Trailblazing Women in Fintech: The Inspiring Journey of Oluwatofunmi Okunbor
In the fast-evolving world of financial technology, women are making their mark, leading with innovation and purpose. One such trailblazer is Oluwatofunmi Okunbor (née Akinluyi), a distinguished expert in risk management and compliance. Her career, spanning eight years, highlights her expertise, leadership, and passion for empowering others within the industry.
A Transformative Start in Fintech
Tofunmi’s journey into fintech began in 2016 through the prestigious Access Bank Graduate Trainee Program. Initially advocating for Branch Audit, she was assigned to Anti-Fraud—an unexpected pivot that sparked her interest in fraud prevention and risk management. Reflecting on this moment, she explained, “That experience was transformative; it was where my career truly began.” This early exposure to the complexities of risk management laid the foundation for her future successes.
Rising Through the Ranks
As Tofunmi continued to rise in her field, her time at Flutterwave marked a significant turning point. Here, she led risk monitoring and analytics, integrating technology into traditional risk management practices. By implementing cutting-edge automated processes, she improved risk mitigation strategies. “My tech-driven approach allows me to stay ahead of risks in compliance,” she stated, emphasizing how fintech leverages modern solutions like AI to combat sophisticated fraud schemes. This innovative mindset not only enhanced her team’s efficiency but also set a benchmark for others in the industry.
Advocating for Visibility and Recognition
Tofunmi is not only an expert in fintech but also a passionate advocate for change, particularly regarding visibility and recognition for risk management professionals. “It’s vital to document achievements and contributions to ensure visibility,” she advises, encouraging others in similar fields to proactively advocate for recognition. This commitment to transparency and acknowledgment is crucial in an industry where contributions can often go unnoticed. Her advocacy extends beyond the workplace; she played a pivotal role in developing the Racial Equity Resource Database (R.E.A.D.) at the University of Pittsburgh, reflecting her dedication to social justice.
Envisioning Financial Inclusion
Looking ahead, Tofunmi believes in the potential of fintech to drive financial inclusion across regions like Africa. She envisions partnerships between fintech companies and traditional financial institutions as key to expanding access to digital banking services for underserved populations. This vision is not just about technology; it’s about creating equitable opportunities for all, ensuring that financial services reach those who need them most.
Empowering Women in Finance
A central theme in Tofunmi’s career is her commitment to empowering women in finance. She stresses the importance of creating platforms for women to share their experiences, mentor each other, and achieve leadership roles. “Diversity in leadership leads to better decision-making and innovation,” she said, underscoring the need for representation to shape the future of the industry. By fostering an inclusive environment, Tofunmi believes that the fintech sector can harness the full potential of diverse perspectives.
A Beacon for Future Generations
Tofunmi’s journey serves as a beacon for women in fintech, illustrating how resilience and dedication can transform not only careers but the broader financial ecosystem. Through her leadership and vision, she continues to inspire future generations to break barriers and lead with purpose in the rapidly evolving fintech industry. Her story is a testament to the power of innovation, advocacy, and community in shaping a more inclusive financial landscape.