In the high-stakes world of fintech, where “disruption” is often just a buzzword for minor efficiency gains, Shivani Siroya is doing something fundamentally different: she is building a financial identity for the three billion people the world forgot.
As Tala celebrates its 10th consecutive year on the prestigious Forbes Fintech 50 list, Siroya herself has been named one of Forbes’ 250 Greatest Innovators.
The recognition marks a decade of the founder’s mission to bridge the chasm between legacy banking and the “global majority”— the nearly four billion people worldwide who remain underserved by traditional financial institutions.
Shivani Siroya joins the ranks of Forbes 250 Greatest Innovators as Tala marks its 10th consecutive year on the Forbes Fintech 50 list.
The data of trust
The genesis of Tala didn’t start in a Silicon Valley incubator, but during Siroya’s time as an analyst with the United Nations Population Fund.
While interviewing small business owners across Africa and Asia, she identified a recurring tragedy: millions of creditworthy individuals were being denied capital simply because they lacked a formal credit score.
“Innovation is only as powerful as the impact it creates,” Siroya said, reacting to the Forbes recognition. “At Tala, we leverage technology and trust to provide access to credit that helps the global majority grow, thrive, and become financially resilient.”
Tala’s “secret sauce” lies in its proprietary mobile technology. By using alternative data and machine learning to assess creditworthiness, the app bypasses the rigid barriers of traditional banks.
For a micro-entrepreneur in the Philippines or Kenya, this means a “hassle-free” loan approval process that previously took weeks — or was impossible.
As the CEO and founder of Tala, Shivani Siroya bridges the gap between financial systems and those who need it most. With years of influence and a heart for community, she continues to improve lives through leadership with a purpose.
A decade of scaling impact
Since its inception 12 years ago, Tala’s footprint has expanded to six key markets: the Philippines, Kenya, Mexico, India, Panama, and Guatemala.
The numbers tell a story of massive scale:
- $7 billion: Total credit delivered to date.
- 13 million: People served globally.
- 82%: The percentage of customers who reported a significant improvement in their quality of life, according to a 2025 study by impact firm 60 Decibels.
Leading with purpose
Managing a team of over 600 employees across three continents while raising two children, Siroya’s leadership style is often described as strategic and grounded. She is known for “protecting” her calendar for family and personal reflection — a practice she credits for the clarity needed to navigate the volatile fintech landscape.
As Tala enters its second decade, the goal remains the same: ensuring the financial system finally works for everyone. For Siroya, the Forbes accolades are a milestone, but the real victory is found in the millions of QR codes and digital wallets now powered by the trust Tala built from the ground up.
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:
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.
