Forbes Names Tala Among 2026’s Top Fintech Innovators

Tala, a global financial technology company, has been named one of the hottest fintech companies of 2026 in the 11th Annual Forbes Fintech 50, marking the company’s 10th appearance on the prestigious global ranking.

The annual list by Forbes recognises the most dynamic and influential private financial technology companies, spotlighting startups and scale-ups driving innovation across the industry. Companies are selected based on business growth, product innovation, leadership strength and their potential to shape the future of finance.

The 2026 edition spans payments, insurance, crypto, investing and AI-driven business solutions, reflecting key industry trends including artificial intelligence, decentralised finance and financial inclusion. The Fintech 50 is widely regarded as a benchmark for financial technology innovation, offering investors and industry leaders insight into companies defining the sector’s next phase of growth.

Tala’s recognition comes amid sustained global expansion. Despite investor attention shifting heavily toward AI startups, the company has maintained strong momentum, scaling operations across Latin America and India in 2025, with further expansion planned this year into the Dominican Republic and Vietnam.

Over the past decade, Tala has served more than 13 million customers across three continents and disbursed over $7 billion in credit. In December last year, the company launched on-chain lending in partnership with Huma and Solana, marking a significant step in integrating blockchain infrastructure into its lending model.

The milestone adds to a series of accolades for Tala’s leadership. Founder and CEO Shivani Siroya was recently named among America’s 250 Greatest Innovators for her work in disrupting traditional finance and reshaping how people access and use credit globally.

“Being recognized by Forbes for the 10th time is an incredible honor and a reflection of the trust our customers place in us every day,” said Annstella Mumbi, General Manager, Tala Kenya. “This recognition reinforces our belief that progress should be shared. We continue to work every day to build financial tools that open doors, support families and businesses, and ensure that no one is left behind.”

With continued international expansion, new blockchain-based lending capabilities and sustained customer growth, Tala’s latest inclusion in the Fintech 50 underscores its position as a leading player in the evolving global digital finance landscape.