In the fast-paced world of fintech, Lucy Liu stands out as a beacon of innovation and leadership. As the co-founder and president of Airwallex, Liu has carved a niche for herself in a highly competitive industry. Airwallex, a fintech unicorn, is revolutionizing the world of international payments. Her journey from a passionate entrepreneur to a global business leader is inspiring. Born in China and raised in Auckland, New Zealand, Lucy’s path from a finance student to a leading entrepreneur exemplifies determination and vision.
The Early Days
Lucy moved to Auckland at age 12 and later pursued a Master of Finance from the University of Melbourne. Her career began in the finance sector, where she worked as an investment consultant. But Lucy had bigger dreams. She reconnected with her friends Jack Zhang and Max Li, and together they decided to tackle a major headache in the online business world: international payments.
The Birth of Airwallex
The concept for Airwallex was born out of a simple observation: traditional financial systems could have been more convenient and efficient for businesses operating globally. Liu, along with her co-founders, envisioned a platform that could streamline cross-border transactions and make financial operations smoother for companies worldwide.
Starting Airwallex was no walk in the park. Liu and her team faced numerous challenges, from securing initial funding to developing a robust platform. However, their resilience and innovative spirit paid off. With a clear vision and relentless determination, Airwallex began to take shape and make waves in the fintech industry.
In 2015, at the age of 25, Lucy co-founded Airwallex in Melbourne. The company aimed to provide intelligent, safe, and compliant multi-currency cross-border payment solutions. Despite the fintech industry being male-dominated, Lucy’s determination and innovative mindset helped Airwallex grow rapidly. Today, the company employs over 800 people across 12 offices worldwide.
Overcoming Challenges and Leading Innovation in Fintech
Being a young woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry came with its challenges. Lucy Liu faced skepticism in the fintech world. Despite these obstacles, she turned her youth and gender into strengths, making bold decisions that fueled Airwallex’s rapid growth. Today, Airwallex is one of Australia’s fastest-growing fintech unicorns, valued at $2.6 billion and employing over 800 people across 12 global offices. Liu’s leadership and innovative mindset have been pivotal in addressing international payment issues and creating a better financial system for businesses.
Lucy recalls the double-takes when people saw her business card. However, she turned these challenges into strengths. Her youth allowed her to make bold choices and take risks that paid off. Lucy’s tenacity and perseverance have been key to her success.
Leadership Style and Philosophy
Lucy Liu’s leadership style is characterized by empowerment and innovation. She believes in giving her team the freedom to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of what’s possible. This approach has fostered a culture of creativity and excellence at Airwallex.
Liu’s professional journey is guided by a strong sense of ethics and personal values. She emphasizes the importance of integrity, transparency, and dedication in all aspects of her work. These values have been instrumental in building trust with clients and partners.
Mentorship and Giving Back
Lucy is passionate about mentoring the next generation of female fintech leaders. She has been involved in various mentorship programs, including StartupVIC’s Office Hours and the University of Melbourne’s Accelerator Program. Her dedication to supporting others was recognized when she received the Rising Star Award for Young Alumni from the University of Melbourne in 2021.
A Vision for the Future
Lucy’s vision for Airwallex is to continue revolutionizing the fintech industry while encouraging more women to join the field. She believes in sharing her experiences and learnings to inspire others. Lucy’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and the importance of lifting others as you climb.
Empowering Future Female Leaders
Liu is dedicated to mentoring and supporting the next generation of women in fintech. Recognized with the Rising Star Award by the University of Melbourne, she actively advises and mentors startups through programs like StartupVIC’s Office Hours and the University of Melbourne’s Accelerator Program. Liu’s journey, from her beginnings in China to achieving unicorn status with Airwallex, highlights her resilience and commitment to fostering an inclusive and innovative financial sector. She emphasizes the importance of empathetic leadership and work-life balance, drawing inspiration from her mentors and the challenges of being a working mother.
In a nutshell, Lucy Liu is not just a fintech leader; she’s a trailblazer, a mentor, and an inspiration to many. Her story is a reminder that, with determination and a bit of boldness, you can turn any challenge into an opportunity.
