The IFW’s May online events kick off with the CPD-accredited Roundtable at 11am on Thursday 2nd May. Hosted by Barra Gorman, Olga Miler, CEO and co-founder of SmartPurse, will introduce the discussion topic ‘How to build client trust through inclusivity.’
Book for the May IFW Roundtable.
Your key learning points:
- How to demonstrate diversity to your client base (and potential clients)
- How doing this well will elevate client relationships
- Why this matters to the financial services industry.
Award-winning innovator and fintech entrepreneur Olga specialises in financial education, digitisation and growth. She has been recognised for her transformational achievements to change the financial services industry for women and gender equality, is a LinkedIn Top Voice in Finance and a TEDx speaker.
Following a career at UBS she co-founded SmartPurse, a pioneering financial wellbeing platform revolutionising financial planning and education for all. Her Money Column on Watson News has reached over 1.2 million readers in Switzerland. She also serves as board member at the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women.
Ahead of next week’s event, I asked Olga a few questions to find out what makes her tick and why she priorities inclusivity.
How did you come to launch SmartPurse?
I initially set up SmartPurse to address the gender investment gap and empower women to take control of their finances through education and support. I soon came to realise that whilst women have a harder time with this, the problem extends to men too. As such, SmartPurse became a gender inclusive financial education app.
What do you hope SmartPurse will achieve?
The vision is to build a gender inclusive global economy and change the world for the better. We want to put knowledge, tools, and confidence in the hands of those who need it so that they can realise their full potential. This means being able to provide accessible, impartial financial education, increase the financial independence of every woman and to drive change in the Financial Services industry.
Why is inclusivity so important to what you do?
Everyone, regardless of gender, should have equal access to financial education and opportunities. SmartPurse serves a diverse range of individuals and addresses the specific needs and challenges faced by different groups in society.
What does inclusivity mean to you?
Living in a world that fosters a more equitable and empowered financial landscape for all.
How did it feel to present your TED talk, ‘How your money can change the world while you sleep’?
I felt honoured to present my TED talk with a global audience. Naturally, I also felt excited, proud and a sense of fulfilment in spreading awareness about the transformative potential.
What do you find most satisfying, exciting and terrifying about it?
The opportunity to inspire and empower others. Being in a position to impact the way people think about money and investing. I also feel a deep sense of responsibility and pressure to deliver. Overall the prospect of sparking positive change and helping others take control of their financial futures outweighs and fears.
What do you wish you’d been told about finance when you were 15?
It sounds cliché, but starting to save and invest early. Knowing the power of compound interest and how even small amounts invested consistently over time grow to significant wealth.
