Billionaire Profile
Cristina Junqueira
Global Rank
#2138

Image: Lucasgilbatista | CC BY-SA 4.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Cristina Junqueira

CEO, Fintech
BRAZIL
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.979B
Estimated based on Fintech stock value as of April 20, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
43
Source
fintech
Industry
Finance & Investments
Citizenship
BRAZIL

Biography

Cristina Junqueira, a Brazilian businesswoman and co-founder of Nubank, is a prominent figure in the fintech industry. With an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion, she has been recognized as Brazil's second self-made woman billionaire. Her career includes roles at Unibanco and Itaú before co-founding Nubank in 2013, revolutionizing financial services in Latin America. Junqueira, an engineer and MBA graduate, is known for her advocacy of gender inclusion and her leadership in growing Nubank into a leading digital banking platform. She is the CEO of Nubank Brazil and Chief Growth Officer.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Cristina Junqueira was born in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, in September 1982. Shortly after her birth, her family moved to Rio de Janeiro, where she was raised. She attended St. Ignatius College and later moved to São Paulo to study industrial engineering at the University of São Paulo (USP), earning her degree in 2004. She also holds a Master's degree in economic and financial modeling from USP and an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.

Rise to Success

Junqueira began her career at Boston Consulting Group. She then transitioned to the banking sector, working at Unibanco and later Itaú Unibanco, where she was a portfolio manager in the credit card department. In 2013, she co-founded Nubank with David Vélez and Edward Wible, aiming to address the inefficiencies and high fees of traditional banks. Nubank launched its first product, a no-fee credit card managed entirely through a mobile app, in 2014, which quickly gained traction.

Key Business Strategies

Junqueira's strategy at Nubank focused on customer-centric services, transparent operations, and technological innovation. She spearheaded the company's inclusivity programs, fostering a culture that promoted diversity and a healthy work-life balance. Nubank expanded its product offerings to include digital accounts, personal loans, and investment products, solidifying its market position. She has also led the expansion into the United States.

Philanthropy

Information regarding Cristina Junqueira's specific philanthropic efforts is not readily available in the search results.

Career Milestones

2004

Bachelor's Degree

Graduated with a degree in industrial engineering from the University of São Paulo (USP).

2008

MBA

Received an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.

2013

Co-founded Nubank

Co-founded Nubank, a leading digital banking platform, with David Vélez and Edward Wible.

2021

Nubank IPO

Nubank debuted on the New York Stock Exchange, briefly making Junqueira a billionaire.

2022

Chief Growth Officer, Nubank

Appointed as Chief Growth Officer of Nubank.

2024

CNBC Changemakers List

Named to the CNBC Changemakers: Women Transforming Business list for 2026.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""If banks are Darth Vader, credit cards are the Death Star. They're the horrible weapon the banks used.""