Cristina Junqueira: The Rise of a Female Fintech Leader in Latam

Cristina Junqueira’s journey to becoming one of the most successful female fintech leaders in South America is a testament to her determination and vision.

Co-founding Nubank in 2023, Junqueira’s bold move after leaving Brazilian banking giant Itaú has paid off, with Nubank now challenging traditional banking institutions.

Born in Riberão Preto, Brazil, Junqueira’s academic and professional background, including stints at Boston Consulting Group and Unibanco, paved the way for her role at Nubank.

Junqueira’s encounter with David Vélez, the CEO of Nubank in Colombia, sparked the idea of a new banking model for Latam, leading to the birth of Nubank.

Nubank’s exponential growth, serving over 90 million customers across Latam, is a testament to Junqueira’s leadership and Nubank’s innovative approach to digital banking.

With a recent valuation of US$23bn, Nubank continues to disrupt the financial industry in Latam and vie for the top spot against giants like Itaú.

Throughout her journey at Nubank, Junqueira has successfully balanced motherhood, exemplifying her commitment to empowering women in leadership roles.

In an interview with McKinsey & Co, Junqueira expresses her desire for her daughters to dream big and break barriers in a world of endless possibilities.