In the world of high finance, a “seat at the table” is often a metaphor for power.
But for Shivani Siroya, the CEO and founder of Tala, the goal wasn’t just to find a seat — it was to build a whole new table in a place the traditional banking system had long ignored.
“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,” said Siroya.
As Tala celebrates its 10th consecutive year on the Forbes Fintech 50 list, Siroya’s personal impact has reached a new peak: she was recently named one of Forbes’ 250 Greatest Innovators.
For a woman who started her company while working a full-time job in 2014, these accolades are a testament to a decade spent bridging the chasm between legacy banking and the “global majority.”
From data points to human stories
Siroya’s journey didn’t begin in a boardroom; it began in the field.
During her time as an analyst for the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF), she interviewed thousands of small business owners across Africa and Asia.
She realized that while these individuals were hardworking and reliable, they were “financially invisible” because they lacked a formal credit score.
“Innovation is only as powerful as the impact it creates,” Siroya notes.
To solve this, she built Tala on a foundation of alternative data and machine learning. By looking at non-traditional markers of creditworthiness via a mobile app, Tala has turned smartphones into financial identities.
Today, the company has delivered over US$7 billion in credit to more than 13 million people across six markets, including the Philippines.
Tala: A legacy of impact
The results are more than just numbers on a balance sheet.
According to a 2025 study by impact firm 60 Decibels, 82% of Tala customers reported a significant improvement in their overall quality of life, citing better financial management and decreased stress.
For the “global majority” — the four billion people underserved by traditional banks — Tala isn’t just an app; it’s a path to financial resilience.
The brand of leadership: Strategy and stillness
Leading a global team of over 600 employees across three continents is no small feat, especially while raising two children. Siroya’s leadership style is defined by a fierce protection of balance.
Whether it’s walking her dog, journaling, or strictly guarding family time on her calendar, she emphasizes that staying grounded is what allows her to show up as a clear-headed executive at Tala’s Santa Monica headquarters.
“At Tala, we will continue to leverage technology and trust to help the global majority grow and thrive,” she says.
As Tala enters its second decade, Siroya’s vision remains unwavering: a financial system that finally works for everyone, one scan and one story at a time.
About Tala
From its establishment 12 years ago, Tala is now operating in six markets: Kenya, Mexico, Philippines, India, Panama, and Guatemala; delivering seven billion USD in credit to more than 13 million people worldwide. According to a global study conducted by impact measurement
firm 60 Decibels in 2025, 82 percent of Tala customers saw improvement in their overall quality of life, reporting better financial management and decrease in financial stress.
Tala was also named one of Forbes’ top 50 fintech companies for the 10th consecutive year, a strong testament to its leadership in making financial services accessible and tailored to the global majority.
These achievements ultimately align with the vision of Siroya when she first started Tala: to shape a financial system that truly works for everyone.
Tala is a global financial infrastructure company building the world’s most accessible financial services. Their financial services provide customers with flexible, convenient, online credit to help
support the unbanked and underserved population.
Tala has delivered 7 billion USD in credit to more than 13 million people across three continents. Customers have used Tala products to start and expand small businesses, manage day-to-day needs, and pursue their financial goals with confidence.
Start your journey into financial freedom: https://tala.ph/borrow [1].
