May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to recognize the cultural richness, resilience and contributions of AAPI communities across the country.
Within the world of financial education, AAPI leaders are breaking barriers and building bridges. They’re creating stories and spaces that empower others to understand money on their terms. And they’re doing it in ways that reflect the diversity, nuance, and depth of their communities.
Here are five inspiring AAPI educators and advocates reshaping how we talk about money and financial freedom.
Betty Tom Chu: A Pioneer in Banking and Civic Leadership
Betty Tom Chu broke new ground in finance and public service.
She co-founded East West Bank in 1973, the first federally chartered savings institution created to serve the Chinese-American community in Los Angeles. At a time when access to banking services was limited for immigrants and minority groups, Chu helped build a financial bridge for underserved communities.
And her leadership didn’t stop there. She became the first Chinese-American woman to pass the California State Bar and later served as the mayor of Monterey Park, paving the way for future generations in law and civic life.
Her legacy includes greater inclusion and representation in banking and a lasting example of what it means to lead with purpose.
Ramit Sethi: Financial Advisor and Bestselling Author
Ramit Sethi is one of the most recognizable names in personal finance.
His book, I Will Teach You to Be Rich, has sold more than 1 million copies. It’s helped a new generation of readers rethink how they budget, invest and spend.
With a website that draws over 1 million monthly readers, Ramit blends personal finance with grounded psychology, helping people build systems that work for their real lives.
He’s been featured in The Wall Street Journal and other major outlets, but what sets him apart is how he teaches money with humanity and honesty.
Tae Kim: The Financial Tortoise on Building Wealth Slowly
Tae Kim champions the steady, intentional climb toward financial peace.
On his YouTube channel, Financial Tortoise, he shares what it was like to pay off over $100,000 in student loans. His teaching helps others build wealth with patience, frugality and long-term planning.
With more than 300,000 subscribers, Kim offers encouragement for people who feel behind, overwhelmed or overlooked by fast-track financial advice.
His message: You don’t have to rush to get ahead. You just have to stay the course.
Simran Kaur: Making Investing Accessible for Women
Simran Kaur is on a mission to make investing less intimidating for women.
She founded Girls That Invest, a global platform and podcast that has surpassed 4 million downloads. Through her content — shared across TikTok, Instagram and more — she breaks down complex investing topics in a relatable, actionable way.
Simran empowers her audience to take charge of their financial futures with confidence. And her impact has earned her a spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list.
Berna Anat: Talking About Money, Out Loud
Berna Anat doesn’t shy away from tough money conversations. In fact, she invites them.
As the author of Money Out Loud: All the Financial Stuff No One Taught Us, she speaks directly to younger audiences — especially those in BIPOC communities — about budgeting, debt, savings and the emotional side of money.
Whether she’s on stage, on social media, or in print, Berna’s work is grounded in one mission: turning financial know-how into everyday empowerment.
Learning From AAPI Financial Leaders
What these leaders have in common is simple: They meet people where they are and help them move forward. Their stories are a reminder that each of us can play a role in making financial knowledge more relevant and more accessible.
When you’re ready to take the next step in your own financial journey, Comerica Insights has resources that can help. Visit for ideas, information and real-world answers.