Billionaire before her 40s, mother of three, bank founder. Cristina Junqueira’s bio would already be impressive if we didn’t consider what Nubank did. The Brazilian fintech she created alongside David Vélez and Edward Wible in the neighborhood of Brooklin, São Paulo, around 2013. In less than 8 years, the Brazilian fintech became the biggest worldwide and surpassed local banks as big as Itaú in market value.
Junqueira comes from a big family herself, being the youngest of four sisters. Born in São Paulo, she was raised in Rio and was shaped by multiple aspects of Brazilian culture, witnessing socioeconomic challenges that are largely present in the country’s metropolises. This context followed her through her international education and experiences in the finance sector, a seed that would later grow into Nubank.
Cristina Junqueira, born in September 1982 in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, has emerged as a pivotal figure in the fintech revolution sweeping Latin America. With a degree in industrial engineering from the University of São Paulo and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, her academic credentials laid a solid foundation for her future endeavors.
Her professional journey began at Unibanco, where she led the small and medium-sized business sector. Following the merger with Itaú, she transitioned to a role as a portfolio manager, overseeing credit card products and marketing strategies. Despite her efforts, she encountered resistance when trying to implement changes aimed at enhancing customer experience and reducing fees.
It was time to move to another team if she wanted to change the game. The co-founders of Nubank aimed to disrupt Brazil’s banking sector, notorious for high fees , large banking spreads, and unsatisfactory customer service. The idea was to introduce a zero-fee credit card managed via a mobile app for an underserved population. This innovative approach quickly gained traction, positioning Nubank as a major player in the financial landscape.
Ride a Unicorn
Under her leadership, Nubank has experienced exponential growth, boasting over 114 million clients globally, including significant presences in Mexico and Colombia. The company’s valuation has soared to approximately $50 billion on the New York Exchange (NYSE), underscoring its impact and success in the fintech arena.
The bank has also been recognized by leading financial publications, as well as Forbes and Time, as one of the best in Latin America and the world in terms of service and financial inclusion. The same recognition has followed its founder: Junqueira’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. She has been featured in Fortune’s “40 Under 40” list and recognized as one of fintech’s top leaders, highlighting her influence and achievements in the industry.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Junqueira is a staunch advocate for diversity and inclusion within the workplace. At Nubank, she has championed initiatives to increase female representation in leadership roles, with women now holding around 43% of such positions. Balancing a demanding career with family life, Junqueira openly shares her experiences in an effort to inspire and support other women striving to navigate similar paths.
