By: Jennifer Hansen
Financial literacy is more crucial than ever, Ma Qing, the Chief Marketing Officer of Firstcard, has carved out a niche in leveraging creator partnerships to drive financial education. Her innovative strategies have not only transformed fintech marketing but have also made complex financial concepts accessible to a wider audience.
Ma Qing’s journey in the financial sector began at JP Morgan, where she developed her expertise in financial strategy and corporate deals. Working on high-profile transactions such as Uber’s acquisition of Postmates and Snap’s convertible notes purchase, she gained a deep understanding of the financial landscape. However, Qing’s desire to pursue more creative and impactful work led her to transition into the fintech industry.
In 2020, Qing joined Public.com as the third marketing hire. Recognizing the potential of leveraging influencers to demystify personal finance, she spearheaded initiatives that would eventually position Public.com as a leader in the industry. “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.
Under her leadership, Public.com formed strategic partnerships with influencers like Phil DeFranco and Erika Kullberg. These collaborations played a pivotal role in significantly expanding Public.com’s user base within a year. One of the notable campaigns, “I Gave My Goldfish $50,000 to Trade Stocks” with Michael Reeves, drove thousands of new users and garnered over 10 million views, highlighting the power of influencer marketing in fintech.
Qing’s innovative approach at Public.com led to the company securing substantial venture funding and significantly increasing its overall valuation. Her success demonstrated her ability to blend creativity with strategic thinking, making complex financial concepts accessible and engaging for a broad audience.
Building on her success at Public.com, Qing joined Republic, aiming to harness the power of creators in democratizing private investing. At Republic, she led US Marketing and Digital Growth, focusing on creator-led 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.” Among her achievements was the development of a pipeline of creator-led business fundraising deals, including ventures for Mr. Beast and Emma Chamberlain’s coffee brand, and the successful launch of Republic Note, which achieved significant fundraising shortly after its launch.
Currently, as the CMO of Firstcard, Qing continues her mission to democratize financial literacy and credit building. “Joining Firstcard was a natural choice for me,” she says. “My personal experience as an immigrant and the company’s significant social impact aligned perfectly with my values.” Firstcard has been recognized as the premier credit card for students in 2024 by Forbes, TIME and CNN.
Qing’s commitment to inclusivity is further reflected in the Firstcard $10,000 Student Scholarship program, aimed at supporting 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.”
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.” Furthermore, Firstcard is developing an AI-powered financial advisor, a key feature in its product roadmap, aimed at simplifying personal finance and credit building for users.
Qing’s marketing strategy transcends mere growth metrics; 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.
In her commitment to social responsibility, Qing collaborates with non-profit organizations and educational institutions to develop programs that promote financial literacy. “It’s important to ensure that everyone has access to the knowledge and resources they need to succeed financially,” she emphasizes.
Looking towards the future, Qing is optimistic about the continued potential for innovation in the fintech 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.”
For those eager to follow Ma Qing’s journey and gain insights from her experiences, connecting with her on LinkedIn and Twitter is highly recommended. Additionally, to explore more about Firstcard and its groundbreaking initiatives, visiting the Firstcard website is a great resource.
Follow Ma Qing on LinkedIn: Ma Qing’s LinkedIn
Follow Ma Qing on Twitter: Ma Qing’s Twitter
Published By: Aize Perez
