payments - FinTecBuzz https://fintecbuzz.com Fintech News Fri, 13 Sep 2024 05:18:26 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.5 https://fintecbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/cropped-Original-black-FinTech-512-32x32.png payments - FinTecBuzz https://fintecbuzz.com 32 32 CellPoint Digital Appoints Mark Patrick as Chief Revenue Officer https://fintecbuzz.com/cellpoint-digital-appoints-mark-patrick-as-chief-revenue-officer/ Thu, 12 Sep 2024 17:00:36 +0000 https://fintecbuzz.com/?p=64815 Mark Patrick leverages over 25 years' expertise across global fintech firms to drive CellPoint Digital's expansion in air, travel and hospitality sectors

The post CellPoint Digital Appoints Mark Patrick as Chief Revenue Officer first appeared on FinTecBuzz.

]]>
CellPoint Digital, a global pioneer in Payment Orchestration, announced Mark Patrick as the new Chief Revenue Officer to lead CellPoint Digital’s growth and expansion in travel and hospitality as demand for Payment Orchestration solutions surges in these industries. Mark will be replacing Greg Worch, who recently retired.

Based in the United States, Mark will be responsible for driving revenue growth with focus on the commercial aviation, hospitality and overall travel industry. He will report to Kristian Gjerding, the CEO of CellPoint Digital.

Mark’s growth mandate is driven by the increased demand for Payment Orchestration solutions in CellPoint Digital’s target industries. The global Payment Orchestration Platform market was valued at $1.1 billion in 2022 and it is anticipated to grow up to $10.1 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 24.5% during the forecast period, according to McKinsey & Well Company market research. As more companies turn to Payment Orchestration to mitigate payment fragmentation and facilitate scalable growth (Bain & Company), they need a partner with expertise in Payment Orchestration and industry-specific experience in deploying these solutions. CellPoint Digital is ideally positioned to deliver on both.

Having held the role of Global Head of Payments at CellPoint Digital since 2019, Mark brings an in-depth understanding of the business. He joined CellPoint Digital from Intrapay, a fintech startup providing international cross-border payment services to clients in Europe and Asia Pacific, where he was Chief Operating Officer. Prior to that, he was Chief Executive Officer at GoSwiff (now PaySwiff), a mobile commerce firm headquartered in Singapore with global operations. Before GoSwiff, Mark was the GM and Regional Head of Ingenico (formerly Global Collect) ePayments business in the Asia Pacific region.

Kristian Gjerding, CEO at CellPoint Digital says: “We are pleased to see Mark Patrick take up a new role within CellPoint Digital. As Chief Revenue Officer, Mark oversees CellPoint Digital’s revenue strategy and global business development teams as well as the development of a new account management function. This comes amidst growing demand from businesses seeking to streamline their digital payment capabilities while countering the major challenges they face with existing providers to deliver a seamless service.”

Mark Patrick adds: “It has been a career highlight to be a part of CellPoint Digital’s growth story and to stand at the forefront of optimising customers’ path to purchase across digital channels. This business-critical issue will only grow in importance as consumers increasingly opt for alternative payment methods and demand friction-free payment experiences. As we continue to scale, this requires a new, digital-first approach to revenue generation and account management to ensure client satisfaction.”

Advancing Payment Orchestration across Key Regions

CellPoint Digital’s rapid growth and increasing market demand have necessitated a strategic expansion of their revenue team, with new hires across revenue and account management in key regions such as EuropeLatin America, and Asia-Pacific. This expansion is a direct response to the surging interest in Payment Orchestration across diverse industries and global markets.

Central to CellPoint’s revenue strategy is showcasing the transformative benefits of Payment Orchestration to enterprises worldwide. CellPoint is committed to meeting the evolving needs of a growing client base. Payment Orchestration, a concept that encompasses the end-to-end management of all payment activities—from authorisation and routing to settlement and reporting—has proven invaluable for companies seeking to boost conversions in both direct and indirect sales channels while reducing transaction costs.

The platform’s versatility and efficiency have driven strong demand, fueling CellPoint’s expansion and reinforcing their position as industry leaders in the rapidly evolving payment technology landscape.

Stay Ahead of the Financial Curve with Our Latest Fintech News Updates!

The post CellPoint Digital Appoints Mark Patrick as Chief Revenue Officer first appeared on FinTecBuzz.

]]>
Kort Payments Announces Acquisition of Barnet Technologies https://fintecbuzz.com/kort-payments-announces-acquisition-of-barnet-technologies/ Thu, 12 Sep 2024 15:00:55 +0000 https://fintecbuzz.com/?p=64825 Acquisition adds payment processing functionality to Barnet's best-in-class software, leading to streamlined operations, accelerated growth and economies of scale

The post Kort Payments Announces Acquisition of Barnet Technologies first appeared on FinTecBuzz.

