By: Samantha Larson
Firstcard is democratizing credit building for all, and at the helm of this transformation is Ma Qing, the Chief Marketing Officer. Her innovative strategies and personal dedication to financial inclusivity are driving the company’s success. With a unique blend of creativity and strategic thinking, Ma Qing has positioned Firstcard as a leader in the fintech space.
“Joining Firstcard was a natural choice for me,” Ma Qing explains. “My personal experience as an immigrant and the company’s significant social impact aligned perfectly with my values.” Firstcard serves immigrants, international students, and people of color, and has been recognized as the premier credit card for students in 2024 by Forbes and CNN.
Ma Qing’s journey in fintech marketing began at Public.com, where she pioneered the use of influencers to simplify financial concepts. “Creators have a unique ability to demystify complex financial concepts,” Ma Qing says. “By partnering with them, we can turn financial literacy into something accessible and actionable for a broader audience.” Her campaigns with influencers like Phil DeFranco and Erika Kullberg helped Public.com grow its user base from 250,000 to 1.5 million in a year. One standout campaign with Michael Reeves, “I Gave My Goldfish $50,000 to Trade Stocks,” drove thousands of new users and garnered over 10 million views.
Following her success at Public.com, Ma Qing joined Republic to focus on creator-led marketing for private investing. “Republic is at the forefront of this new era of retail-driven private investment,” Ma 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, Ma Qing continues her mission to democratize financial literacy and credit building. As part of Firstcard’s future roadmap, Firstcard is planning on launching an AI financial advisor and budgeting tools to help underserved communities navigate through the complexities of credit building and personal finance.
“A lack of financial literacy is the biggest barrier to achieving financial freedom,” Ma Qing explains. “To truly democratize credit building for everyone, we need to change the experience of many underserved communities.” This commitment 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 the significant aspects of Ma Qing’s work at Firstcard is her focus on financial education. She believes that financial literacy is the cornerstone of financial freedom. “Financial education is not just about understanding how to manage money; it’s about empowering people to make informed decisions that positively impact their lives,” she says. Firstcard aims to empower users with the knowledge and resources they need to build a solid financial foundation.
Qing’s approach to marketing is not just about growth; it’s about making a meaningful impact. Her campaigns are designed to educate and empower users, transforming how they interact with financial products. This philosophy extends to all her work, from her strategic partnerships with influencers to her initiatives at Firstcard.
In addition to her professional achievements, Qing is passionate about giving back to the community. She collaborates with non-profit organizations and educational institutions to develop programs that promote financial literacy and inclusion. “It’s important to ensure that everyone has access to the knowledge and resources they need to succeed financially,” she emphasizes.
Looking ahead, Ma Qing is excited about the potential for further innovation in the fintech space. She believes that technology will continue to play a pivotal role in making financial services more accessible and inclusive. “We are just scratching the surface of what’s possible with fintech,” she notes. “There are so many opportunities to create solutions that address the unique needs of different communities and make a positive impact on people’s lives.”
Ma Qing’s influence in the fintech industry extends beyond her role at Firstcard. She is a sought-after speaker and thought leader, frequently sharing her insights at conferences and industry events. Her expertise in leveraging social media for financial education has earned her recognition as a pioneer in the field. “Social media is not just a marketing tool; it’s a platform for education and empowerment,” Ma Qing says. “By using social media strategically, we can reach a wider audience and make a real impact on people’s financial lives.”
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: Firstcard’s website
Published by: Martin De Juan