Forbes names Tala among world’s 50 hottest fintechs in 2026 ranking

Kenyan financial services company Tala has been named among the world’s top financial technology firms in the 11th annual Forbes Fintech 50 list, cementing its position as one of the hottest fintechs of 2026.

The recognition comes as the digital lender continues its international expansion, even as artificial intelligence start-ups dominate investor attention and funding.

In 2025, Tala expanded operations across Latin America and India, with plans to enter the Dominican Republic and Vietnam this year.

The company’s founder and CEO, Shivani Siroya, was also recognised among America’s 250 Greatest Innovators for her role in transforming digital lending and improving access to credit.

Tala’s Kenya office welcomed the recognition, saying it reflects growing customer trust in its services.

“Being recognized by Forbes for the 10th time is an incredible honor and a reflection of the trust our customers place in us every day,” said Annstella Mumbi, General Manager, Tala Kenya.

“This recognition reinforces our belief that progress should be shared. We continue to work every day to build financial tools that open doors, support families and businesses, and ensure that no one is left behind.”

Over the past decade, Tala says it has served more than 13 million customers across three continents and disbursed $7 billion (Ksh.903 billion) in credit.

The company also launched on-chain lending in December last year in partnership with Huma and Solana, as part of efforts to expand access to digital financial services.

Tala provides mobile-based loans and financial tools aimed at underserved communities, positioning itself as a key player in expanding credit access in emerging markets.