Leaders In Payments

This episode is sponsored by American Express. Cash flow shouldn't be a constant struggle. Yet for many mid-market companies, the path from invoice to payment is filled with unnecessary friction, manual processes, and frustrating delays that hurt both the bottom line and customer relationships.Barrett Smith, Chief Payments and Customer Operations Officer at Versapay, reveals how accounts receivable automation is transforming finance operations for growing businesses. Drawing from his extensive background in payments and financial analytics, Smith shares practical insights on how automation creates measurable improvements in cash flow while elevating the finance department's strategic value.The conversation tackles common pain points like the persistence of paper-based processes (imagine entire floors filled with invoice file cabinets), the challenges of managing increasing invoice volumes without proportional staffing increases, and the critical need for real-time financial visibility. Most compelling is how automation shifts finance teams from being perceived as back-office gatekeepers to becoming drivers of positive customer experiences.Whether you're struggling with slow cash conversion, limited financial visibility, or simply want to free your finance team from manual data entry to focus on strategic initiatives, this episode provides a roadmap for leveraging AR automation to transform your business operations. The future of finance isn't just about counting money - it's about making it flow more efficiently through your organization.

Arik Shtilman, CEO of Rapyd, joined the Leaders in Payments podcast to discuss the company’s growth, industry trends, and the impact of AI and crypto on fintech. Over the past two and a half years, Rapyd has shifted its strategy from rapid expansion to profitability, achieving profitability in late 2024. This shift required streamlining operations, focusing on high-margin markets, and reducing headcount growth. A significant milestone was Rapyd’s $610 million acquisition of PayU, expected to finalize soon.Shtilman highlighted major macroeconomic shifts, including changing interest rates and geopolitical events, which have influenced the company’s approach. He believes AI will revolutionize financial services, comparing its impact to the rise of the internet in 1998. Rapyd has already integrated AI into compliance, financial operations, and customer support, leading to faster onboarding, improved risk assessment, and reduced operational costs. AI-driven efficiencies are expected to shape the competitive landscape, favoring companies with advanced automation.On crypto, Rapyd initially stayed cautious but has now embraced stablecoins for settlements and payments, anticipating further mainstream adoption. Looking ahead, Shtilman predicts continued consolidation in fintech, AI-driven efficiencies, and an industry transformation that will reshape how financial services operate in the coming years.

Dive into the fascinating world of digital payments in our latest episode featuring Ariel Tiger, CEO of EverC. We explore the intricate landscape of risk management as the payments industry evolves at an unprecedented pace. With the surge in online merchants post-pandemic, fraud is on the rise, transforming the way companies approach security.Discover how EverC combines innovative technology with risk intelligence to equip businesses with the tools they need to intercept illegal activity before it occurs. Ariel shares his perspective on the dynamic role artificial intelligence plays in this context, suggesting that incorporating AI doesn't just enhance operational efficiency; it’s essential for sustainability in the ever-changing payment ecosystem.Listeners will gain insights into the challenges facing digital commerce today and learn why building strong foundations in compliance and adaptability is key for future success. Whether you are a startup entering the fintech space or an established player navigating new technological advances, this episode offers valuable takeaways for everyone.

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.