By: Henry Canton
Staying ahead requires not only innovation but also strategic foresight and a profound understanding of market dynamics. Ma Qing, the Chief Marketing Officer of Firstcard, embodies these attributes. Her career journey, transitioning from the realm of investment banking to becoming a pivotal figure in fintech marketing, underscores her capacity to drive significant value through bold decisions and strategic initiatives.
Ma Qing’s professional odyssey began in the intense environment of investment banking at JP Morgan. Here, she honed her skills in financial strategy and corporate deals, contributing to major transactions like Uber’s $2.7 billion acquisition of Postmates and Snap’s $1.1 billion convertible notes purchase. Despite her successes, Qing’s creative aspirations and desire for impactful work nudged her towards the fintech sector.
In 2020, Qing joined Public.com as its third marketing hire, bringing with her a fresh perspective on user engagement. She identified a unique opportunity to leverage influencers to demystify personal finance and drive user growth. “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 forged strategic alliances 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,” generated thousands of new users and garnered over 10 million views. This campaign highlighted the efficacy of influencer marketing in making complex financial concepts accessible to a broader audience.
Qing’s innovative approach at Public.com played a role in the company securing significant venture funding, which contributed to an increase in its valuation. Her efforts showcased a blend of creativity and strategic thinking, helping to simplify complex financial concepts into engaging content for a broader audience.
Capitalizing on her success at Public.com, Qing transitioned to Republic, aiming to harness the power of creators in democratizing private investing. At Republic, she spearheaded 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 notable 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 raised over $2 million in under a month.
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 lauded 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 crucial to give back and ensure that everyone has access to the knowledge and tools 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:
Follow Ma Qing on LinkedIn: Ma Qing’s LinkedIn
Follow Ma Qing on Twitter: Ma Qing’s Twitter
Published by: Holy Minoza
