Lechi Zhang: Fintech Innovator for Small Businesses

Fintech is revolutionizing financial services, making them faster, smarter, and more accessible. Lechi has been at the forefront of this transformation, developing and scaling innovative financial technology solutions that enhance how small businesses and underserved individuals access financing. With deep expertise in digital lending and alternative finance, Lechi has worked across investment, entrepreneurship, and policy to drive meaningful advancements in fintech.

As an entrepreneur, Lechi has helped launch and grow multiple fintech startups, securing millions in early-stage funding. One of the achievements was winning first place at the Techstars Hackathon for developing an IoT-powered insurance device for brick-and-mortar shops to manage risk and lower insurance premiums. This technology enhances underwriting accuracy and affordability, making insurance more accessible for small business owners who often struggle to obtain coverage.

An investor both personally and professionally, Lechi has played a critical role in evaluating and investing in fintech innovations worldwide. With experience conducting due diligence projects for the world’s top 50 private equity and hedge fund investors, Lechi has identified high-potential fintech startups across Americas, Asia, and Africa. As a judge for the Stevie and Globee Awards, Lechi has also assessed hundreds of fintech products and companies, recognizing industry-leading innovations. These combined experiences have established Lechi as a respected expert in fintech investment, risk assessment, and business growth strategies.

At the World Bank Group, Lechi was a founding team member of the SME Finance Forum initiative, growing the network from zero to more than 200 financial institutions and supporting the adoption of digital financial services models. This work helped shape regulatory frameworks for fintech solutions, ensuring greater financial access for small businesses.

Lechi is also a member of the prestigious Forbes Finance Council, Raptors Hackathon Association, and the International Advisory Committee of an IEEE-sponsored global technology meeting, frequently sharing insights at top fintech industry events, including the Singapore FinTech Festival, Digital Asset Investment Summit, and G20 SME Finance Forum.

By combining fintech expertise, investment insight, and policy leadership, Lechi continues to drive financial technology innovation, making financial services smarter, safer, and more inclusive.