]]>
KORT Payments (KORT), a leader in specialized omnichannel payments, has taken a major step in expanding its technological capabilities with the acquisition of Barnet Technologies (Barnet), a renowned Canadian software company known for its comprehensive point of sale (POS) systems, tailored to regulated industries. Barnet has built a reputation for excellence and reliability in the licensed liquor sector with its ‘all-in-one’ POS system that integrates a wide range of functionalities, from supplier and inventory management to e-commerce.

The acquisition of Barnet aligns with KORT’s aggressive growth strategy and commitment to providing innovative solutions to businesses across North America. In this new chapter, the KORT team will focus on scaling Barnet’s technology and integrating it with their own payment platform to provide a holistic solution for clients, ultimately accelerating the company’s growth. The new integrated system will not only provide added value to existing customers but also generate new recurring revenue streams for KORT.

“We established KORT with a mission to identify strategic opportunities in new verticals and our acquisition of Barnet signifies the beginning of this exciting next phase,” said Joel Leonoff, Chairman and CEO of KORT Payments. “Barnet has an exceptionally thorough understanding of regulated industries and a robust technology platform which will serve as a strong foundation as we work to integrate and optimize their product offerings.”

“Barnet has always been focused on delivering reliable and efficient solutions to our clients and with KORT’s resources and expertise, we can expand our offerings and bring greater value to our current and future customers,” said Olena Dubina, Founder and CEO of Barnet Technologies. “This acquisition will also enable us to increase the investment in our core offerings and broaden our reach, especially as the market for licensed and regulated businesses continues to grow.”

The transaction underscores KORT’s ongoing commitment to identify and capitalize on high-potential opportunities within integrated software platforms and payment services. The company is well-positioned to continue its trajectory of aggressive expansion, technological innovation, and delivering exceptional value to its clients and partners in the rapidly evolving fintech landscape.

Stay Ahead of the Financial Curve with Our Latest Fintech News Updates!

The post Kort Payments Announces Acquisition of Barnet Technologies first appeared on FinTecBuzz.

]]>
Atradius & Mondu to enable better payment solutions for B2B e-commerce https://fintecbuzz.com/atradius-mondu-to-enable-better-payment-solutions-for-b2b-e-commerce/ Thu, 12 Sep 2024 13:30:51 +0000 https://fintecbuzz.com/?p=64794 Atradius, a top global credit insurer, and Mondu, a pioneering fintech offering Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) solutions, have launched a collaboration aiming at empowering businesses across Europe with the seamless integration of the most popular B2B payment options into their e-commerce channels without the need for external payment gateways. This will enable merchants to provide their business buyers with a much better online purchasing experience, similar to what they are used to from their private life...

The post Atradius & Mondu to enable better payment solutions for B2B e-commerce first appeared on FinTecBuzz.

]]>
Atradius, a top global credit insurer, and Mondu, a pioneering fintech offering Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) solutions, have launched a collaboration aiming at empowering businesses across Europe with the seamless integration of the most popular B2B payment options into their e-commerce channels without the need for external payment gateways. This will enable merchants to provide their business buyers with a much better online purchasing experience, similar to what they are used to from their private life as a digital consumer.

The collaboration caters to the growing need for innovative B2B payment options, as the digitalization in B2B purchasing processes is progressing at a fast pace, and a large majority of business buyers today start their buying journey online. Merchants that want to benefit from this shift to online must establish a compelling e-commerce proposition, including convenient and secure payment during checkout.

However, offering invoice payment in a webshop checkout can expose merchants to various risks, such as credit defaults. As a result, online merchants tend to be very cautious when it comes to approving business buyers for invoice payment – while approval rates in B2C usually reach 90% and above, in the B2B context acceptance typically averages 40-50%, and in some cases merchants only accept advance payments.

Combining Atradius’ international expertise in trade credit insurance with Mondu’s innovative BNPL technology, the collaboration enables B2B merchants to manage this challenge with easy-to-access deferred payment options ranging from 30-90 days net terms and 3-12 months installments. The merchants can enjoy the benefits of instant credit decisioning by Mondu supported by Atradius trade credit insurance expertise with payout for approved orders by Mondu within a few days, default protection, and outsourced payment collection from the business buyers.

“By collaborating with Mondu and facilitating their Buy Now Pay Later solutions, we take a significant step to expand our commitment to clients by supporting enhanced financial flexibility and security for BNPL,” said Andreas Tesch, CMO of Atradius. “This collaboration will enable businesses to increase their sales and offer various favorable payment options to their customers.”

