Leaders In Payments

Explore the world of payment processing in our engaging conversation with Dustin Magaziner, CEO of PayBright. From his beginnings as a college entrepreneur to leading a successful company, Dustin shares invaluable insights into what sets PayBright apart in the increasingly competitive payments landscape. We discuss the vital role of independent sales agents (ISOs) in the industry, unpacking their challenges and the changing dynamics driven by technology.Dustin delves into PayBright's commitment to ethical practices and superior support for their partners. He explains how understanding technology is crucial for agents to thrive and how embracing innovations can lead to future success. The conversation also touches on the potential of AI to transform operations and improve customer service quality in the payments sector.Whether you’re an aspiring agent, a seasoned executive, or simply curious about the payments industry, this episode offers a rich perspective on navigating its complexities. Join us in understanding how to elevate your approach and stay ahead in your career!

In the latest episode of Leaders in Payments, Greg Myers speaks with John Minutaglio, CTO of Payarc, about the role of artificial intelligence in payments. Payarc, a rapidly growing payment processor, has built a reputation for providing high-touch service to merchants and agents. Their focus has always been on fostering strong relationships, and AI is now playing a crucial role in enhancing that experience.John explains that Payarc’s AI strategy is centered on augmenting human interactions rather than replacing them. Their AI framework, called PIE, assists customer support teams by providing insights and recommendations, allowing representatives to respond more efficiently and personally to merchant needs. One significant use case is churn prediction, where AI analyzes data to identify merchants at risk of leaving. By proactively alerting human representatives, Payarc can engage with customers before they churn, leading to increased retention.Another powerful application of AI at Payarc is in developer support. Their AI tools help software providers integrate Payarc’s payment solutions more effectively by analyzing code and identifying errors, reducing the need for complex troubleshooting. AI also enhances fraud detection, particularly in mitigating ACH reject fraud. By analyzing behavioral patterns and external data sources, Payarc can identify suspicious activities before they escalate into financial losses.John highlights that AI in payments is not just about automation but about using intelligence to drive better service, security, and efficiency. As AI continues to evolve, Payarc aims to remain at the forefront, leveraging advanced models to improve customer confidence, reduce fraud, and enhance the overall payment experience.

Unlock the secrets of mastering payment operations with Jo Phillips and Will Corbera, the Co-founders and Co-CEOs of Payabli. Discover how their revolutionary unified API and infrastructure stack is transforming the SaaS landscape by streamlining the often-overlooked world of payment operations. Jo and Will take us through their inspiring journeys in the payments industry, revealing how Payabli is making it easier for software companies to efficiently manage the complexities of Pay In, Pay Out, and Pay Ops. Learn about the critical behind-the-scenes aspects of processing payments, such as merchant boarding, underwriting, risk monitoring, and fraud prevention, all aimed at enhancing the entrepreneurial economy.Gain insight into future trends and strategies ready to redefine payment operations. From the sophistication of AI tools designed to combat fraud and streamline underwriting processes to real-life success stories like a property management company revolutionizing its payment facilitation capabilities, this episode is packed with practical examples. Explore the strategic importance of onboarding and empowering merchants, and understand why an API-first approach is key to seamless integration and scalability. 

Unlock the secrets of real-time merchant intelligence with Oban MacTavish, the innovative co-founder and CEO of Spade.  Discover how his early fascination with stock trading and technology laid the foundation for launching Spade in 2021. Oban reveals how Spade revolutionizes card payment data by integrating firmographic insights for fraud prevention and payment optimization, setting new standards in the US market. With ambitious expansion plans on the horizon, you'll learn how Spade is transforming the way card issuers comprehend consumer spending patterns.Our conversation takes a deep dive into the world of data security, a crucial aspect of B2B operations. Oban details the significance of operating without personally identifiable information (PII) and achieving SOC 2 Type 2 compliance, ensuring rigorous security protocols are in place. From humble beginnings during the pandemic to creating a comprehensive data network for banks, Oban shares the challenges and triumphs that have defined Spade's journey. Beyond the professional realm, he gives us a glimpse into his personal life, sharing his passion for cooking and exploring culinary delights with his wife's baking prowess. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone interested in fintech innovation, entrepreneurship, and the stories that drive groundbreaking ideas.

In this episode of the Leaders in Payments podcast, host Greg Myers speaks with Rochelle Blease, President of G2 Risk Solutions, about her career journey, the role of G2 in the payments ecosystem, and the evolving landscape of risk and compliance. Rochelle shares her background, from studying law and working in litigation to transitioning into fintech, where she discovered a passion for business strategy, acquisitions, and regulatory compliance.G2 Risk Solutions, a pioneer in merchant and payments risk, helps financial institutions, payment facilitators, and large digital platforms detect and prevent fraudulent activities. Rochelle explains how G2 leverages its proprietary Merchant Map, a sophisticated network that tracks fraud patterns and identifies illicit transactions globally. She emphasizes the critical role of data and expertise in staying ahead of well-funded fraudsters, particularly as digital commerce grows rapidly in emerging markets.The discussion also touches on the increasing impact of AI in fraud detection and the challenges posed by evolving regulations. Rochelle highlights her passion for understanding customers and solving complex problems, as well as her personal interests in philanthropy, music, and family. She offers advice to young professionals entering the fintech space, encouraging them to explore their interests and embrace change.

