Five Reasons Why Tala Was Named CNBC World’s Top FinTech for the Second Time

Tala has been named CNBC World’s Top FinTech for the second time. The global accolade, awarded jointly by CNBC and Statista, evaluated over 2,000 fintech companies based on stringent metrics of performance, impact, and sustainability.

This latest recognition confirms Tala a standout in the fintech industry, driven by its scale, innovation, and dedication to financial inclusion.

With over $6 billion in credit disbursed through Tala loans to more than 10 million Tala customers across East Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, the company continues to expand its influence in emerging markets.

The following are five key reasons behind Tala earning CNBC’s top recognition.

1. Innovative Use of Machine Learning and Alternative Data

Tala’s technology leverages machine learning and alternative data to evaluate the creditworthiness of individuals with little to no formal credit history. Through its proprietary algorithms, Tala analyzes thousands of data points, including mobile phone usage patterns, transaction history, and behavioral trends, to build precise risk profiles.

This innovative method enables Tala loans to reach customers excluded from traditional financial institutions. The data-driven approach not only supports the scalability of the Tala loan app but also contributes to the platform’s high Tala loan repayment rate of 95%.

2. Commitment to Financial Inclusion for Underserved Communities

At the core of Tala’s mission is Tala Financial Inclusion, providing accessible credit to underserved individuals and small businesses. Tala customers across East Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America can access credit instantly via the Tala mobile app.

Tala-Kenya is well-known for offering short-term loans via the Tala app, helping many meet urgent needs or invest in small enterprises. Mumbi Annstella, General Manager of Tala-Kenya, has emphasized the company’s dedication to communities that traditional financial systems have long overlooked.

3. Proven Sustainability with a 95% Repayment Rate

One of Tala’s strongest differentiators is its ability to balance inclusion with financial sustainability. Tala’s loan repayment rate of 95% is a clear indicator of effective risk management and customer trust.

This performance is supported by transparent terms and competitive interest rates, with Tala’s daily interest rate for loans in Kenya set between 0.3% and 0.6%.

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The company also offers flexible Tala repayment options, allowing users to repay loans conveniently via mobile money channels such as M-Pesa in Kenya. This blend of fair pricing, repayment flexibility, and risk control has made Tala loans not only accessible but also sustainable, an essential criterion in CNBC’s evaluation.

4. Consistent Global Recognition Across Prestigious Platforms

In addition to being named Tala CNBC World’s Top FinTech, the company has maintained visibility on several global awards lists. Tala has featured on the Forbes Fintech 50 for nine consecutive years, CNBC’s Disruptor 50 for five years, and Fortune’s Impact 20 list.

This pattern of Tala’s recognition on global platforms confirms that it is more than a one-time success story. Its continuous presence on these lists signals industry leadership and the ability to drive meaningful change in the fintech landscape.

5. Scalable Impact Across Diverse Markets

Tala’s operational model has demonstrated adaptability across different continents, serving over 10 million customers. From Kenya to the Philippines and Mexico, the Tala app has been customized to meet specific regional needs and regulatory frameworks.

In Kenya, Tala is widely adopted for mobile credit, offering a lifeline to those in need of quick financial support. In the Philippines and Latin America, the Tala loan app addresses similar gaps in financial access, enabling more people to participate in economic activities otherwise closed off to them.

This geographic and cultural scalability strengthens Tala’s capacity to expand responsibly, a factor that made it a compelling choice for CNBC and Statista. The company’s success in diverse markets emphasizes its ability to apply technology-driven solutions effectively on a global scale.

Jefferson Wachira is a writer at Africa Digest News, specializing in banking and finance trends, and their impact on African economies.

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Africa Digest News

http://digitalbankingnews.co.ke

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