“Teaming up with Atradius as their preferred partner enabling Mondu to offer BNPL solutions and additional Mondu services to Atradius clients across Europe is an honor for us and testament to the strong value proposition Mondu has developed over the past years,” said Malte Huffmann, Co-Founder and Co-CEO at Mondu. “We see significant synergies for Atradius merchants to use and benefit from Mondu BNPL options for their business across all distribution channels, especially online.”

Both Atradius and Mondu share a dedication to propelling businesses forward in the global B2B marketplace. This collaboration leverages their combined expertise and unwavering commitment to innovation, creating a win-win scenario for all stakeholders involved.

Stay Ahead of the Financial Curve with Our Latest Fintech News Updates!

The post Atradius & Mondu to enable better payment solutions for B2B e-commerce first appeared on FinTecBuzz.

]]>
Shoplazza Partners with Stripe to Revolutionize E-Commerce Payment Solution https://fintecbuzz.com/shoplazza-partners-with-stripe-to-revolutionize-e-commerce-payment-solution/ Wed, 11 Sep 2024 18:00:04 +0000 https://fintecbuzz.com/?p=64750 Shoplazza, a leader of e-commerce solutions, announced a new partnership with Stripe, a financial infrastructure platform for businesses, to power Shoplazza’s payment platform.  This partnership, unveiled at the Stripe Tour Singapore 2024 – Asia Pacific Regional Event, represents a major advancement in Shoplazza’s e-commerce payments, aimed at enhancing both efficiency and security for merchants. “Our partnership with Stripe is a game-changer,” said Jeff Li, Founder of Shoplazza. “By integrating Stripe’s technology, we’re streamlining the payment process for...

The post Shoplazza Partners with Stripe to Revolutionize E-Commerce Payment Solution first appeared on FinTecBuzz.

]]>
Shoplazza, a leader of e-commerce solutions, announced a new partnership with Stripe, a financial infrastructure platform for businesses, to power Shoplazza’s payment platform.  This partnership, unveiled at the Stripe Tour Singapore 2024 – Asia Pacific Regional Event, represents a major advancement in Shoplazza’s e-commerce payments, aimed at enhancing both efficiency and security for merchants.

“Our partnership with Stripe is a game-changer,” said Jeff Li, Founder of Shoplazza. “By integrating Stripe’s technology, we’re streamlining the payment process for merchants, cutting costs, and boosting efficiency. Shoplazza Payments is crafted to equip merchants with the tools they need to succeed in today’s fast-paced e-commerce environment.”

Innovative Solutions for Payment Challenges

As global e-commerce evolves, merchants are increasingly challenged by complex payment channels and rising consumer expectations. Addressing the limitations of traditional third-party providers, Shoplazza Payments offers a fully integrated, embedded solution designed to simplify transactions, reduce costs, and deliver personalized financial services.

The collaboration with Stripe enhances Shoplazza Payments, allowing it to support a broad range of payment methods, including major credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, across key markets such as the U.S., Hong Kong, and Canada.

Driving Merchant Growth

Through the integration of Stripe Connect, Shoplazza Payments has significantly improved transaction success rates and sales for merchants by offering flexible payment options. This partnership has positioned Shoplazza as the preferred choice for merchants seeking to enhance customer experience and expand their global reach.

“Stripe enables us to deliver a more efficient, reliable, and seamless payment experience, which is essential for today’s merchants,” added Li. “Our aim is to continually optimize the payment process so merchants can focus on growing their businesses without the hassle of payment complexities.”

Looking Ahead: Expansion and Omni-Channel Retail

Shoplazza Technology plans to deepen its collaboration with Stripe, expand into new markets, particularly the European Union, and enhance its offerings for omni-channel retail. The company aims to deliver integrated payment solutions that provide a seamless experience across both online and in-store transactions.

With the launch of Shoplazza Payments, Shoplazza Technology is set to become a key player in the global e-commerce payment landscape. By providing a more convenient and efficient payment management solution, Shoplazza is helping businesses grow while remaining competitive in a rapidly evolving digital world.

Stay Ahead of the Financial Curve with Our Latest Fintech News Updates!

The post Shoplazza Partners with Stripe to Revolutionize E-Commerce Payment Solution first appeared on FinTecBuzz.

]]>
Enhanced Security for Alpha Bank Romania: New Anti-Fraud System with Montran https://fintecbuzz.com/enhanced-security-for-alpha-bank-romania-new-anti-fraud-system-with-montran/ Wed, 11 Sep 2024 17:30:04 +0000 https://fintecbuzz.com/?p=64749 Alpha Bank Romania, in partnership with Montran, the leading provider of interbank payment systems in the country, has launched an advanced Anti-Fraud System. This strategic collaboration has significantly strengthened the bank’s security measures, providing customers with an additional layer of protection for their financial transactions. The new anti-fraud system is an advanced solution designed to detect and prevent fraudulent activities in real-time. Using cutting-edge technology, the system integrates a complex set of rules and algorithms that...

