Fintech Files: Insights on TECH by BCG Platinion

The ROI of Inclusion: How Representation Drives Results

Mar 11, 2026

Guest

Jacqueline O'Flanagan

Guest

Amanda Estiverne-Colas

Vera Futorjanski, founder of Veritas Ventures who builds communities for women leaders. Reem Ikram, CEO of ThriftPlan creating flexible employer savings. Jacqueline O'Flanagan, Microsoft financial services lead championing inclusive tech and ethical AI. Amanda Estiverne-Colas, NAFLE board member linking innovation with financial literacy. They discuss investing in people, inclusive product design, closing funding gaps, and the role of education and networks.

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INSIGHT

Access Without Education Fails

Financial inclusion requires paired access and tailored financial education to be effective.
Amanda Estiverne-Colas praises fintechs like Monzo for using social platforms to deliver digestible, consumer-focused financial education.

ANECDOTE

ThriftPlan Born From An Expat Pension Problem

Reem Ikram built ThriftPlan after realizing expat workers lacked pension systems when working tax-free in Saudi Arabia.
ThriftPlan doubles employee savings via employer matches and invests them to create retention incentives for firms.

ADVICE

Build Curated Communities For Women Leaders

Create curated communities to give women belonging, role models, and safe networking spaces.
Vera Futorjanski launched a female leaders community after research showed women most want belonging and trusted support.

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What do we gain when we invest in others?

In this special International Women’s Day episode, we explore this year’s theme of “give to gain” with four women shaping the future of financial services: Amanda Estiverne-Colas, board member at NAFLI, Jacqueline O’Flanagan, Financial Services Industry Lead for Canada at Microsoft; Reem Ikram, CEO and Co-Founder of ThriftPlan; and Vera Futorjanski, founder of Veritas Ventures and Beyond Global.

They share how investing in people and opportunity can create compounding impact—from expanding financial literacy and building inclusive products to supporting female founders and creating communities that open doors for the next generation.

Discussion Highlights:

Giving as Investment: How investing in people, access, and opportunity can generate long-term returns for individuals, organizations, and the broader financial ecosystem.
Financial Inclusion in Practice: Amanda Estiverne-Colas shares why access must be paired with financial literacy and education.
The Business Case for Diversity: Jacqueline O’Flanagan explains how diverse leadership and perspectives strengthen innovation, decision-making, and long-term performance.
Building Communities and Networks: Vera Futorjanski reflects on the power of community in creating opportunities and supporting women in leadership and entrepreneurship.
Closing the Funding Gap: How increasing female participation in investing could shift the balance of opportunity and reshape how capital flows to female founders.
Designing the Future of Finance: Reem Ikram shares how fintech innovation, supportive regulation, and financial literacy can work together to expand access and build stronger financial futures.

About Fintech Files:

Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion as we explore the cutting-edge trends disrupting Fintech today.

From NeoBanks to cryptocurrency, we delve into the dynamic landscape of financial technology through insightful conversations with global disruptors. We’ll uncover the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech and examine their impact on the financial world. We focus on real-world examples, making financial technology relatable and accessible to both Fintech enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Hosted by Annika Melchert, a Principal currently based at BCG Platinion in the Middle East, and Nora Hocke, a Principal currently based at BCG Platinion in Sydney, our hosts bring expertise in tech transformations, platform architecture, and digital innovation. Annika and Nora work with Fintechs and incumbent banks, and together they offer unique insights into the evolving financial landscape, drawing on their wealth of experience with leading organizations. Bianca Lopes is an entrepreneur and economist from Brazil with a background in digital identity and biometrics. Having supported over 40 financial institutions and eight governments, Bianca’s work reshapes technology, reimagines identity, and drives innovation.