

Leaders In Payments
Greg Myers
Hear directly from C-level executives in payments/fintech about industry trends, successful strategies, products, services, and what the future holds for the payments/fintech industry. We cover the entire industry from merchant acquiring, payment processing, ISOs, payfacs, fraud, security, issuing, b2b, fintech, to start-ups, if it goes on in payments we will be talking about it.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 17, 2023 • 33min
Before the Transaction: Darryl Cumming, Director of Product Management at Agreement Express / NMI | Episode 249
Have you ever wondered how the future of underwriting and onboarding looks in the payments industry? Prepare to be enlightened as we sit down with Darryl Cumming, the Director of Product Management for Agreement Express (an NMI company). Our conversation unfolds the significance of automated underwriting and the value of Agreement Express, touching upon its functionality, typical customers and the exciting prospects for the product.During our discussion, we delve into Scan X, a revolutionary product that enriches the onboarding process. We learn how this tool automates merchant decisions, customizes risk recommendations and provides vital risk model performance analytics. Whether you're a greenhorn or a seasoned underwriter, the detailed reporting and performance analytics of Scan X are a treasure trove of guidance and efficiency.We then discuss compliance and fraud protection - an issue every payments business must contend with. Uncover the potential costs your business may face without adequate protective measures. As we spotlight partner tools like KYC Site Scan and IRIS CRM (an NMI company), you'll see how Scan X helps businesses save and bridges the gap between sales and risk management. To finish our conversation, we explore Monitor X, a post-merchant approval solution that safeguards merchants in your portfolio. Tune in for valuable insights into the world of underwriting and onboarding.

Aug 15, 2023 • 31min
Ruben Galindo, CEO of Airtm | Episode 248
Ever wondered how a small idea could turn into a revolution? Get ready to be inspired by Ruben Galindo, CEO of Airtm. This is not just another success story – it's a tale of passion for justice and financial decentralization, from the heart of Mexico City to the tech-hub of San Francisco. Ruben shares an intriguing insight into the birth of Airtm, its transition to blockchain technology, and the audacious goal to become the Web3 PayPal of the future. Embrace the concept of an 'open money mentality'. Listen as Ruben narrates the impact of this groundbreaking approach on the cross-border payment industry and the significance of trust and brand building in fostering prosperity with large-scale enterprises. You will learn how Airtm is leading the way for digital entrepreneurs in the global south to access their earnings effortlessly. So, get set, because this episode is sure to broaden your horizons on the world of payments and digital entrepreneurship.

Aug 10, 2023 • 25min
Before the Transaction: Jaron Ruckman, Product Manager at IRIS CRM / NMI | Episode 247
The world of merchant services management is evolving at an impressive pace, thanks to innovations like IRIS CRM. In this episode of our podcast, we were joined by Jaron Ruckman, Product Manager for IRIS CRM, for an insightful conversation about how this revolutionary product is reshaping the industry.IRIS, a product owned by NMI, is a comprehensive merchant services management solution that integrates with top processors and cultivates close-knit client relationships. For ISOs, banks, and ISVs, IRIS offers the benefit of enhanced visibility and accountability. It also provides an infinite data retention policy, which is a crucial feature for maintaining a complete and accessible record of all customer interactions and transactions.We also decipher the complexities of residual reporting and demonstrate the tools you need to streamline split calculations. For businesses that are not utilizing a comprehensive tool like IRIS, the process of managing merchant services can be tedious and error prone. The use of disparate systems and manual processes can result in inefficiencies and inaccuracies. IRIS solves these issues by offering a single, integrated solution that manages the entire life cycle of merchant services.In summary, IRIS a game-changing tool in the realm of merchant services management. Its comprehensive features and functionalities, coupled with its ability to integrate with top processors, make it a must-have tool for any business in the industry. Tune into our podcast for a more detailed exploration of IRIS and its myriad of benefits.

