From O to S, from Cambodia to Spain to New Zealand

Day four of the MAIA Money Changers, 10 names from O to S, the people making money change in 2024.?

We travel from Nigeria to Cambodia, via Spain, the UK, Ghana and New Zealand, meeting consumer protection advocates, newspaper editors, charity founders - and a national bank governor, among others.

The MAIA Money Changers is a list of incredible people. Join us in celebrating their work.

Oluwatosin Olaseinde

Money Africa?

Oluwatosin Olaseinde, Founder of Money Africa and Ladda.ng , is a trailblazer in financial literacy and inclusion in Nigeria. Her work focuses on democratizing access to financial education and retail investments, empowering individuals to make informed decisions. Through Money Africa, she delivers practical tools and resources to enhance financial literacy, while Ladda simplifies investment opportunities for everyday Nigerians.

Her innovative approach has reached thousands, fostering a culture of savings, wealth-building, and financial independence. Oluwatosin’s dedication to breaking down barriers and creating accessible financial solutions continues to inspire long-term economic empowerment and resilience across diverse communities in Nigeria and beyond.

Patricia Suárez Ramírez

ASUFIN (Association of Financial Users)?

Patricia Suárez Ramírez, Founder, President, and CEO of ASUFIN , is a tireless advocate for financial literacy, consumer protection, and green finance. Known as “Wonder Woman” for her relentless fight against bank abuses, she has empowered countless individuals through education and legal support, ensuring transparency and fairness in financial practices.

Patricia’s work spans innovative fintech solutions and sustainability initiatives, addressing critical challenges in modern finance. Her leadership at ASUFIN continues to drive systemic change, promoting financial inclusion, education, and justice, while inspiring individuals to take control of their financial futures responsibly and sustainably.

Patrick Jenkins

Financial Times?

Patrick Jenkins, Deputy Editor at The Financial Times (FT) and Founder and Chair of FT FLIC | Financial Literacy & Inclusion Campaign , spearheaded the advocacy that led to the FT launching its first-ever charity in its 150-year history.

FT FLIC, which focuses on equipping underserved communities and young people with financial education, has collaborated with organizations such as Magic Breakfast to address child poverty and financial illiteracy in the UK. In 2024, FT FLIC won a MAIA Award for Best School Age Project for its all-school financial literacy curriculum at the City of London Academy.?

Peter Asare Nyarko

Center for Financial Literacy Education Africa (CFLE Africa)

Peter Asare Nyarko is Executive Director of Center for Financial Literacy Education Africa CFLE Africa, Social Entrepreneur and Award-Winning Financial Literacy Advocate. Under his leadership, CFLE Africa develops and promotes financial literacy skills, particularly among young Africans and women, fostering sustainable communities of financial literacy and inclusion.

He also leads PKAN Capital Consulting , specializing in personal and group financial planning and business development. Named Ghana's Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2022 and listed among Top 25 Africans Changing the Face of Education in 2023, Peter’s impactful work continues to inspire transformative change across Africa

Dr. Pushpa Wood ONZM

Director of the Westpac Massey Fin-Ed Centre

Dr. Pushpa Wood, Director of the Westpac Massey Fin-Ed Centre at 新西兰梅西大学 in New Zealand, is a leading advocate for financial literacy and education. Her extensive work has focused on improving financial capability among diverse populations, particularly vulnerable communities such as migrants, women, and youth. Dr. Wood has developed evidence-based programs and resources tailored to address real-world challenges, fostering long-term financial resilience.

She actively collaborates with policymakers, educators, and community organizations to embed financial literacy into educational systems and public initiatives. Her enduring commitment continues to inspire systemic change, empowering individuals and strengthening financial well-being across New Zealand and beyond.

Dr. Raphael Sofoluke

Founder of the UK Black Business Show?

Dr. Raphael Sofoluke, Founder and CEO of the UK Black Business Week | UK Black Business Show , has been a transformative advocate for financial literacy, inclusion, and economic empowerment within the Black community in the UK. Through his work, he has created a platform that celebrates Black excellence, provides entrepreneurial education, and equips business leaders with tools for financial success.

His events and initiatives address systemic barriers, fostering opportunities for growth and collaboration. Dr. Sofoluke’s dedication to uplifting underrepresented communities has had a lasting impact, empowering individuals to build sustainable businesses and contributing to a more inclusive and equitable economic landscape.

Samit Ghosh

Ujjivan Small Finance Bank?

Samit Ghosh, Founder and former CEO of Ujjivan Small Finance Bank in India, has been a pioneering force in advancing financial inclusion for underserved communities. In addition to transforming microfinance through Ujjivan, he co-founded the Parinaam Foundation, which focuses on improving financial literacy and access for women and low-income households.

The foundation’s innovative programs, such as the Diksha Financial Literacy Program, have empowered thousands with critical financial skills. Samit’s combined efforts at Ujjivan and Parinaam have transformed millions of lives, fostering economic resilience and breaking cycles of poverty. His visionary approach continues to inspire inclusive growth and financial empowerment in India.

Sarah Porretta

Young Enterprise UK, Money and Pensions Service?

Sarah Porretta, CEO of Young Enterprise UK , has been a driving force in financial literacy and education across the United Kingdom. Formerly a Director at the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) and a key leader at Fair4All Finance, she played a pivotal role in developing the UK Strategy for Financial Wellbeing, which set ten-year goals to improve financial literacy and resilience nationwide.

At MaPS, she led initiatives to integrate financial education into school curricula, aiming to reach two million additional children by 2030. Now at Young Enterprise UK, Sarah continues to empower young people with essential financial and entrepreneurial skills, fostering lifelong resilience and economic independence.

Scott Galloway

Professor NYU Stern, Podcaster, Author?

Professor Scott Galloway, a professor of marketing at 美国纽约大学 - 斯特恩商学院 , is a renowned entrepreneur, academic, author, and podcaster. His recent bestseller, The Algebra of Wealth, provides practical advice on building wealth, while his podcast, Prof G Markets, covers business, markets, and economic trends.

Scott also launched Section , an alternative to expensive business schools, offering accessible education on entrepreneurship and business strategy. His work has empowered millions, democratizing financial and business education, and providing valuable resources for those seeking financial success outside traditional systems.

Serey Chea

National Bank Governor?

Serey Chea, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia and Board Director of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion, has been a transformative leader in advancing financial inclusion and education in Cambodia. Under her guidance, the central bank launched Bakong, a blockchain-based digital payment system, providing millions with access to affordable financial services.

Serey has championed financial literacy initiatives, empowering underserved communities, particularly women and rural populations, to achieve economic independence. Her innovative policies and global collaborations continue to foster financial resilience and inclusion, positioning Cambodia as a model for leveraging technology to address financial inequality.

The MAIA Money Changers list celebrates individuals and organizations who have made significant strides in reshaping the landscape of financial literacy and inclusion. The list is compiled with the goal of recognizing those who are not only challenging conventional views on money and finance but also creating tangible change that empowers individuals and communities worldwide. By highlighting these changemakers, we aim to inspire further innovation, collaboration, and growth within the field, fostering a future where financial knowledge is accessible to all. The Money Changers are selected by the MAIAs team based on their leadership, impact, and dedication to improving financial education, transforming attitudes, and dismantling barriers to financial empowerment.

The full list of 50 MAIA Money Changers goes live on maiawards.org on Tuesday, 31st December.

The MAIA Money Changers does not replace The Money Awareness and Inclusion Awards, which are submissions-based and judged by an esteemed external panel.