Julie Esser is the Founder and CEO of IgniteFI, a strategic growth consultancy helping fintechs and credit unions connect, innovate, and scale. With four decades of leadership experience across the credit union and fintech industries, Julie is a recognized expert in marketing, business development, and ecosystem building. Her career has been defined by a deep commitment to financial innovation and a unique ability to bridge the worlds of technology and cooperative finance.
Recently named to the Innovate Finance Women in Fintech Powerlist 2024 as a Standout 45 Industry and Knowledge Champion, Julie is widely respected for her strategic insight and her ability to foster meaningful connections that drive growth. At IgniteFI, she leads efforts to validate new use cases, develop go-to-market strategies, and match fintechs with the right credit union partners — helping both sides accelerate their path to impact.
Julie is also the founder of FINNECT, a curated community where credit unions and fintechs engage, collaborate, and co-create solutions for the future of financial services.
In addition to her role at IgniteFI, Julie is a Certified SCORE Volunteer, mentoring small business leaders on business planning, marketing strategy, and the advantages of credit union membership.
Julie’s leadership is rooted in authenticity, vision, and a passion for building a more collaborative and inclusive financial ecosystem — one where innovation thrives and relationships matter.
Available For: Advising, Consulting, Influencing, Speaking
Travels From: Madison, WI
Speaking Topics: Driving innovation within the credit union industry, go-to-market strategies for fintechs, building high-impact partnerships in the credit union ecosy
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