Fintech as an equalising force: how Beena Pothen is bridging the digital divide and championing financial inclusion for women entrepreneurs

“The financial sector has a unique opportunity to drive meaningful, systemic change—not merely by introducing digital solutions, but by ensuring they are inclusive, intuitive and supported by comprehensive education and mentorship,” she says.

“True financial empowerment goes beyond access; it requires equipping women with the tools, knowledge and networks to confidently navigate and lead in the digital economy.” 

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From building inclusive economies to nurturing the next generation of leaders, Pothen is proving that purposeful leadership is not only possible but powerful. She shares the power of resilience, consistency and what drives her to champion women’s financial inclusion today.

Tell us about your early career starting out as a young graduate. What were your biggest aspirations and priorities at that point?

From an early age, I aspired to become a doctor. It was a dream fuelled by passion and purpose—until I missed the admission cutoff by just a fraction of a per cent. That moment was a profound lesson in the significance of every single point, every effort, and every opportunity. It reinforced an essential truth: life does not always unfold as planned, but resilience is the key to moving forward—and when one door closes, the only choice is to recalibrate, adapt and push ahead with renewed determination.

Who inspires you the most?

My mother, a dedicated homemaker, had an unwavering ambition—not just for herself, but for her children. She instilled in us the drive to excel. While my early schooling years went by easily, it was the demanding environment of pharmaceutical labs that made me grasp the value of rigour. Long hours, meticulous processes and the constant pursuit of knowledge shaped my mindset. I learned that success is not just about intellect; it is about showing up, putting in the work and committing to continuous growth. The obstacles we face shape our character and the lessons we learn along the way prepare us for the battles ahead.

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Looking back at your career journey, were there any defining moments that accelerated your path to corporate leadership in the fintech sector?

A particularly transformative moment in my career was stepping into fintech—a space where innovation drives financial inclusion and economic growth at scale. Fintech is not just about technology; it’s about creating an inclusive financial ecosystem where small businesses, entrepreneurs and underserved communities can thrive. Mastercard’s mission has always been rooted in financial empowerment, and I’m thankful to have the opportunity to lead initiatives focused on bridging the digital divide and supporting women entrepreneurs.

This aligns with my  personal passion to give back to the community—whether through digitising infrastructure, advocating for women in leadership, or supporting initiatives like Strivers’ Hub and Girls4Tech [Mastercard’s signature STEM education curriculum for middle school and high school girls] this role allows me to support and contribute to our communities.

Mastercard Malaysia was certified a Great Place to Work for the second consecutive year by the Great Place to Work Institute. As a leader, how do you balance company growth with fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment?

In today’s fast-evolving business landscape, growth and workplace culture are not competing priorities—they are mutually reinforcing drivers of long-term success. Being named a Great Place to Work for the second consecutive year reflects our unwavering commitment to creating an environment where talent thrives, diverse perspectives are valued and teams are empowered to drive meaningful impact. 

I am a strong believer that hard work should be recognised and rewarded. In the Malaysia office, we have introduced the North Star of the Month—a peer-voted recognition where team members celebrate each other’s dedication and contributions. 

How have your own career experiences shaped your leadership style today?

Early in my career, conversations around financial literacy and inclusion—especially for women—were far less prominent than they are today. There was certainly an opportunity for more structured support to help women build confidence in managing their finances and advancing professionally. That’s why it’s been so meaningful for me to see how Mastercard not only champions financial inclusion externally but also invests in women’s career growth internally.

As a woman in leadership, I’ve directly benefited from Mastercard’s intentional focus on advancing female talent through programmes like our Women’s Leadership Network (WLN). WLN has provided me and countless others with a platform for mentorship, peer connection and career development.

Through initiatives like Strivers’ Hub and Women's Leadership Network, you’ve helped small businesses and women entrepreneurs gain access to digital payment solutions. What inspired you to champion these initiatives?

Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of economies worldwide, driving job creation, innovation, and economic resilience. Yet, a study by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and The Asia Foundation highlights that 80 per cent of women entrepreneurs lack access to the capital necessary to scale their businesses or invest in innovation. Advancing financial inclusion and digital enablement is not just a corporate responsibility but an economic imperative.

Women entrepreneurs, despite their immense potential, remain underserved by traditional financial systems. Research shows that Women-Owned Small and Medium Enterprises (WSMEs) face an estimated credit gap of US$1.4-1.7 trillion, limiting their ability to scale. Mastercard’s Women by Design framework ensures that our solutions—whether in payments, lending or mentorship—are built to address these gaps.

My commitment to this space has been shaped by a deep understanding that unlocking opportunity for MSMEs means building an ecosystem that fosters long-term resilience. Initiatives such as Strivers’ Hub and WLN have been instrumental in equipping small business owners with digital payment solutions, financial literacy and mentorship. However, our approach extends beyond individual programs—we take a holistic, ecosystem-driven strategy to drive meaningful impact at scale.

What has mentorship meant to you in your career, and how do you personally invest in guiding and uplifting other women in the financial sector?

Throughout my career, I have seen firsthand how access to the right guidance, resources and networks can make a difference—particularly for women navigating traditionally male-dominated industries. As someone who has benefited from mentorship, I now make it a priority to pay it forward by mentoring women around me. Supporting young women in their careers is especially meaningful as it reminds me of my own journey—of the people who guided me, challenged me and encouraged me to step up. Furthermore, mentoring also benefits me as a mentor, as I continue to learn and hear new perspectives everyday. 

But mentorship is not just about individual career progression—it is a catalyst for systemic change. That is why we are deeply invested in initiatives that empower future leaders, entrepreneurs and underserved communities. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, for example, develops the next generation of transformative leaders by providing talented young individuals with access to higher education and leadership development opportunities.

What takes up your time outside of work? 

One of my biggest passions is animal welfare. Supporting animal charities has been incredibly fulfilling, as it reminds me of the impact that small acts of kindness can have. Caring for animals develop our empathy, patience and resilience—qualities that are just as important in leadership as they are in life. With fur babies of my own, caring for animals is an important belief for me.

What’s at the top of your reading list right now? 

Currently, I’m reading Live Life in Crescendo: Your Most Important Work is Always Ahead of You by Stephen R. Covey and Cynthia Covey Haller. In the same way that music builds on the previous notes, life, too, builds on the past and unfolds in the future.

This crescendo mentality urges us to use whatever we have—our time, talents, resources, passion and influence—to enrich the lives of people around us, including our family, community and the world. It’s a powerful reminder to live a fulfilling life while supporting our personal growth and making a lasting impact.

Front & Female Changemakers celebrates the extraordinary journeys of inspiring women who have emerged as powerful changemakers in a range of fields, offering a glimpse into their lives and showcasing their courage, vision and relentless pursuit of change and progress. From social entrepreneurs and business leaders to educators, artists, activists and scientists, Front & Female changemakers exemplify the ability to challenge the status quo and demonstrate the power of women to effect change.

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