By: Caleb Hellinger
Ma Qing, the Chief Marketing Officer of Firstcard, has expertly harnessed this tool to drive significant growth and make financial concepts more accessible to a broad audience. Her innovative strategies have set new standards in fintech marketing, demonstrating the transformative potential of social media.
When Qing joined Public.com in 2020, she saw an untapped opportunity to leverage influencers to simplify financial concepts and engage a broader audience. “Creators have a unique ability to demystify complex financial concepts,” Qing says. “By partnering with them, we can turn financial literacy into something accessible and actionable for a broader audience.”
Under her leadership, Public.com formed strategic partnerships with influencers like Phil DeFranco and Erika Kullberg. These collaborations were pivotal 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. This success showcased the power of influencer marketing in fintech, making complex financial concepts accessible to a broader audience.
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 demonstrated her ability to blend creativity with strategic thinking, making complex financial concepts accessible and engaging for a broad audience.
Following her success at Public.com, Qing joined Republic to focus on leveraging creators for private investing. “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.” At Republic, she developed a pipeline of creator-led business fundraising deals and helped launch Republic Note, raising over $2 million in less than a month.
Currently, as the CMO of Firstcard, Qing continues her mission to democratize financial literacy and credit building. “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 best credit card for students in 2024 by Forbes and CNN, thanks to Firstcards’ innovative features like ability for international students to apply using passports instead of SSNs, up to 15% cashback at over 29,000 partner merchants and an impressive 4.25% APY. 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.
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,” Qing says. “By using social media strategically, we can reach a wider audience and make a real impact on people’s financial lives.”
In addition to her professional accomplishments, 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, 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 Twitter. 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 Twitter: Ma Qing’s Twitter
Visit Firstcard: Firstcard’s website
Published By: Aize Perez
