Theodora (Theo) Lau

Theodora (Theo) Lau is a prominent figure in fintech, known for her work as a public speaker, writer, and startup advisor. She is the founder of Unconventional Ventures, an organisation dedicated to improving consumer financial well-being by fostering innovation. Through Unconventional Ventures, Lau works with financial institutions, corporations, entrepreneurs, and venture capitalists to address the unmet needs of diverse consumer groups, such as older adults and gig economy workers. Her efforts also focus on supporting women and minority founders in the fintech industry.

Lau has authored several books, includingBanking on (Artificial) Intelligence(2025),The Metaverse Economy(2023), andBeyond Good(2021), which explore topics related to fintech, innovation, and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the financial sector. She is also the host ofOne Vision, a podcast that explores issues in fintech and innovation.

In 2023, Lau was recognised as one of American Banker’s Most Influential Women in FinTech, a testament to her significant impact in the field. She is a regular contributor and commentator for top industry events and publications, including BBC News and Finovate, where she provides insights on the latest developments in fintech.

Apart from her writing and speaking engagements, Lau is actively involved in mentoring and advising fintech startups. Her work is centred on creating a more inclusive financial ecosystem by addressing the needs of underserved populations, particularly those often overlooked by traditional financial services. Through her work, Lau aims to spark change in the financial industry, ensuring that innovative solutions are accessible to all.