Post by Youth Economic Circle (YEC)

Last night at YEC Madrid we had the pleasure of hosting Marta Echarri for one of those dinners you leave thinking differently. Marta has seen the financial sector from almost every angle imaginable. UBS, J.P. Morgan, Lombard Odier, N26, Western Union. Over twenty years navigating elite private banking, digital transformation and entrepreneurship, often at the same time. A few things that stayed with us: 1. The future of finance is being built at the intersection of regulation and innovation. Those who understand both will lead. Those who only understand one will follow. 2. Building from scratch is the real test. Whether turning Iberia into N26's fastest growing region in Europe or building a tech hub in Madrid from zero at Western Union, Marta's career is a masterclass in execution under pressure. 3. Financial education starts early or it doesn't start at all. Her project Kiri, an investment platform for under-18s, is one of the most compelling ideas we've come across in a long time. What made the evening special wasn't just the trajectory. It was her candour about the hard parts, the moments of doubt, the decisions that didn't go as planned, and what she took away from all of it. Thank you Marta for your time, your generosity and your perspective.