The post Enhanced Security for Alpha Bank Romania: New Anti-Fraud System with Montran first appeared on FinTecBuzz.

]]>
Alpha Bank Romania, in partnership with Montran, the leading provider of interbank payment systems in the country, has launched an advanced Anti-Fraud System. This strategic collaboration has significantly strengthened the bank’s security measures, providing customers with an additional layer of protection for their financial transactions.

The new anti-fraud system is an advanced solution designed to detect and prevent fraudulent activities in real-time. Using cutting-edge technology, the system integrates a complex set of rules and algorithms that monitor financial transactions, quickly identifying any suspicious behavior.

This system not only prevents fraud but also significantly reduces the financial impact on customers through rapid and effective interventions. The solution’s flexibility allows integration with other payment systems, including instant payments, ensuring constant and adaptable protection to meet market needs. Additionally, the solution is configurable and scalable, capable of adapting to various risk scenarios encountered in the banking sector.

“Montran played a crucial role in developing this Anti-Fraud System. We successfully implemented a high-performance, flexible, and innovative system in record time,” said Marius Stancu, Director of Application Development at Alpha Bank.

Irina Cârcu, Regional Sales Manager at Montran, emphasized the importance of this project: “Following the successful implementation of the Instant Payments system in partnership with Alpha Bank in November 2023, we continued with the launch of this new Anti-Fraud System, which strengthens transaction security for Alpha Bank customers.”

As instant payments usage grows in the Romanian market, the associated fraud risks have also increased. The rapid integration of Montran’s Anti-Fraud Solution into Alpha Bank’s systems has been crucial for customer protection.

“Our system integrates with both Instant and Non-Instant Payments, operates in real-time, and can function independently or alongside existing Anti-Fraud Solutions in banks,” added Ms. Cârcu.

This initiative reaffirms Alpha Bank’s commitment to selecting top partners to provide safe and reliable banking services to its customers, staying at the forefront of innovation in the banking industry.

Stay Ahead of the Financial Curve with Our Latest Fintech News Updates!

The post Enhanced Security for Alpha Bank Romania: New Anti-Fraud System with Montran first appeared on FinTecBuzz.

]]>
AffiniPay Appoints Nate Skinner as Chief Marketing Officer https://fintecbuzz.com/affinipay-appoints-nate-skinner-as-chief-marketing-officer/ Wed, 11 Sep 2024 14:30:37 +0000 https://fintecbuzz.com/?p=64727 Austin-based Fintech Company Focuses on Growth with New Addition to Leadership Team

The post AffiniPay Appoints Nate Skinner as Chief Marketing Officer first appeared on FinTecBuzz.

]]>
AffiniPay, a leader in legal practice management software, integrated payments, and embedded fintech solutions for professionals, announced Nate Skinner has joined AffiniPay as Chief Marketing Officer. With more than 25 years of marketing and sales experience, Skinner will accelerate AffiniPay’s growth into new market segments by empowering professionals in more industries.

“We are thrilled to have Nate become a key addition to our executive team and bring his wide range of experience to help grow our business,” said Dru Armstrong, Chief Executive Officer of AffiniPay. “This has been a year of growth for AffiniPay and Nate’s expertise will be vital as we continue to innovate forward, enhancing our brand awareness and engagement with customers. AffiniPay has always taken a customer-first approach, and we are excited about the opportunity to help professionals across multiple industries achieve their business goals. I know Nate will hold a critical role in turning our vision into a reality.”

Skinner comes to AffiniPay from Onfido, where he served as the Chief Marketing Officer helping businesses verify, onboard, and authenticate their customers. Skinner has also contributed to the B2B marketing strategy and customer experience in senior positions at Oracle, Salesforce, and more. In 2020, Business Insider named Skinner as one of the 20 most important executives shaping the future of marketing technology.

“I’m honored to join Dru and the entire AffiniPay team for this next chapter in the company’s journey,” said Nate Skinner, Chief Marketing Officer of AffiniPay. “AffiniPay’s focus on professionals has been key to its remarkable success to date. As my father, an attorney, once told me: attorneys, architects, accountants, and engineers are great at practicing their profession, but not always great at managing their business. Helping these professionals focus on their practice while AffiniPay’s software and payment services help them run their business is something that really resonated with me and excites me about the company.”

This announcement follows AffiniPay’s recent news that TA and Genstar have made a significant investment for the next chapter of the company. AffiniPay was also recently named to Inc. 5000’s Fastest Growing Companies List for the 13th year in a row and a Top 25 Payment Technology company in 2024 by The Financial Technology Report. For more information about AffiniPay’s executive team please visit affinipay.com.

