In the ever-evolving world of fintech, few leaders embody the spirit of inclusive finance and economic empowerment quite like Buhle Goslar. Her recent appointment as board chairperson of Lula, a leading provider of digital finance solutions for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), marks a significant milestone in her illustrious career and a pivotal moment for Lula as it embarks on its next phase of growth.
Goslar’s journey to this role is rooted in a deep commitment to financial inclusion, a commitment that has been shaped over two decades of diverse experience across Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and Asia. Her expertise spans multiple sectors, including financial services, technology, retail, and tourism, making her a versatile leader with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in emerging markets.
At Jumo, where she served as CEO for the Africa Region, Goslar led the charge in providing digital financial services to underserved communities. Her leadership was instrumental in scaling Jumo’s operations and solidifying its reputation as a key player in the fintech space. Now, as she steps into her new role at Lula, Goslar brings with her a wealth of experience and a vision for driving inclusive economic growth through innovative financial solutions.
Lula, which recently secured a $35 million Series B funding round and launched South Africa’s first full-service digital business bank dedicated to SMEs, is at a crucial juncture. The company’s mission to empower SMEs aligns perfectly with Goslar’s personal passion for inclusive finance. “The decision to join Lula was an easy one,” she said, expressing her enthusiasm for the company’s work in supporting SMEs, particularly those in the “missing middle”—businesses that are critical for job creation but are often underserved by traditional banks.
Goslar’s leadership is expected to steer Lula toward new benchmarks in SME banking, with a focus on investing in data capabilities, enhancing user experiences, and forging strategic partnerships. Her approach to leadership is grounded in the belief that resilient economies require inclusive growth, and she is committed to developing solutions that benefit the majority, not just the privileged few.
Beyond her role at Lula, Goslar is a certified retail banker and serves on the boards of Copia, an e-commerce company, and WIMA, a gender equity advocacy platform. Her research interests reflect her commitment to financial justice and customer protection, with a focus on the regulation of inclusive data-driven financial services, gender-responsive financial product design, and online entrepreneurship in Africa.
Her accolades, including being named one of South Africa’s Inspiring Fifty Women in Technology in 2019 and winning the 2021 Accion Claugus Award for Advancing Financial Inclusion, underscore her impact on the fintech industry and her dedication to creating financial systems that serve all segments of society.
Goslar’s leadership is expected to drive Lula’s strategic goals and further solidify its position as a leader in SME finance. With a track record of connecting SMEs with essential funding and now leading South Africa’s first full-service digital bank for SMEs, Goslar is poised to make a lasting impact on the country’s economic landscape.
