US Business News

Ma Qing: Fintech Leader in Financial Literacy

Ma Qing Fintech Leader in Financial Literacy
Photo Courtesy: Ma Qing

By: Caleb Hellinger 

Ma Qing has always been driven by a passion for financial education and inclusivity. As the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Firstcard, she leverages her extensive experience in fintech marketing to help people build credit and improve their financial literacy. Her journey from JP Morgan to leading marketing roles at Public.com and Republic highlights her innovative approach and commitment to making financial services accessible to all.

Ma Qing’s career began in the demanding world of banking at JP Morgan. Here, she worked on significant deals, such as Uber’s acquisition of Postmates and Snap’s convertible notes purchase. These high-profile transactions provided her with a deep understanding of financial strategy, corporate transactions, and the complexities of deal-making. However, despite her success in banking, Qing felt a growing desire to pursue work that allowed for more creativity and direct impact on people’s lives. Her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for innovation led her to the fintech sector. Qing recognized the potential for financial technology to disrupt traditional financial services and create more inclusive financial systems. This realization marked the beginning of a significant career shift, as she transitioned from investment banking to fintech marketing.

In 2020, Qing joined Public.com, a platform designed to democratize the stock market by making more accessible and educational. As the third marketing hire, she quickly identified the potential of using influencers to simplify financial concepts. “The biggest problem in personal finance is that people are intimidated by it. By partnering with creators, we can make financial literacy relatable and engaging,” Qing explains.

Her strategic vision and innovative campaigns rapidly set Public.com apart from its competitors. Qing’s approach involved forming strategic partnerships with high-profile influencers such as Phil DeFranco and Erika Kullberg. These collaborations were instrumental in expanding Public.com’s user base from 250,000 to 1.5 million within a year. A particularly successful campaign with Michael Reeves, titled “I Gave My Goldfish $50,000 to Trade Stocks,” drove thousands of new users and garnered over 10 million views. This campaign demonstrated the power of influencer marketing in making complex financial concepts accessible to a broader audience.

Under Qing’s leadership, Public.com’s innovative marketing strategies led to the company securing $220 million in venture funding and boosting its valuation to $1.2 billion. Her success showcased her ability to blend creativity with strategic thinking, making financial education both engaging and effective.

Building on her success at Public.com, Qing transitioned to Republic, a platform that democratizes private investing by allowing everyone to invest in startups, real estate, and more. At Republic, Qing took on the role of leading US Marketing and Digital Growth, focusing on creator-led business fundraising deals. “Republic is at the forefront of this new era of retail-driven private investment,” Qing notes. “By supporting creators in launching their own businesses and enabling fan investment, Republic is paving the way for a more democratized and accessible private market.”

One of her standout accomplishments was the launch of Republic Note, a digital token that achieved substantial funding in less than a month. This initiative demonstrated her ability to harness the power of digital innovation and creator partnerships to drive significant financial outcomes. Qing’s work at Republic underscored her belief in the transformative potential of the creator economy. She viewed creators not just as content producers but as influential partners who could engage and educate audiences in unique ways. Her strategies at Republic highlighted the growing intersection of fintech and the creator economy, paving the way for more inclusive and engaging financial products.

Currently, as the CMO of Firstcard, Qing continues her mission to democratize financial literacy and credit building. Firstcard is a fintech company that aims to help people build credit, with a particular focus on immigrants, international students, and people of color. “Joining Firstcard was a natural choice for me,” Qing explains. “My personal experience as an immigrant and the company’s significant social impact aligned perfectly with my values.” Firstcard’s innovative features, such as an AI financial advisor and budgeting tools, have earned it recognition as the premier credit card for students in 2024 by Forbes and CNN. These tools are designed to help users manage their finances more effectively and build a solid financial foundation. Qing’s marketing strategies at Firstcard focus on making these tools accessible and engaging, thereby empowering users to take control of their financial futures.

One of Qing’s significant initiatives at Firstcard is the $10,000 Student Scholarship program, which supports international students. “When I was an international student, there were very few funding sources available,” Qing recalls. “By including international students in our scholarship program, we ensure that they are not left behind.” This program reflects her commitment to inclusivity and her understanding of the unique financial challenges faced by underserved communities.

A cornerstone of Qing’s work at Firstcard is her emphasis on financial education. She believes that financial literacy is fundamental to achieving financial freedom. “A lack of financial literacy is the biggest barrier to achieving financial freedom,” Qing asserts. “To truly democratize credit building for everyone, we need to change the experience of many underserved communities.” Firstcard is built for just that. Qing’s marketing strategy at Firstcard is not just about growth; it’s about creating meaningful impact. Her campaigns are crafted to educate and empower users, fundamentally altering their interactions with financial products. This educational philosophy is a thread that runs through all her endeavors, from influencer partnerships to her initiatives at Firstcard.

Beyond her professional roles, Qing is a passionate advocate for financial literacy and inclusion. She frequently speaks at conferences and industry events, sharing her insights and advocating for broader financial education. Her thought leadership in the fintech industry has positioned her as a visionary leader shaping the future of financial services.

Qing’s work at Firstcard goes beyond professional achievement—it’s a personal mission. She understands the challenges immigrants face in building credit and is committed to creating inclusive credit-building products and financial literacy platforms. “A lack of financial literacy is the biggest barrier to achieving financial freedom,” Qing emphasizes. “To truly democratize credit building for everyone, we need to change the experience of many underserved communities.”

Looking towards the future, Qing is optimistic about the continued potential for innovation in the fintech and AI sector. She believes that advancements in technology will further enhance the accessibility and inclusivity of financial services. “We are just scratching the surface of what’s possible with fintech,” she notes. “There are immense opportunities to create solutions that address the unique needs of different communities and make a positive impact on people’s lives.” Qing is particularly excited about the potential of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence to revolutionize financial services. She sees these technologies as key enablers of more personalized and efficient financial products that can better meet the needs of diverse users.

Follow Ma Qing on LinkedIn: Ma Qing’s LinkedIn

Follow Ma Qing on Twitter: Ma Qing’s Twitter

Published by: Martin De Juan

(Ambassador)

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