FinTech & Capital Markets for the Underbanked: Quona Capital Brings the Margins into the Mainstream (#054)

SRI360 | Socially Responsible Investing, ESG, Impact Investing, Sustainable Investing

Today, I'm speaking with Monica Brand Engel, a Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Quona Capital, an impact pioneer focusing on financial inclusion in emerging and frontier markets.
Quona’s mission is to generate impact and returns by investing in micro, small, and medium-sized businesses across South and Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa.
The company is dedicated to transforming lives in underserved and underbanked communities through fintech solutions that bridge the gap between emerging markets and advanced financial infrastructures. It offers a range of financial products that meet the unique needs of consumers in these markets, including digital payments, lending platforms, accessible insurance products, and comprehensive neo-banking services.
Monica’s journey into impact investing is deeply influenced by her multicultural upbringing and experience in both the private and nonprofit sectors. She began her career in financial services, driven by a deep commitment to economic empowerment and financial inclusion, which eventually led her to co-found Quona Capital.
Before founding Quona, Monica was a Vice President at ACCION International, a leading global microfinance organization promoting commercial approaches to alleviate poverty.
Quona Capital is strategically focused on understanding the nuances of investing in emerging markets so that it can support entrepreneurs with both local insight and global expertise.
However, it has not only made a significant impact on financial inclusion but has also proven that these ventures can generate strong financial returns. Under Monica’s leadership, Quona has grown to manage $760 million in assets, with a team that speaks 21 languages and operates across major hubs like Mexico City, Bengaluru, Jakarta, and Cape Town.
Join me today as I speak with Monica about her remarkable background and how Quona Capital creates opportunities for millions of people in regions often overlooked by traditional financial service providers.
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Key Takeaways:
Monica’s background and early career (00:00)
The calling to work internationally (19:23)
Career in ACCION International and shifting focus to fintech (27:39)
The birth of Quona Capital (38:19)
Quona’s mission and key strategies (52:54)
The meaning of financial inclusion (59:26)
What makes a company investable for Quona (01:03:41)
3 key measures of impact (01:11:37)
Aligning impact and financial returns (01:20:58)
Evaluating and managing risks in emerging markets (01:36:05)
Key lessons for impact investing success (01:44:35)
Contact information (01:56:48)

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Additional Resources:
Visit Quona's website
Follow Quona:
- LinkedIn
- X
- Medium
Connect with Monica:
- LinkedIn
- X

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‘The Innovator's Dilemma’ by Clayton M. Christensen