Aug 8, 2023 • 30min
David Lambert, CEO of Paycross | Episode 246
Prepare to meet David Lambert, the charismatic CEO of Paycross. Exuding a passion for payments, he's at the helm of this groundbreaking payment orchestration technology platform. We delve into his journey to the top; a journey fueled by personal and professional ambitions. Discover the unique features of Paycross as Lambert unravels the intricacies of payment orchestration and how it's revolutionizing card processing and cross-border transactions.In the second half, get ready for an unexpected twist as we discuss Lambert's love for Japanese whiskey. Lambert's approach to payments is as nuanced and comprehensive as his taste in whiskey. Listen as he shares Paycross's strategy to serve underserved niche markets and their commitment to becoming indispensable to merchants by offering multifaceted payment solutions. The competitive payments industry is a game of agility and innovation. Tune in to learn from an industry expert about the future of payments and how to stay ahead of the curve.

Aug 2, 2023 • 34min
Andrew Hawkins, CEO of ShieldPay | Episode 245
In this episode we take a deep dive into the world of high-value, complex B2B payments with our guest, Andrew Hawkins, CEO UK & Europe for ShieldPay. He's here to show us how ShieldPay is revolutionizing the payments industry with solutions aimed at reducing manual processes and risk. Hear about his exciting journey, from dabbling in technology in his early years to becoming the CEO of a leading fintech company. As you listen, you'll learn about the innovative services they offer, including enabling mergers and acquisitions and capital markets, and how they aim to continue growing and progressing.But that's not all! We also venture into the thrilling future of payments and financial services. Imagine a world where payments are less visible and seamlessly integrated into our daily lives - from a simple Apple tap to pay to EV car charging. We explore the impending decentralization and disaggregation of financial services, and the potential of technologies enabling tokenization, digital identity, and smart contracts. Get your gears grinding as we discuss the implications of the PSD3 regulations in Europe and the evolving role of data in the next generation of financial services. This episode is a goldmine for anyone interested in understanding and staying ahead in the ever-evolving world of payments and fintech.

Jul 31, 2023 • 25min
Women Leaders in Payments: Carol Wang, Senior Leader Commercial Payments at KeyBank | Episode 244
My next guest for our Women Leaders in Payments series has both an entrepreneur and facilitator spirit, being born into a family of self-starters and go-getters that depended on their entrepreneurial ventures for their foundation. KeyBank Senior Leader, Commercial Payments Carol Wang started her career in marketing but her intrigue with payments quickly changed her trajectory.One of Carol’s roles at KeyBank is to lead the Solutions Engineering Team – a dedicated department that provides end-to-end technical payment services. Why did Carol choose KeyBank? In a nutshell, she perceived the capacity to build her career the way she wanted to within the infrastructure of a large organization.As for her guiding principles, there’s one tried and true principle that has been with her throughout her entire career, and one that has adapted as her career has matured. Regarding the tried and true one, Carol emphasizes the importance of looking at who you’re going to work with and for versus just focusing on the job itself. And the other? Having an opportunity that will allow you to make a scalable difference. We also discuss her most eye-opening career moments – including a corporate case study she participated in that had some pretty interesting results regarding the typical male and female response. Don’t miss it!

Jul 26, 2023 • 26min
Vishal Dalal, CEO NA, EMEA & APAC for Pismo | Episode 243
My guest this week has his roots in India but has lived in just about every country you can possibly imagine, including Africa, Malaysia, Singapore, United Kingdom, United States, Australia and even Egypt. He’s an avid reader, trivia enthusiast, and spends his spare time evangelizing the gospel of cloud native code. Pismo CEO NA, EMEA & APAC Vishal Dalal is this week’s leader in payments.For those of you who may not know, Pismo is a cloud-native platform. Vishal explains it like this: when anyone gets in touch with a bank via a card swipe, ATM, our Internet portal, there is a giant piece of software that does a plethora of work on the backend to check balances, process payment messages to other banks and verify accounting. Pismo makes that software and ensures that it works seamlessly, effectively, and nonstop without any interruptions – anywhere.As for their competitive advantage, Vishal touts their ability to offer a multitude of products versus many of their competitors that play in only one space. They also target both the green and brown field market sectors (with most competitors targeting only green) and they operate solely in the public cloud. Another way to look at them? Think the Autobahn for financial infrastructure!Tune in to hear Vishal talk about his journey to the role of CEO, including where he sees the industry going in the next 2 to 3 years including the limitless possibilities of AI. We also talk about the innumerable opportunities that come from cloud native code, enabling anyone with a bright idea and a credit card to do amazing things.