Stay Ahead of the Financial Curve with Our Latest Fintech News Updates!

The post AffiniPay Appoints Nate Skinner as Chief Marketing Officer first appeared on FinTecBuzz.

]]>
Lyric to Add Coordination of Benefits Capabilities to Payment Accuracy Solutions https://fintecbuzz.com/lyric-to-add-coordination-of-benefits-capabilities-to-payment-accuracy-solutions/ Wed, 11 Sep 2024 13:30:36 +0000 https://fintecbuzz.com/?p=64725 —Lyric first COB component, Medicare COB, made possible through Lyric's partner strategy—

The post Lyric to Add Coordination of Benefits Capabilities to Payment Accuracy Solutions first appeared on FinTecBuzz.

]]>
Lyric, a leader in technology-first, platform-based payment integrity solutions, announced it would offer coordination of benefits solutions as part of its leading payment integrity offering. The first component of Lyric’s overall COB offering is available as a result of a strategic partnership with Strout (formerly the Strout Company), a market leader in Medicare COB.

Customers can unlock greater savings opportunities through Lyric’s advanced technology and the specialized expertise of Lyric’s teams to optimize payment accuracy, especially for complex plan members such as those who are Medicare-eligible. When an individual has coverage from more than one health plan—such as Medicare and an employer-sponsored plan—and the wrong one is billed for a given healthcare service, payment errors can occur. Typically, these errors are not found until long after inaccurate payments have been made, adding increased costs and waste to the healthcare system. And, because many incorrect payments cannot be recovered due to regulatory limitations on the timeframe in which recovery can take place, patients may be stuck with unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

“More than a quarter of Medicare beneficiaries also have coverage from another health plan, and errors in determining primacy and payment are common and costly,” said Stacey Stabenow, President of Strout. “Together with Lyric, we can reduce the financial burden of care for some of America’s most vulnerable patients and the health plans that serve them, making healthcare more efficient for everyone.”

“Our partnership with Strout is another example of Lyric’s vision to simplify the business of care,” explained Lyric CEO, Rajeev Ronanki. “Strout has transformed coordination of benefits, delivering real-time, AI-powered payment accuracy to solve a problem that is generally otherwise managed through inefficient claim auditing after the fact. But together, we will address this critical need with unparalleled efficiency and effectiveness.”

Stay Ahead of the Financial Curve with Our Latest Fintech News Updates!

The post Lyric to Add Coordination of Benefits Capabilities to Payment Accuracy Solutions first appeared on FinTecBuzz.

]]>
International Payments: Bridging the Gap in a Borderless World https://fintecbuzz.com/revolutionizing-global-payments-now/ Wed, 11 Sep 2024 12:30:07 +0000 https://fintecbuzz.com/?p=64718 Martynas Bieliauskas discusses the shift from traditional banking to agile, global solutions.

The post International Payments: Bridging the Gap in a Borderless World first appeared on FinTecBuzz.

]]>

As any West Berliner over the age of 40 can attest, you don’t need a coastline to feel like you’re living on an island. Yet, while the Iron Curtain is becoming a distant memory even in the minds of those it once divided, European businesses today face a similar barrier that makes it practically impossible to trade or engage beyond their borders.
This isn’t a physical wall: it is the failure of the established banking industry to provide fast, reliable, and affordable international payments.

Cross-border transactions have always been time-consuming and expensive, but in the pre-internet days, this never mattered much to most businesses. Today, however, any business of any size can potentially be a multinational – especially digital businesses, which typically look to the Web (and so, the world) for their customers, rather than just their local High Street. Yet while the internet has made commerce borderless, the banking industry hasn’t kept pace by supporting seamless international payments for all, strangling the global growth ambitions of digital-first businesses.

While most domestic transactions are seamless and straightforward, especially following the Open Banking revolution, all but the biggest enterprises face significant challenges in doing business beyond their borders. They must contend with slow, cumbersome, and costly international payments; indeed, for many digital businesses, the fees and charges can outweigh the value of the transactions they are trying to complete. Traditional banking systems are meanwhile plagued by delays, high fees, and unreliable processes. Transactions can take days or even weeks, and the associated costs can be prohibitive for SMEs that do not have the financial capacity to absorb such expenses.

This is bad news for everyone. The exclusion of agile, innovative businesses from international commerce undermines overall market competitiveness, reinforcing the dominance of large corporations and limiting consumer options. So why, given that technology has transformed so many other aspects of international business, have international payments failed to evolve?

Barriers to Efficient International Payments

The challenges of cross-border transactions go beyond simple data transfers. Effective international operations require specialised processes, including risk assessments, Know Your Customer (KYC), and Know Your Business (KYB) protocols. Banks must also navigate complex legal landscapes in various jurisdictions and establish relationships with correspondent banks and national regulators.

