In the fast-evolving world of financial technology, women are making their mark, leading with innovation and purpose. One such trailblazer is Oluwatofunmi Okunbor (née Akinluyi), a distinguished expert in risk management and compliance. Her career, spanning eight years, highlights her expertise, leadership, and passion for empowering others within the industry.

Tofunmi’s journey into fintech began in 2016 through the prestigious Access Bank Graduate Trainee Program. Though initially advocating for Branch Audit, she was assigned to Anti-Fraud—an unexpected pivot that sparked her interest in fraud prevention and risk management. Reflecting on this moment, she explained, “That experience was transformative; it was where my career truly began.”

She continued to rise in her field, particularly during her time at Flutterwave, where she led risk monitoring and analytics. By integrating technology into traditional risk management practices, she improved risk mitigation through cutting-edge automated processes. “My tech-driven approach allows me to stay ahead of risks in compliance,” she said, emphasizing how fintech is leveraging modern solutions like AI to combat sophisticated fraud schemes.

Tofunmi is not only an expert in fintech but also an advocate for change, particularly in visibility and recognition for risk management professionals. “It’s vital to document achievements and contributions to ensure visibility,” she advises, encouraging others in similar fields to proactively advocate for recognition. Her passion extends beyond fintech, as she also played a crucial role in the development of the Racial Equity Resource Database (R.E.A.D.) at the University of Pittsburgh, reflecting her commitment to social justice.

Looking ahead, Tofunmi believes in the potential of fintech to drive financial inclusion across regions like Africa. She envisions partnerships between fintech companies and traditional financial institutions as key to expanding access to digital banking services for underserved populations.

Tofunmi’s commitment to empowering women in finance remains a central theme in her career. She stresses the importance of creating platforms for women to share their experiences, mentor each other, and achieve leadership roles. “Diversity in leadership leads to better decision-making and innovation,” she said, underscoring the need for representation to shape the future of the industry.

Her journey serves as a beacon for women in fintech, illustrating how resilience and dedication can transform not only careers but the broader financial ecosystem. Through her leadership and vision, Tofunmi continues to inspire future generations to break barriers and lead with purpose in the rapidly evolving fintech industry.