Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in finance but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Luvleen Sidhu, Founder, and CEO of BM Technologies, Inc. (BMTX), located in Radnor, PA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

BM Technologies, Inc. (NYSE American: BMTX), formerly known as BankMobile, is among the largest digital banking platforms and Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) providers in the country, providing access to checking and savings accounts, personal loans, credit cards, and financial wellness. It is focused on technology, innovation, easy-to-use products, and education with the mission to financially empower millions of Americans by providing a more affordable, transparent, and consumer-friendly banking experience. BM Technologies (BMTX) currently has approximately two million accounts and provides disbursement services at approximately 750 college and university campuses (covering one out of every three college students in the U.S.).

Tell us about yourself

I began day one of my career in 2008 at Lehman Brothers. Witnessing firsthand the fragility of the traditional financial landscape instilled in me a passion for using digital means to create a strong financial foundation for millions of Americans. Prior to founding BMTX, I was a management consultant at Booz & Co. in their financial services practice and also worked as the Director of Corporate Development at Customers Bank.

The inspiration for BMTX came when I walked into a bank branch for the first time to open a checking account. I was astounded to find that this process took me 25 minutes. I couldn’t understand why it was so difficult. Just the day before, I had booked an online ticket to Australia, halfway across the world, and it had taken less than five minutes. I was shocked that this bank was so out of touch with the technology that I took for granted. In an age in which we can see almost any movie the moment we want to see it rather than trekking down to the video rental store or booking airline travel and hotel stays right from our phones, why should banking be as difficult and inconvenient as it is? I decided to do something about it.

I am continuously motivated by my vision to help Americans achieve financial stability, engaging the millions of unbanked and underbanked individuals in the U.S.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

BMTX went public in January 2021 and became one of the first publicly-traded neo banking FinTech’s and one of the first de-SPACs of 2021. I was the youngest female founder and CEO to ever take a company public at the time of its listing, a distinction that will help pave the way for other female entrepreneurs. BMTX is also profitable compared to other neo banking FinTech’s and has approximately two million customers.

I am proud to continue to drive strategic growth and innovation at BMTX. In November 2021, we announced the signing of a definitive agreement to merge with First Sound Bank, a Seattle, Washington-based community bank. This is a thrilling milestone for us and is a major step forward in executing our vision to create a disruptive FinTech bank.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Work-life balance is always a challenge, and I have so many things that I want to accomplish. Spirituality is a big part of my life. By starting my day with chanting and meditation, I am able to raise my vibration and clear my mind for the day ahead.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Have a clear and defined mission that resonates with something you deeply care about.
  2. Understand the market opportunity and future trajectory of the industry and exactly where your business fits into that.
  3. Bold and compassionate leadership is important to allow those that you have the privilege of leading to see your vision and understand your mission.

Where can people find you and your business?

Luvleen's Website & Social Media Links:

Website: https://luvleensidhu.com/

Social:

BMTX's Websites & Social Media Links:

Websites:

Social:

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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