Traditional banks possess the capabilities to address these needs but often choose not to invest in the necessary infrastructure.
From a purely financial perspective, supporting the unique requirements of digital businesses, particularly those with international ambitions, may not seem profitable. Establishing the requisite systems, hiring experienced and expert personnel, and forming global partnerships demand substantial resources at a time when banks are already struggling to replace legacy systems. It may not be a priority for them now, but the emergence of fintechs specialising in cross-border payments is a warning shot across their bows.

Legacy-free challengers

While traditional banks may be hesitant to adapt, fintech is stepping into the breach. This new breed of financial service provider offers fast, reliable, and affordable international payments tailored to the needs of digital businesses. Free from the constraints of legacy systems, harnessing the latest technologies and – most importantly of all – investing in the required relationships and skills, these fintechs are designed to meet the demands of today’s global digital economy.
Traditional banks might view these fintech solutions as serving niche markets, but this perspective could change as digital businesses continue to grow. The COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, prompted companies of all sizes to re-evaluate their supply chains and explore new international markets, highlighting the need for efficient cross-border payment systems.

Banks can continue to promote their (domestic) open banking achievements, but without providing truly global services, their claims will increasingly fall flat. If the growing community of digital businesses question why their financial partners cannot support their international needs, adjusting their ad campaigns and marketing messages will be among the least of their worries.

The question facing the traditional banking industry is how long they can afford to maintain their parochial, inward-looking focus. When ambitious digital businesses feel like they’re living on an island, it’s only natural that they will start looking for a bridge to the rest of the world.

Stay Ahead of the Financial Curve with Our Latest Fintech News Updates!

https://fintecbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Martynas-Bieliauskas.jpg
Martynas Bieliauskas, CEO, Klarpay AG

Martynas Bieliauskas is a fintech entrepreneur, investor and a well-versed technology and operations specialist with emphasis on emerging technologies and trends.

The post International Payments: Bridging the Gap in a Borderless World first appeared on FinTecBuzz.

]]>
Nium Strengthens Executive Leadership Team with Two New Appointments https://fintecbuzz.com/nium-strengthens-executive-leadership-team-with-two-new-appointments/ Tue, 10 Sep 2024 14:30:41 +0000 https://fintecbuzz.com/?p=64674 Investment banking veteran, Andre Mancl, joins as CFO; Fraud risk expert, Philip Doyle, to lead regulatory compliance operations

The post Nium Strengthens Executive Leadership Team with Two New Appointments first appeared on FinTecBuzz.

]]>
Nium, the global leader in real-time cross-border payments, announced two executive appointments that strengthen its leadership team and underscore the company’s focus on driving efficient and responsible growth.

Andre Mancljoins as Chief Financial Officer. He will oversee all financial strategies for the company and will lead Nium’s global finance organization, including planning, treasury, tax, reporting, corporate development, and investor relations. He will be integral in helping Nium deliver profitable growth and efficiency at scale, while creating value for all Nium shareholders.

Philip Doyle joins as Chief Compliance Officer. He will lead Nium’s global risk and compliance programs, ensuring both evolve and grow as regulatory expectations heighten. Both executives will report to Prajit Nanu, Founder and CEO of Nium, and will join the company’s Executive Committee.

“These two leaders add deep subject matter expertise in their respective fields and complement what is already one of the best leadership teams in global payments,” said Nanu. “We’re in a great position to continue executing on a sustainable growth strategy, elevating our operational performance across all areas of our business, while delivering customer-centric technology innovation. These leaders, together with our colleagues around the world, take us steps closer to achieving a mission of connecting the world’s banks and businesses to the future of real-time, cross-border payments.”

Prior to Nium, Mancl was the Chief Financial Officer at ChowNow, a leading software platform that connects independent restaurants with their diners through a suite of digital products. Before joining ChowNow in 2021, he was a Managing Director and Global Co-Head of Internet Investment Banking at Credit Suisse. As an Investment Banker, he worked in the Technology Sector for over 15 years and has been involved in tens of billions of dollars of debt, equity, and M&A transactions. During his banking career he advised and executed transactions for companies, such as Lyft, Snap, Ancestry.com, Facebook (Meta), AppLovin, and GoDaddy. Prior to his investment banking career, he served as a distinguished SH-60B Seahawk Helicopter Pilot in the United States Navy, flying missions in various regions and received the Order of the Daedalian for landing a helicopter in distress. He holds an MBA from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and a BS in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the University of Southern California (USC).

“Throughout my career in the technology sector, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact of technology innovation on the global economy,” commented Mancl. “Joining Nium at this pivotal moment is one of the most exciting moments of my career and I’m humbled to be part of such an exceptional team. I look forward to playing a meaningful role in Nium’s next phase of growth.”

