Leaders In Payments

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.

Carlos Vega, Co-Founder & CEO of Tesorio, joins us to share his remarkable journey from Panama to the U.S. and back, offering a fresh perspective on revolutionizing financial operations. Discover how Tesorio is transforming the post-sales processes for industries like B2B SaaS, manufacturing, and professional services by enhancing cash flow predictability. With a fully distributed team across the Americas, Tesorio is addressing inefficiencies head-on, replacing outdated methods with innovative solutions. Gain insights into Carlos's vision and how his experiences have shaped Tesorio's mission, including its seamless integration with financial and CRM systems.The episode takes an intriguing turn as we explore future trends in the payment industry, focusing on the concept of "convergent evolution" in software development. We delve into how increased competition is shifting focus from traditional competitive advantages to data-driven strategies and brand reputation. Carlos sheds light on how reimagining cash flow as a data problem can optimize forecasts through network thinking and data connectivity. Uncover the challenges of extended payment terms in B2B transactions and the potential transformation of accounts receivable and payable for enhanced efficiency.

Join us as Amanda Crocker, the dynamic COO of SWIVEL, shares her captivating journey from the sun-soaked shores of Southern California to the heart of Texas, with academic stops in Reno along the way. Discover how Amanda is steering SWIVEL's innovative payment platform to serve financial institutions, credit unions, and the K through 12 market across the U.S. Her insights into targeting mid-market credit unions and smaller community banks with a blend of direct sales and strategic partnerships reveal the company's unique competitive advantage, all under the trusted SWBC umbrella. Amanda's passion for integration capabilities stands out, making Swivel a name to watch in the competitive payments landscape.Our conversation then takes a fascinating turn as Amanda recounts her diverse career path, spanning industries like mortgage servicing, non-profit, manufacturing, and tech giants such as Microsoft and Facebook. Her experiences offer valuable lessons on the evolution of digital advertising and payment systems, and the importance of building strong company cultures. She also shares personal anecdotes about her love for outdoor adventures with her family and her adventurous pets. Aspiring professionals in the payments industry will find Amanda's advice inspiring, as she emphasizes creativity and the power of teamwork.

Artie Minson, President and CEO of LeafLink, takes center stage, sharing his journey from New York to the forefront of the cannabis tech industry. As a leader in B2B technology, Artie guides us through LeafLink's innovative ecosystem, connecting licensed cannabis brands and retailers with groundbreaking solutions to industry challenges. Discover how LeafLink is transforming the commerce landscape through its unique "pay on sell-through" tool, easing working capital pressures and ensuring secure payments. Artie's insights into LeafLink's strategic banking innovations reveal a commitment to tackling the underbanked nature of cannabis businesses, promising streamlined operations and efficiency gains in key states like Michigan, Colorado, and Mississippi.Setting the stage for a revolution in cannabis payments, we explore the complexities and cash-dependent nature of this emerging market against the backdrop of federal legalization. Our conversation with Artie highlights LeafLink's all-in-one technology strategy, designed to integrate payment systems and deliver an e-commerce experience tailored for cannabis providers. Artie's career trajectory, from media and tech CFO roles to leadership at WeWork and LeafLink, reflects a passionate drive to redefine commerce in this dynamic space.