Originally featured on The Successful CEO Podcast

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In a region where millions remain underserved by traditional banking, fintech innovation is becoming the great equalizer. Zeeshan Mallick recently had the privilege of speaking with Diego Romero, Director for Latin America at Coinscrap Finance, about his journey from Mexico City to fintech leadership and how technology is reshaping financial services across Latin America.

 

From Artistic Roots to Financial Innovation

Diego’s path to fintech wasn’t conventional. Growing up in Mexico City surrounded by artists and medical professionals, the world of finance seemed distant. But a pivotal conversation with his aunt changed everything. Her simple advice—”study economics and finance to understand the world”—ignited a passion that would span insurance, regulation, corporate banking, money markets, and payment systems.

Today, Diego channels that diverse experience into a clear mission at Coinscrap Finance: improving people’s financial health through technology-driven banking solutions. It’s work that goes far beyond products and platforms, focusing on building financial stability and resilience for individuals and businesses across one of the world’s most dynamic regions.

 

The Latin American Fintech Revolution

Latin America has emerged as one of the fastest-growing fintech markets globally, and for good reason. With traditional banks leaving millions underserved, fintech solutions are filling critical gaps with accessible, mobile-first financial services.

“This shift isn’t just about convenience,” Diego explains. “It’s about financial inclusion and economic empowerment.” In a region where smartphone penetration often exceeds bank account ownership, mobile-first financial services are becoming the primary gateway to economic participation for millions.

 

AI’s Promise and Perils in Financial Services

When discussing the future of artificial intelligence in fintech, Diego’s perspective is both optimistic and cautiously realistic. At Coinscrap Finance, AI-powered tools are being explored to:

• Personalize financial services for individual users
• Improve customer engagement and retention rates
• Help developing economies tackle structural financial challenges

However, Diego is quick to acknowledge the challenges ahead. “Ethical considerations, regulatory frameworks, and consumer trust must all evolve alongside innovation,” he notes. In an industry built on trust, getting AI implementation right isn’t just about technology—it’s about responsibility.

 

The Leadership Formula for Success

What separates successful fintech leaders from the rest? According to Diego, it comes down to three core qualities: curiosity, resilience, and adaptability.

In Latin America’s competitive and rapidly evolving market, where user needs and technologies shift constantly, leaders who embrace uncertainty and maintain flexibility are the ones who thrive. “The landscape changes so quickly that rigid thinking becomes a liability,” Diego reflects.

Finding Balance in a Fast-Paced Industry

Despite the demanding nature of fintech leadership, Diego emphasizes the importance of maintaining perspective. He finds inspiration in the people around him—colleagues, mentors, and especially his wife. Their plans to add a dog to the family soon reflect his commitment to nurturing relationships beyond the boardroom.

This balance, he believes, is essential for sustainable leadership in an industry known for its intensity and pace.

 

Hard-Won Advice for Emerging Leaders

For aspiring CEOs in their twenties, Diego offers advice that’s both blunt and empowering: “Don’t be afraid of failure—but learn fast. The faster you adapt, the quicker you grow.”

Rather than chasing titles prematurely, he encourages young leaders to focus on fundamentals: solving real problems, building meaningful networks, and developing skills that create genuine value. Success, in his view, comes from depth of impact rather than speed of advancement.

 

A Book That Shaped a Fintech Mind

When asked about influences on his thinking, Diego points to Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari. The book’s exploration of human behavior, money, and society provided insights he regularly applies in his approach to fintech leadership—understanding that financial technology is ultimately about human psychology and social structures.

 

The Bigger Picture

Diego Romero’s journey illustrates something crucial about fintech innovation in Latin America: it’s not just about technology. At its core, it’s about people, financial health, and building long-term trust.

At Coinscrap Finance, Diego continues pushing boundaries in one of the world’s most dynamic markets, but always with an eye toward the human impact. In a region where financial inclusion can be transformative, his work represents more than business growth—it’s about expanding economic opportunity and building more resilient communities.

As Latin America’s fintech ecosystem continues maturing, leaders like Diego remind us that the most sustainable innovations are those that prioritize people over pure technology, understanding over algorithms, and trust over transactions.

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This conversation originally appeared on The Successful CEO Podcast, where we explore the journeys and insights of leaders reshaping industries across the globe.