Doyle joins Nium with decades of risk and compliance experience, most recently Chief Risk and Compliance Officer for Zepz, one of the world’s leading remittance companies. There he created and led the company’s global compliance program, including standards and best practices for adhering to applicable local and international regulations. Prior to this, Doyle held senior financial crime positions at banks, such as Revolut, Clearbank, and Tandem Bank. A career-long “fraud fighter,” Doyle has also held fraud prevention roles at FICO, SAV Credit Limited, Visa, and Morgan Stanley. He holds an MSc. from the University of Nottingham and a BSc. from the University of Sussex.

“Payments is built on the trust we earn from the banks and businesses we serve,” said Doyle. “There could not be a better time to start my journey with Nium with so much investment going into expanding our compliance programs to be best-in-class.”

Stay Ahead of the Financial Curve with Our Latest Fintech News Updates!

The post Nium Strengthens Executive Leadership Team with Two New Appointments first appeared on FinTecBuzz.

]]>
FinTech Interview with Pete Major, VP of Fintech Solutions at Member Driven Technologies https://fintecbuzz.com/fintech-interview-with-pete-major/ Tue, 10 Sep 2024 13:30:48 +0000 https://fintecbuzz.com/?p=64650

Pete Major of Member Driven Technologies shares key fintech strategies for credit unions, tips for evaluating fintech partners, and the role of AI in financial services.

https://fintecbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/pete.jpg
Pete Major, VP of Fintech Solutions at Member Driven Technologies

Pete has over 25 years of experience in the banking industry. Prior to MDT, he spent 15+ years with Jack Henry, most recently serving as the director of Symitar implementations. Pete brings with xhim extensive systems experience in front-office, back-office, payments, IT processing, consulting, mergers, conversions, and integrations.

Pete, please guide us through your background and your role as VP of Fintech Solutions at Member Driven Technologies?
I have over 25 years of experience in financial services, spanning front-office and back-office operations, payments, IT processing, consulting, mergers, conversions and integrations. Prior to MDT, I spent over 15 years at Jack Henry with my last position being the director of Symitar implementations.

Even in my previous role, I admired MDT’s deep commitment to clients, employees and its dynamic culture, which are major reasons I ended up here. My passion is helping credit unions leverage the most effective technology and solutions to meet their unique needs and ultimately enhance member service, helping solidify our credit unions’ position as the financial partner of choice in their communities. As VP of Fintech Solutions, I support our clients with fintech integrations and strategy, helping them navigate today’s complex landscape to remain competitive and successful.

For banks and credit unions, what are the key considerations when evaluating potential fintech partners?
When evaluating potential fintech partners, there are several factors that institutions should consider to ensure alignment with their innovation goals and strategic priorities. First, prioritize fintech investments based on cost-effectiveness and their impact on the institution’s overarching strategy. Does the solution solve a pressing problem or business need? Some common top priorities include digital banking solutions, payment systems, efficiency improvements, and security/fraud prevention technologies along with technology that can drive deposits.

It’s also critical to make sure the potential partner has a strong values and culture match. If the fintech doesn’t align with the institution’s long-term vision, the implementation is likely to be disruptive instead of transformative. Finally, thoroughly evaluate the fintech’s track record (which should include reaching out to others who have leveraged the technology), their approach to data security and compliance, and its ability to integrate seamlessly with existing systems.

Prioritizing fintech partners based on overarching strategy, culture and values alignment – as well as extensive due diligence – will be best positioned for success.

What are the common pitfalls that financial institutions should avoid during the fintech selection process?
A major one is innovation for innovation’s sake. Community-focused institutions in particular have limited time and resources, so it’s critical for their attention to be dedicated to deploying technology that squarely supports the organization’s high-level strategy. If innovation is not a key part of your credit union’s strategy, then avoid the ‘shiny new thing’ and focus on investing in technology that augments your institution’s competitive differentiators.

Another common pitfall is only assessing the fintech’s sales and business development team. While these contacts might be great, what will matter most is connection and collaboration with who the institution will be working with on a daily basis, such as the fintech’s operational and support teams. Make sure there is good chemistry between key players.

How important is it for a fintech solution to align with the existing processes and culture of a financial institution?
It’s extremely important; even the most advanced technology can be harmful rather than helpful if it doesn’t align with the institution’s overarching mission or long-term vision. As part of this ‘vibe check’, institutions should evaluate the fintech’s commitment to the customer or member experience, their risk appetite and their view of technology’s role in the broader ecosystem. It’s important to understand how well the fintech solution integrates with existing processes, complements the company culture and advances organizational goals.

