FINTECH visionary Shivani Siroya spent years working with small business owners across Africa and Asia, gaining firsthand knowledge of the barriers they faced in accessing financial services.
The lack of credit scores, financial identities, and access to capital that prevented millions from formally saving, borrowing, or growing their businesses inspired her to create Tala in 2014 while still working a full-time job.
Leading a company that operates in six countries— Kenya, Mexico, the Philippines, India, Panama, and Guatemala —and delivering over $7 billion in credit to more than 13 million people worldwide earned her a spot in Forbes 250: America’s Greatest Innovators list, announced in February 2026.
“I’m honored to be recognized by Forbes alongside such visionary leaders. Innovation is only as powerful as the impact it creates. And at Tala, we will continue to leverage technology and trust in driving our mission of providing the global majority access to credit that can help them grow, thrive, and become more financially resilient,” Siroya said.
At a time when women are playing a larger role in shaping both the digital economy and broader economic growth, Siroya’s work reflects a shift in leadership that spans technology, access, and inclusion.
Across emerging markets, women-led enterprises and innovations are expanding opportunities, and leaders like Siroya are helping redefine how financial systems serve communities that have long been overlooked.
Real-world barriers
Siroya’s experiences as an analyst and microcredit researcher with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) gave her firsthand knowledge of the obstacles that small business owners face in Africa and Asia, including the lack of access to capital and the absence of financial services that cater to their needs.
By interviewing people who belong to the global majority – the world’s financially underserved population of nearly four billion – she observed how the lack of credit scores and financial identities prevented them from formally saving or borrowing through traditional institutions.
A 2025 study by impact measurement firm 60 Decibels found that 82 percent of Tala customers reported improvement in their overall quality of life, citing better financial management and reduced stress.
Financial access
Today, Siroya leads over 600 employees across three continents, focusing on long-term growth for both Tala’s customers and its team. Her approach is strategic rather than purely tactical, emphasizing network expansion, expertise development, and attentive listening to unlock opportunities in global capital markets.
“The agency is about not forcing people into systems that don’t fully recognize their potential. Dignity comes from being trusted, and that’s where real financial inclusion begins,” Siroya explained.
Tala was named to Forbes’ Top 50 Fintech Companies for the tenth consecutive year, reinforcing its leadership in making financial services accessible and tailored to the global majority.
Tala’s impact demonstrates that women leaders are not just participants in the digital economy – they shape the systems that improve lives.
Alongside these professional responsibilities, Siroya is deliberate about protecting her personal time. Balancing her role as CEO with two kids, she ensures family moments are strictly on her calendar and reserves quiet periods to journal, read, or walk her dog – practices that keep her grounded and present.
For Siroya, success is measured by real-world impact. Tala’s decade-long presence on Forbes’ Fintech 50 list underscores its sustained leadership in advancing financial inclusion.
“Innovation is only as powerful as the impact it creates,” she said.
