By: Emily Watson
Scaling a fintech company requires vision, innovation, and strategic thinking—qualities that Ma Qing embodies as the Chief Marketing Officer of Firstcard. Her journey from investment banking to fintech marketing has equipped her with unique insights and a transformative approach to growth. Through her strategic initiatives, Qing has been instrumental in driving Firstcard’s rapid expansion and establishing it as a leader in the fintech space.
Qing’s career started in investment banking at JP Morgan, where she was involved in major transactions, including Uber’s acquisition of Postmates and Snap’s purchase of convertible notes. These experiences provided her with a solid foundation in financial strategy and corporate transactions. However, Qing felt a growing desire to engage in work that allowed for more creativity and direct impact.
In 2020, Qing made a pivotal career shift by joining Public.com as the third marketing hire. She recognized an untapped opportunity to leverage influencers to drive user growth and make financial concepts more accessible. “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 formed strategic partnerships with influencers like Phil DeFranco and Erika Kullberg. These collaborations were instrumental in growing Public.com’s user base from 250,000 to 1.5 million within a year. A standout campaign with Michael Reeves, titled “I Gave My Goldfish $50,000 to Trade Stocks,” drove thousands of new users and garnered over 10 million views, demonstrating the power of influencer marketing in fintech.
Qing’s innovative strategies at Public.com led to the company securing $220 million in venture funding, boosting its valuation to $1.2 billion. Her success at Public.com showcased her ability to blend creativity with strategic thinking, making complex financial concepts accessible and engaging for a broad audience.
Following her achievements at Public.com, Qing joined Republic to leverage creators in democratizing private investing. At Republic, she led 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.” She developed a pipeline of creator-led business fundraising deals, including ventures for Mr. Beast and Emma Chamberlain’s coffee brand, and helped launch Republic Note, raising over $2 million in less than a month.
Currently, as the CMO of Firstcard, Qing is dedicated to helping people build credit, particularly immigrants, international students, and people of color. “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 recognized as the premier credit card for students in 2024 by Forbes, CNN, TIME and CNBC.
Qing’s commitment to inclusivity is also reflected in the Firstcard $10,000 Student Scholarship program, which supports 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.”
One of Qing’s key strategies at Firstcard is using social media to reach and educate a diverse audience. “A lack of financial literacy is the biggest barrier to achieving financial freedom,” Qing explains. “To truly democratize credit building for everyone, we need to change the experience of many underserved communities.” Through engaging and informative social media campaigns, Firstcard aims to empower users with the knowledge and tools they need to build a strong financial foundation.
Qing’s innovative approach extends beyond traditional marketing. She believes that education and engagement are crucial to fostering a financially literate society. Her campaigns are designed not only to attract users but also to provide them with valuable insights and practical financial advice. This commitment to education is evident in all her work, from her influencer collaborations at Public.com to her initiatives at Firstcard.
As Ma Qing continues to drive innovation in fintech marketing, her journey serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring marketers and entrepreneurs. Her story highlights the transformative power of social media in modern investing and the importance of creativity, inclusivity, and a commitment to financial education. Qing’s work at Firstcard is a testament to her vision and dedication to making financial services accessible and engaging for everyone.
In addition to her role at Firstcard, Qing is actively involved in various initiatives aimed at promoting financial literacy and inclusion. She collaborates with non-profit organizations and educational institutions to develop programs that provide financial literacy resources to underserved communities. “It’s crucial to give back and ensure that everyone has access to the knowledge and tools they need to succeed financially,” Qing emphasizes.
Looking ahead, Qing is excited about the future of fintech and the continued evolution of social media as a tool for financial education. She believes that the integration of technology and personalized content will further enhance the ability to engage and educate users. “The potential for innovation in fintech is limitless,” Qing notes. “By harnessing the power of social media and other digital platforms, we can create a more inclusive and financially literate society.”
For those looking to stay updated with Ma Qing’s journey and insights, you can follow her on LinkedIn and X. Additionally, to learn more about Firstcard and its initiatives, visit the Firstcard website.
Follow Ma Qing on LinkedIn: Ma Qing’s LinkedIn
Follow Ma Qing on X: Ma Qing’s Twitter
Visit Firstcard website: firstcard.app
Published By: Aize Perez