Please keep in mind that this isn’t the greenlight to make new fintech solutions to fit into existing processes that have been in place for 20 years. You will likely not gain the efficiencies you’re looking for if you take this approach. Be willing to consider different approaches to existing processes and make the changes that make sense from an ROI perspective.

Can you share some best practices for conducting thorough due diligence on potential fintech partners?
There are several key areas that should be thoroughly vetted to ensure a successful and secure partnership. This includes factors such as the solution’s technical architecture, integration points with existing systems, security posture and the company’s financial position. While this process is arduous, it’s extremely necessary; there is great financial and reputational risk involved in partnering with a company that doesn’t employ proper controls or fails to meet security standards. Here, it can be extremely beneficial to rely on trusted strategic partners for insight and guidance.

By conducting thorough due diligence and thinking long-term, institutions can identify solutions that not only help differentiate but also foster growth and lasting loyalty.

How can smaller institutions, with limited technology resources, navigate the vast array of fintech options available to them?
Navigating the fintech ecosystem can be especially difficult for smaller institutions without the extensive technology resources or in-house expertise available. This is where the right partner can make all the difference, one that is able to provide comprehensive support to guide institutions through the complex fintech ecosystem. Partners that help institutions bridge the fintech gap and understand and speak the fintech language are often a gamechanger for smaller institutions.

When it comes to integrating AI, what steps should financial institutions take to distinguish between hype and substance?
There is a lot of literature out there about AI needing a very structured waterfall approach to implementing this technology. If we’re talking about narrow AI, this approach makes sense because this technology has been around for decades and you’re likely already using this technology without knowing it. If we’re talking about the new Generative AI (GenAI), I don’t think a structured approach here is the right path, particularly for small institutions.

People have a very difficult time switching to new technologies and if you’re going to get the efficiency lift that GenAI promises, you have to change behaviors. It’s just nature, we all love a good habit (maybe it’s just me). But we have found that the best approach here is to pilot GenAI technologies. This approach gives your team a chance to test the new technology in a controlled environment and allows you to figure out the pros and cons without making a major investment in a platform that will likely be very different a year from now. Engaging strategic, and consultive partners is key here if you don’t have the technical expertise on staff.

What role does education and literacy around AI play in helping financial institutions make informed decisions about adopting this technology?
Education and literacy are huge. In general, people tend to fear the unknown, so it makes sense that institutions that fail to properly educate themselves about AI will avoid it. Ensuring key stakeholders understand AI’s potential – and risks – is a critical first step before a strategy can be formed. You can’t avoid AI’s impact. Your employees are likely using this technology now. Lean on industry groups, reputable publications and trusted partners to help share the most relevant AI information and content.

Can you provide examples of small-scale AI use cases that financial institutions can experiment with before fully committing to larger implementations?
As the hype and buzz around AI continues (and frankly, it’s exhausting), financial institutions are exploring several small-scale use cases before committing to larger implementations. For instance, they can start by integrating AI into simpler customer or member chats, where the AI can handle routine inquiries and free up human agents for more complex interactions. Keep in mind, quality here is extremely important as the chatbot is talking directly to your members. Another promising area is AI’s role in supporting the loan approval process by automating preliminary assessments and streamlining documentation review.

AI also proves beneficial in enhancing operational efficiencies by optimizing workflows, improving work quality, and proactively informing decision-making. And, it can support with crafting more personalized offerings, tailored to individual customer or member needs. Even if immediate action isn’t taken, it’s crucial for banks and credit unions to consider how AI could align with and support their service and brand strategy. Engaging with trusted partners and peers is a great starting point to stay informed about the latest advancements and potential applications.

Looking forward, what trends do you see in the fintech landscape that banks and credit unions should be aware of?
Origination and servicing in digital channels continue to be top of mind. Ensuring member engagement after they open their accounts is also areas of interest for our credit unions. We expect loan rates to start to decrease and as a result, lending volumes will go up (no surprise there). Make sure you have the right technology tools for loan origination in place before volume goes up. Also, you cannot be passive with respect to fraud and security. Using technologies to help mitigate these risks is a must for every financial institution.

We see a lot of interest in technologies to provide services for non-interest income. Business Banking and the associated fee income is big right now. Also, is there a way to use Faster Payments (FedNow/RTP) to generate non-interest income? Perhaps.

BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later) continues to get a lot of press and frankly, the adoption numbers are really amazing. But with multiple due dates and rising delinquencies, it does make me wonder if this new service is really helping or hurting consumers.

Anything from the CEO Forum we could highlight?

Stay Ahead of the Financial Curve with Our Latest Fintech News Updates!

The post FinTech Interview with Pete Major, VP of Fintech Solutions at Member Driven Technologies first appeared on FinTecBuzz.

]]>