Unlock the secrets to navigating the ever-evolving fintech landscape with Thomas Mueller, co-founder and CEO of Rivero. Discover how his journey has fueled his passion for innovation, leading to the creation of Rivero's transformative products, Kayo and Amico. Kayo is set to redefine compliance management for banks, while Amico promises a revolutionary approach to fraud recovery and dispute management. Thomas shares insights into the company's strategic expansion, focusing on banks with large card portfolios and harnessing a global SaaS model to make waves in both established and emerging markets. Plus, learn about their formidable partnership with Visa, which is shaping Rivero's distinct presence in the industry.Thomas paints a vivid picture of the changing payments landscape, emphasizing the diversification of payment methods and the imperative for banks to adapt swiftly. We also delve into the personal side of entrepreneurship, exploring Thomas’s love for travel and cultural experiences, and his advice for budding fintech entrepreneurs who wish to break into the B2B payments sector. This episode is a call to action for those eager to innovate and build partnerships that bring specialized solutions to the financial world.

In this second episode of our three-part series with Payabli, we dive into their Pay Out product and explore how SaaS platforms are transforming money movement. Jo Phillips and Will Corbera share how they identified gaps in the market and built a unified API that enables software companies to embed and monetize payouts seamlessly. They discuss how traditional payout models often fail to maximize efficiency and revenue, and why SaaS platforms should go beyond simple merchant settlements.This episode breaks down the growing role of embedded managed payables and on-demand payouts, showing how software platforms can streamline vendor payments while creating new income streams. Jo and Will also highlight the impact of virtual card issuance as a revenue driver and explain why integrating both accounts receivable and payable within a single platform is a game-changer. Tune in to learn how embedded payouts are shaping the future of fintech and SaaS payments.

In this episode of the Leaders in Payments podcast, host Greg Myers speaks with Jo Phillips and Will Corbera, co-CEOs of Payabli, about how modern payment infrastructure is transforming vertical SaaS platforms.Jo and Will highlight the growing shift from legacy payment systems to embedded payments, allowing software companies to seamlessly integrate payment acceptance while unlocking new revenue streams. Payabli’s approach is built around the three Ps: Pay In, Pay Out, and Pay Ops, offering a unified API infrastructure that simplifies payments and enhances user experiences.The conversation dives into the challenges SaaS companies face when monetizing payments—ranging from fragmented solutions to a lack of control over user experiences. Payabli solves these problems by providing a developer-friendly API and no-code solutions that allow businesses to customize their payment offerings effortlessly.Additionally, they discuss the importance of pricing flexibility, interchange optimization, and split funding, catering to the unique needs of different industries. With a strong focus on innovation, Payabli is expanding into AI-powered solutions, real-time payments, and digital lockbox technology to further streamline payments.This episode underscores why embedded payments are no longer optional for SaaS platforms—they are a strategic necessity.

Get ready to uncover the hidden intricacies of the B2B payments world with Perryn Holtrop, the innovative mind behind PayNation. Known for transforming payment efficiency in the manufacturing, distribution, and wholesale sectors, Perryn reveals how his company sets itself apart by seamlessly integrating with accounting and ERP systems to cut down on double entries. This episode promises to enlighten listeners about PayNation’s client-centric approach, focusing on consultative solutions rather than price wars, and tackling the unique challenges faced by middle-market businesses in the US.Join Perryn and me on a reflective journey through his entrepreneurial past, from early days in auto security to managing comedy acts and ultimately staking his claim in the payments industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Personal anecdotes highlight how the flexibility of the payments field allows for a rewarding balance between business and family life, including his daughter's athletic pursuits and his son's brief stint with cold calling. Explore the often misunderstood world of payments as we distinguish the field’s opportunities and challenges, making this episode a must-listen for seasoned professionals and newcomers alike.

Unlock the future of self-service payments as Elyssa Steiner, Chief Marketing Officer at Cantaloupe, joins us to uncover the latest innovations redefining the commerce landscape. Elyssa brings her extensive experience in marketing and self-service technology to our discussion, offering a compelling look at how Cantaloupe is leading the charge with cutting-edge payment solutions and analytics. We explore the profound shift towards cashless transactions, heightened by the global pandemic, and the ripple effects this has on consumer habits and business operations. From vending machines to futuristic smart stores on university campuses, Elyssa paints a vivid picture of a cashless world where convenience and technology go hand in hand.Our conversation delves into the transformative power of AI and emerging technologies that are set to revolutionize consumer experiences and retail operations in 2025 and beyond. Discover how AI is making shopping more personalized through clever recommendations and dynamic pricing, while helping businesses optimize with predictive analytics and smarter inventory management. We're taking a close look at innovative technologies like weighted shelf systems and seamless mobile integration that promise frictionless payment experiences, particularly in entertainment venues. Elyssa shares insights on the challenges and triumphs of scaling these advanced solutions and how Cantaloupe continues to push the boundaries in retail technology. This is a must-listen for anyone intrigued by the evolving world of self-service commerce and the digital payment revolution.