Aruna Sampige, Founder & CEO of Roots Reforms

“My dream is to make digital financial inclusion possible in rural India.”

Aruna Sampige is a distinguished global leader in the FINTECH sector and the Founder and CEO of Roots Reforms—a financial services distribution company. She has been in this sector for over two decades, dedicating her expertise to the development of entrepreneurship, sustenance, and livelihood programs, specifically tailored for rural communities. 

Aruna Sampige leads Roots Reforms with a clear mission—to extend timely financial options to underserved communities. Her commitment is grounded in a vision of empowering these communities by bridging the gap in access to essential financial services. Speaking in an interview with Upaya, Aruna shared, “Women exert tremendous effort both at home and outside, yet many lack a digital identity, financial autonomy, and access to opportunities. I aimed to reshape this narrative and empower women with the tools they need for a more inclusive and equitable future.”

Beyond her role in the financial sector, Aruna also trains, mentors, and raises awareness within rural communities. She has fostered a deep connection with rural women and has successfully trained thousands of them across the state. Aruna has also launched several innovative programs, including financial inclusion, technology-driven solutions, and products, as well as comprehensive initiatives in entrepreneurship and livelihood for women.

Due to her extraordinary contribution to the empowerment of women, Aruna has been honoured with the prestigious ‘Woman Social Entrepreneur Award 2023’ by the Institution’s Innovation Council. She is also associated with several initiatives under the Karnataka government, such as the Anchor Bank, which is quickly gaining a strong foothold in the state’s transformative programs.

Speaking about her vision for the future, Aruna shared, “Financial inclusion serves as a fundamental cornerstone for all facets of economic development. My vision is to broaden the scope of access and choices in financial services, transcending current boundaries and ensuring a more inclusive and empowered economic landscape.”

Image credit: The Nudge Foundation