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Celebrating Women in Fintech: International Women’s Day 2023
In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, the Fintech News Network is proud to unveil a selection of ten of the most influential female fintech leaders in the Asia Pacific region. These remarkable women are not just leaders in their respective organizations; they are trailblazers who are reshaping the fintech industry with their resilience, vision, and leadership.
This article delves into the careers, achievements, and accolades of these ten prominent figures, highlighting their contributions to the advancement of fintech in APAC. Their impact extends beyond their companies, influencing the entire sector and inspiring the next generation of female leaders.
1. Lucy Yueting Liu, Co-Founder and President, Airwallex
Lucy Yueting Liu is the co-founder and president of Airwallex, a global payment and financial platform that has transformed how businesses manage their finances. Under her leadership, Airwallex achieved unicorn status in 2019, marking a significant milestone in its rapid growth. Before founding Airwallex, Liu worked as an investment consultant at China International Capital Corporation (CICC) and held various leadership roles in investment firms. Her accolades include being listed on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Asia and winning the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Australia award in 2018.
2. Winnie Chua, Co-Founder and CPO, PolicyStreet
Winnie Chua is the co-founder and Chief Product Officer of PolicyStreet, an insurtech platform that aims to make insurance accessible and affordable for underserved markets. Under her guidance, PolicyStreet has been recognized as the “Top Insurtech Startup” at the 2023 Fintech Frontiers Awards. Chua’s career began in the insurance sector, and she has since transitioned to entrepreneurship, focusing on creating innovative solutions for millennials and the rising middle class.
3. Caecilia Chu, Co-Founder and CEO, YouTrip
As the co-founder and CEO of YouTrip, Caecilia Chu has revolutionized how users manage multiple currencies through a seamless mobile wallet experience. Since its inception in 2018, YouTrip has raised over US$100 million and is expanding its presence across Southeast Asia. Chu’s extensive background in finance includes roles at Citi and McKinsey, and she has received numerous accolades, including recognition as one of the Top 50 Financial Technology CEOs.
4. Tessa Wijaya, Co-Founder and COO, Xendit
Tessa Wijaya is the co-founder and COO of Xendit, a payment gateway that simplifies transactions for businesses in Southeast Asia. Her leadership has been crucial in expanding Xendit’s services across Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia. Wijaya is also a strong advocate for diversity in fintech, having spearheaded initiatives to promote women in technology. Her efforts have contributed to Xendit’s status as a unicorn in Indonesia.
5. Martha Sazon, President and CEO, Mynt (GCash)
Martha Sazon leads Mynt, the holding company of GCash, the Philippines’ leading finance superapp. Appointed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sazon has driven GCash’s growth, transforming it into a comprehensive financial services platform. Under her leadership, GCash has achieved unicorn status with a valuation exceeding US$2 billion. Sazon’s extensive experience in various sectors, including telecommunications, has positioned her as a key figure in the fintech landscape.
6. Melissa Wong, Group Chief Product Officer, bolttech
Melissa Wong serves as the Group Chief Product Officer at bolttech, where she focuses on product innovation and digital transformation. Recognized as one of Insurance Business Asia’s “Elite Women” in 2022, Wong has played a pivotal role in expanding bolttech’s operations across 35 markets. Her previous experience includes leadership roles at FWD Insurance and DBS Bank, where she contributed to significant advancements in digital banking.
7. Oi-Yee Choo, CEO of ADDX
Oi-Yee Choo is the CEO of ADDX, one of Asia’s largest private market exchanges. With over 20 years of experience in capital raising and M&A advisory, Choo has been instrumental in democratizing investment opportunities. Under her leadership, ADDX has listed more than 80 deals and collaborated with major financial institutions. Her background in investment banking has equipped her with the expertise to drive innovation in the private equity space.
8. Fernn Lim, Chief Operating Officer for audax
Fernn Lim is the Chief Operating Officer of audax, a cloud-native tech company specializing in digital banking solutions. Lim’s strategic direction has been vital for audax’s expansion across multiple markets. Before joining audax, she played a significant role in fintech acceleration at OCBC, leading initiatives that earned recognition for innovation. Lim is also actively involved in promoting women’s leadership in fintech.
9. Toh Su Mei, CEO of Anext Bank
Toh Su Mei leads Anext Bank, a digital wholesale bank focused on providing accessible financial services for SMEs. With a strong background in banking, Su Mei is dedicated to enhancing customer value and driving business transformation. Her experience at DBS Bank has prepared her to lead ANT Group’s first digital bank outside of China, aiming to foster financial inclusion through technology.
10. Cynthia Wu, COO and Founding Partner at Matrixport Technologies
Cynthia Wu serves as the COO and a founding partner at Matrixport Technologies, a digital asset ecosystem managing over US$4 billion in assets. Wu’s role encompasses strategic direction and global business development. Her previous experience at Bitmain Technologies and Hong Kong Exchange has provided her with a deep understanding of blockchain technology and its potential to transform financial services.
These ten women exemplify the spirit of innovation and leadership in the fintech sector, inspiring future generations to break barriers and pursue their ambitions in this dynamic industry. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on their journeys and the evolving fintech landscape in Singapore and beyond.