Finance | Money, Markets & Personal Finance

Preetha Wali is the award winning, co-founder of Pay It Forward (PIF), an all-women initiative focused on demystifying finance and empowering individuals across diverse demographics. As a passionate advocate for financial literacy, for the last 15 years, Preetha has delivered impactful workshops for schools, colleges, corporates, industry bodies, and NGOs. She has also shared her expertise as a panel speaker and through numerous media contributions. Preetha’s mission is to make finance accessible, inspiring people to take charge of their financial futures. With professional experiences at The Times of India and CRY, Preetha has been honored with accolades such as the Best Woman Entrepreneur Excellence Award (L&D category), recognition among the Top 100 Successful Women Entrepreneurs in MSME, and the Woman Entrepreneur of the Year title. She also initiated and led FICCI FLO's financial literacy vertical (2022-24) and was a delegate for the Jordan Entrepreneurs Exchange Program. Preetha’s thought leadership is featured in prominent publications like The Hindu, Times of India, and Mint, and she is a commissioned writer for Prajavani’s personal finance edition. Her organization, Pay It Forward, has been celebrated by YourStory as a top company with a unique idea, cementing her reputation as a trusted voice in financial wellness and empowerment.

Anu Seth, co-founder of Pay It Forward, is an accomplished financial coach, author, and advocate dedicated to enhancing financial literacy across diverse demographics, including students, women, youth, and peri-retirees. With a robust background as an engineer and nearly 20 years of experience in equity markets, Anu combines technical expertise with practical financial education, making her a sought-after speaker and trainer in the financial wellness space. Beginning her career as a software engineer and architect, she has worked with top-tier organizations such as Wipro, HCL, the World Bank, and ISRO. Her personal journey from a technology professional to an accidental investor led her to discover her passion for financial education and investor awareness. As an women team at Pay It Forward, founders Anu, Preetha and Vinita have developed impactful financial programs focusing on a jargon-free, simplified, do-it-yourself approach. These programs break down complex financial concepts into actionable steps, empowering individuals to confidently manage their finances without being overwhelmed by technical terminology. Anu is a prominent voice in financial education and regularly speaks at leading industry forums, including BCIC, FICCI FLO, QPFP, and CII-IWN. She is also a visiting speaker at prestigious institutions like ISB and Asia Business School, where she advocates for financial literacy as a critical life skill, particularly for women and young professionals entering the workforce. Her leadership roles include serving as Convenor of CII IWN Karnataka Leadership Pillar and contributing to FICCI FLO's financial literacy initiatives. Anu’s insights on financial wellness have been featured in major publications such as Mint, The Hindu, and Prajawani, reaching thousands of readers. Anu's commitment to financial advocacy is grounded in her belief in equal rights and responsibilities. Over the last decade, she has dedicated herself to integrating financial literacy into daily conversations, challenging stereotypes, and championing financial inclusion across all levels of society.