Laviva Mazhar's interest in fintech traces back to watching bKash transform Bangladesh's cash-based economy, and she has since focused on improving financial services for people who are traditionally underserved, with a particular specialty in insurance and insurtech. She has built a reputation across the Canadian fintech world through her work at Ferst Capital Partners, mentorship roles with student and founder communities like Front Row Ventures and NEXT AI Montreal, and recognition including Canada's Top 50 Women in Fintech and Innovate Finance's Women in FinTech Powerlist.