Jul 24, 2023 • 36min
Women Leaders In Payments: Germana Cruz, CEO & Head of Financial Institutions LATAM, Standard Chartered Bank
My third guest in our Women Leaders in Payments series is a true example of what it takes to be a female leader in our industry. She started at Burger King, as a ham and cheese guru, working her way up to cashier – and all to pay for her ESL classes at university in Boston (including Harvard). And now? CEO and Head of Financial Institutions LATAM at Standard Chartered Bank! Germana Cruz has learned how to always be ready for the unexpected. In fact, she embraces it! Learn what attracted her to the financial industry and what kept her with the same bank for the majority of her career. Hint: Work-life balance. It’s absolutely fascinating to hear her talk about the importance of performing her role as a mother, as it relates to her corporate success. As for guiding principles, she has three: invest in your education is first and foremost, followed by managing expectations and identifying your values in a manner that prevents you from crossing your own lines.Tune in to hear Germana talk about her journey as a female leader in this industry, including the necessity for choosing your battles, the importance of listening, and the feedback that completely changed her understanding of her projected career path.

Jul 19, 2023 • 40min
Sherry Jiang, CEO & Co-Founder of Bluejay Finance | Episode 241
My guest on this episode is nothing short of interesting. Not only does she have a very successful finance company, she also has a blog and a gaming group that caters specifically to poker players! In fact, poker is a personal passion of hers that (she feels) has helped her become a better founder due to the many metaphors the game offers for life and business. Bluejay Finance Co-founder and CEO Sherry Jiang is this week’s leader in payments.For those of you who may not know, Bluejay Finance is a Blockchain technology company that strives to make it easier for private investors to tap into private market investments typically less accessible in the professional world. Sherry likens it to a crypto-based Angel List, only for private market investments outside venture capital.The two main players in their ecosystem include individual investors and borrowers (or asset originators). As for as their competitive advantage, BlueJay focuses on private credit as the asset class and offers the potential for granular investments that have the capacity to target the under $50 million investment sector (which is currently underserved) with a more passive income strategy.Tune in this week to hear Sherry talk about her journey to CEO, including the lessons she has learned when it comes to product versus people, testing, learning, and iterating – and the truth about the non-linear journey. We also talk about where she sees the industry going in the next 2 to 10 years as it relates to mobile payments, cryptocurrency and Blockchain.

Jul 17, 2023 • 39min
Women Leaders in Payments: Marilu Gaudio, President of Chase Payment Solutions Canada | Episode 240
Here to help me kick off the second episode of our Women Leaders in Payments series is Chase Payment Solutions Canada President Marilu Gaudio. Marilu grew up with first generation Italian immigrants, in a traditional Italian household focused on family and food. In fact, she credits her father for her amazing work ethic that has gotten her so far in her career. So, how did she wind up going into payments when one of her original career paths had her slated as a teacher? You’ll have to tune in to find out!As I’m sure most of you know, Chase Payment Solutions is a full acquirer, offering payment services and solutions for both small and large enterprise clients. Marilu’s department works closely with the Canadian payment network, corporate and franchise organizations, as well as financial institutions, associations, and technology partners to both integrate and optimize the payments ecosystem.When it comes to her guiding principles, she cites integrity, honesty, and resiliency as her top three. We also talk about the importance of treating others the way you, yourself, would like to be treated and the need for active listening in management roles. She also strives to always show up as a student, not an expert, in both life and business.Tune in to hear Marilu talk about her journey to President, including why she grades the current state of our industry on a C+ to B- scale when it comes to female leadership and where we can do better. We also discuss some of her most eye-opening career moments that taught her the value that comes from not attempting to be the expert on absolutely everything.


