Tala Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Tala has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, finance, and operations.

Driven by innovation, Tala leverages mobile technology and data science to provide credit access, fundamentally reshaping financial inclusion through its app-based risk evaluation.

Leadership Roles at Tala

  • Chief Executive Officer - Ryan Warnken
  • Chief Executive Officer & Chief Technology Officer - Stefan Asseg
  • Chief Financial Officer - Chiao Cheng
  • President - Cha Alvarez
  • Chief Technology Officer - Kelly Uphoff
  • Chief Information Officer - Layne Miriay
  • Chief of Staff - Morgan Grimm
  • Investment Partner & Chief Information Officer - John Smith
  • Ryan Warnken - Chief Executive Officer

    Ryan Warnken, the Chief Executive Officer at Tala, directs the company's overarching strategic vision and operational execution. This leadership role involves guiding Tala's expansion and market penetration within the mobile technology and data science sectors. Warnken focuses on optimizing the application of device data for instant credit risk evaluation, directly supporting the company's mission to broaden financial access. The Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment across all departments, driving initiatives that enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. Ryan Warnken's leadership is critical in navigating the competitive landscape and solidifying Tala's position as a leader in fintech innovation.

    Stefan Asseg - Chief Executive Officer & Chief Technology Officer

    Stefan Asseg, the Chief Executive Officer & Chief Technology Officer at Tala, spearheads both the strategic direction and the technological architecture of the company. This dual role demands a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics and cutting-edge technology development. Asseg oversees the continuous innovation of Tala's mobile platform, ensuring its ability to instantly evaluate customer risk using device data. The Chief Executive Officer & Chief Technology Officer drives the integration of advanced data science techniques to refine credit assessment models. Stefan Asseg's leadership ensures that Tala's technology remains at the forefront, enabling scalable and secure financial services globally.

    Chiao Cheng - Chief Financial Officer

    Chiao Cheng, the Chief Financial Officer at Tala, directs the company's financial strategy, planning, and reporting. This executive leadership position involves managing capital allocation, investor relations, and financial risk assessment to support Tala's growth objectives. Cheng oversees budgeting, forecasting, and the financial health of the organization, ensuring sustainable operations. The Chief Financial Officer plays a key part in securing funding and optimizing financial performance in alignment with the company's mission of expanding credit access. Chiao Cheng's financial acumen is vital for driving profitability and long-term value creation.
    Chiao Cheng

    Cha Alvarez - President

    Cha Alvarez, the President at Tala, oversees the company's global operations and strategic growth initiatives. This executive leadership role involves driving market expansion and ensuring the effective delivery of Tala's mobile credit services across diverse regions. Alvarez focuses on optimizing operational workflows and fostering cross-functional collaboration to enhance customer access to financial tools. The President plays a critical part in translating the company's mission into tangible business outcomes, ensuring operational excellence and stakeholder satisfaction. Cha Alvarez's leadership is key to scaling Tala's impact and solidifying its market presence.

    Kelly Uphoff - Chief Technology Officer

    Kelly Uphoff, the Chief Technology Officer at Tala, architects and advances the company's core technological infrastructure. This position involves overseeing the development and maintenance of the mobile application and the underlying data science platforms that enable instant credit evaluations. Uphoff directs engineering teams in enhancing the precision and efficiency of risk assessment algorithms, ensuring compliance with data privacy standards. The Chief Technology Officer plays a pivotal role in scaling the technology to meet growing global demand, supporting Tala's mission of financial inclusion. Kelly Uphoff's technical leadership ensures the robustness and innovation of Tala's service delivery.
    Kelly Uphoff

    Layne Miriay - Chief Information Officer

    Layne Miriay, the Chief Information Officer at Tala, manages the company's information technology systems and data security protocols. This role is crucial for maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of customer data processed through the Tala app. Miriay oversees the implementation of robust IT infrastructure that supports the company's data science operations and mobile platform. The Chief Information Officer ensures that all information systems are aligned with business objectives and regulatory requirements, safeguarding against cyber threats. Layne Miriay's strategic oversight of IT resources is fundamental to Tala's secure and efficient operation.

    Morgan Grimm - Chief of Staff

    Morgan Grimm, the Chief of Staff at Tala, provides strategic support and operational coordination across executive functions. This role involves facilitating communication and driving key initiatives that align with Tala's mission of leveraging mobile technology for financial inclusion. Grimm works closely with leadership to streamline processes, manage special projects, and ensure efficient execution of strategic priorities. The Chief of Staff acts as a key liaison, enhancing collaboration between departments and optimizing resource allocation. Morgan Grimm's operational expertise is instrumental in driving organizational effectiveness and supporting the company's rapid growth.

    John Smith - Investment Partner & Chief Information Officer

    John Smith, the Investment Partner & Chief Information Officer at Tala, brings a dual focus on financial strategy and information systems management. This unique position involves evaluating investment opportunities while also overseeing the company's IT infrastructure and data security. Smith directs efforts to enhance the technological capabilities that support Tala's data science-driven credit evaluation. The Investment Partner & Chief Information Officer ensures that information systems are robust, secure, and scalable to support global operations and financial objectives. John Smith's leadership bridges financial foresight with technological integrity, crucial for Tala's mission.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Tala Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Tala?
    Tala is led by Ryan Warnken (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Stefan Asseg (Chief Executive Officer & Chief Technology Officer) and Chiao Cheng (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Tala’s executive team?
    The executive team of Tala includes leaders such as Ryan Warnken (Chief Executive Officer), Stefan Asseg (Chief Executive Officer & Chief Technology Officer), Chiao Cheng (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Tala have?
    Tala has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Tala’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Tala includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer & Chief Technology Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, Chief Technology Officer.