, we’ll redefine what fintech looks like—one policy, one career advancement, and one funded founder at a time.

_{WTF ELSE?}

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_{I WANT IT, I GOT IT}

• 📰 Today’s Read: Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot by Mikki Kendall is the assignment, ladies.

• 🍿 Today’s Watch: Be the Domino: Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable | Luvvie Ajayi Jones' TED Talk is what we, as leaders, need to watch now.

• 🌍 Today’s Buy: May She Reign: My latest fashion inspiration? DALYA, a female-founded and owned bespoke suit experience for women ready to dress the way they want to be addressed. Use code FINTECHISFEMME10 to get 10% off your appointment (high quality and affordable, ladies!) Check out her page and sign up for an appointment here.

_FINTUNES

🎵 Doechii — Slide

_{LET’S CONNECT}

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

📚 Increase your expertise by 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 Thursday!

Love,

Nicole 💜