Fintech’s Frontier: How Tala Turns Access into Impact

Welcome to a new episode of Fintech Mavericks! 🎙️ This time, we’re diving into what it really takes to build financial infrastructure for billions at venture scale.

Hosted by Nicole Casperson and Drew Glover, this episode features Shivani Siroya, Founder & CEO of Tala. Shivani has raised nearly $500M to build a financial system that serves the global majority, and Tala has now disbursed $6B+ in credit to 11M customers across Kenya, the Philippines, Mexico, and India.

She shares how 3,500 on-the-ground interviews informed Tala’s underwriting, why listening first beats “move fast” dogma, and how AI plus proprietary, real-time data can reduce bias and expand access. We also get into distribution at scale (think 750,000+ cash-in/cash-out points), tailoring credit down to the individual (choose-your-own due dates and terms), and what founders get wrong about building for emerging markets.

If you care about financial inclusion, durable unit economics, or building category-defining infrastructure, this episode is packed with insights you won’t find anywhere else.

Sponsored by Brex.

► Brex has been redefining how financial services and software work together since 2017—built by founders, for founders. With no minimums, no transaction fees, and 20x the standard FDIC protection, Brex gives startups the flexibility they need. 

Learn more at https://www.brex.com/solutions/startups?partnerId=espm_fintechmavericks

Brex has teamed up with Fintech Mavericks to bring you a special offer that makes scaling your startup easier, faster, and smarter. 

👉 https://www.brex.com/solutions/startups?partnerId=espm_fintechmavericks 

Whether you’re managing runway, hiring fast, or fundraising for your next round — Brex built this just for you. Get access to:

✅ Founder-friendly corporate cards

✅ Expense & spend management in one place

✅ Special perks only available to Mavericks listeners

💡 Subscribe for weekly interviews with fintech founders, investors, and operators who move differently.

🔥 New episodes every WEDNESDAY

📲 Follow @fintechisfemme for behind-the-scenes clips + hot takes

Follow the hosts:

🔹 Nicole Casperson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-casperson-0820a5133  

🔹 Drew Glover: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewbailerglover/