Yair Nechmad, CEO and Co-founder of Nayax | Episode 211

Unlock the future of transactions with Ingenico's Tony Walsh in our latest episode, where we explore the revolutionary SoftPOS technology. This innovation is reshaping how merchants interact with customers, shedding the shackles of conventional payment hardware. By leveraging NFC-enabled Android and iOS devices, SoftPOS is not just a glimpse into the future of digital payments, but a stride into a world where mobile and contactless transactions seamlessly integrate into our daily commerce.

During our conversation, Tony illustrates the practicality and versatility of SoftPOS, painting a picture of a business landscape that's both agile and cost-effective. From bustling cafes to expansive enterprise retailers, this technology tailors to the unique needs of any business. Learn how SoftPOS is transforming the restaurant industry by simplifying pay-at-table services, reducing hardware attrition, and envision a retail environment where line busting becomes the norm. 

By embracing Ingenico's SoftPOS, we are unlocking payment freedom and taking a significant leap towards the future of commerce. This episode not only educates but also inspires a rethinking of how we engage in transactions, both as consumers and businesses.

Joining me this week in the first of a four-part series on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is Monica Eaton, the CEO of Chargebacks911. Monica's start-up story in the fintech space serves as a beacon for aspiring women in technology and finance. As a pioneer in the payments industry, Monica shares her trajectory from being a merchant grappling with chargebacks to helming a company with global reach. Her story isn't just a personal triumph; it's a roadmap for other women who aim to shatter the proverbial glass ceiling in a sector traditionally dominated by men.

Monica's commitment to empowerment isn't confined to her corporate achievements. Her initiative, LIFT, is a testament to the potential mentorship holds in elevating women within the fintech space. LIFT connects female professionals with C-suite executives, fostering an environment where wisdom, experience, and guidance flow freely, thus nurturing the next generation of female leaders.

Through mentorship, education reform, and a commitment to DE&I, Monica is forging a path for inclusive growth and empowerment in fintech and beyond.

Brazil's financial sector is experiencing an unprecedented digital transformation, a subject which Carlos Netto, the Co-Founder and CEO of Matera, tackles with keen insight in our latest podcast episode. This revolution is centered around Pix, Brazil's instant payment system that has flipped traditional banking on its head with its user-friendly interface and cost-effective transaction model. As we explore this phenomenon, it's evident that Pix has not only altered how transactions are conducted but also democratized financial services, fostering inclusion for those who were previously marginalized from the banking system.

In discussing the intricacies of Pix, Carlos provides an analysis that is both comprehensive and insightful. Pix's integration into everyday life in Brazil, from street vendors to e-commerce, signals a profound cultural shift. Its omnipresence has not only simplified transactions but has also encouraged the banking sector to innovate and remain competitive. The "Pix by the Numbers" report, as dissected in the podcast, underscores the system's sweeping success and its potential to inspire similar transformations globally.

In summary, the podcast episode featuring Matera Co-Founder and CEO Carlos Netto is not just a conversation about the current state of digital banking in Brazil but a deep dive into the possibilities that fintech holds for the future. It is a story of innovation, inclusion, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the dynamic interplay between technology and finance and the transformative power it holds.

As we navigate through an ever-evolving financial landscape, it's leaders like Kirk Coleman, President of Q2, who are at the forefront of revolutionizing how banks and credit unions serve us. This episode is a treasure trove of insights, from the seamless integration of digital banking experiences to the resilience of checks in an age of instantaneous payments. Kirk's journey from Ohio to the helm of Q2 in Austin is as compelling as the innovative solutions he champions, bringing a personal touch to the complex world of banking technology.

Kirk and I delve into the current state of play in the payment industry, where challenges abound but so do opportunities for those willing to adapt and innovate. We explore the intrigue of mergers and acquisitions, the quiet before the storm of 2024, and how banks are finding value in efficiency over expansion. The episode peels back the layers on the scalability of new payment systems and the shifting generational talent within the banking sector, offering a clear view of what it takes to succeed in this rapidly changing environment.

Topping off our conversation, Kirk shares pearls of wisdom on achieving a balance between a demanding career and a fulfilling family life, emphasizing mentorship and the adaptability required within the payments and financial services sectors. He also encourages us to chip away at the complexities that often muddle the financial services industry, advocating for collaboration towards simplicity, security, and improved customer service. Join us for this enlightening discussion that's as much about the heartbeat of financial innovation as it is about the human stories that drive it.

The digital payments landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by innovative technologies and a pressing need for more personalized customer experiences. In episode 301 of the Leaders in Payments podcast, we had the privilege of diving deep into these developments with PayPal's Mudita Tawari, who heads the company's developer experiences.

The episode provides a glimpse into how PayPal continues to shape the future of transactions. With over 400 million consumer accounts and 35 million merchants worldwide, PayPal's influence on the market is undeniable. Tawari’s discussion about PayPal's commitment to enhancing checkout experiences and supporting a global developer community underscores the company's focus on continuous innovation.

Mudita’s experience working on early IoT applications for hospital beds, to engaging in transformative app development, and eventually making strategic partnerships at eBay and PayPal, illustrates a journey characterized by growth, versatility, and a deep-seated desire to make a meaningful impact.

On our 300th episode, we have the privilege of hosting Carey O’Connor Kolaja, the CEO of Versapay, who illuminated the path toward a digital-first B2B payment landscape. The episode offers a comprehensive examination of how technology, specifically AI and ERP integration, is reinventing how businesses manage transactions and achieve financial efficiency.

Carey's journey from PayPal and Citi to AU10TIX has bestowed her with invaluable insights into the evolution of financial inclusion and the indelible impact of technology on back-office operations. 

Carey and I muse over the generational shift that's reshaping expectations—a world where our children's innate digital fluency is only a microcosm of the hunger for seamless transactions. Together, we scrutinize how AI and ML are not only combating fraud but also empowering companies to leapfrog into the future with smarter, faster, and safer financial practices.

As the episode unfolds, Carey shares her vision for Versapay, focusing on solving genuine problems with a passion for building a more inclusive financial world and a future where financial decisions are autonomous, technology-driven, and secure.

Join me as I sit down with Tal Clark, the CEO of Instant and trace his remarkable path from Marine Corps helicopter pilot to fintech innovator. In this episode, Tal shares the ethos behind Instant's mission to revamp the way American workers receive their wages. As we peel back the layers of the earned wage access (EWA) market, you'll discover how Instant stands at the vanguard, offering employees fee-free access to wages that could very well redefine financial stability for many.
 
Dive into the heart of innovation with our discussion on the transformative nature of EWA and how Instant is leading the charge by integrating payment cards, tipping services, and wage access into one seamless employer solution. Tal gives us an insider's look at how their platform is not just a tool but a movement, setting itself apart from traditional payday loans and altering the financial landscape for employees nationwide. With an eye on the future, we predict the rise of EWA as an employee benefit standard and consider the evolving regulatory environment that's shaping this dynamic industry.
 
Wrapping up, Tal offers a personal glimpse into his life post-military service, his corporate experiences, and his fervent commitment to service and opportunity. He illuminates the leadership lessons he's garnered from commanding large teams and how building a culture of success yields the greatest rewards. 

Unlock the potential of SoftPOS technology with Jason Stanchfield from Ingenico, and ride the wave of the future in merchant payment solutions. Imagine the convenience of turning any NFC-enabled device into a secure, flexible payment terminal—this is the reality we discuss with Jason, whose unique background from the streets of Los Angeles to life in the Navy, and finally to the innovative realm of merchant services, brings us an unparalleled perspective on the evolution of payment systems. Learn how SoftPOS is revolutionizing transactions, offering businesses an adaptable and sleek way to handle sales with ease, while also delving into the seamless integration with existing POS systems.

This episode peels back the layers of SoftPOS's applications, demonstrating its utility in a diverse range of business environments, from the corner store to the most dynamic pop-up events. Jason walks us through the minimal training required for staff, the customization options available for branding, and the heightened security measures that set this platform apart. We scrutinize every angle, from the merchant's initial selection process to the comprehensive sales tracking capabilities. Discover the transformative power of SoftPOS as we explore its role in meeting the ever-evolving demands of modern commerce with Jason's expertise guiding us every step of the way.

Join me as I sit down with Rob Straathof, the visionary CEO of Liberis. Rob Straathof's journey from an aspiring astronaut to a fintech trailblazer is a narrative of determination and ingenuity. Tune in to discover how Liberis is transforming the financial landscape for small businesses by seamlessly embedding pre-approved funding within payment ecosystems. Delving into Liberis's partnerships with behemoths like Worldpay, Klarna, and Barclays, we'll unwrap how their platform is not only accelerating growth for startups but also reinventing the approach to merchant financing.
 
The discussion delves into the core of embedded finance, tracing Liberis's evolution from its nascent stages to the powerhouse digital platform it is today. The episode doesn't shy away from discussing the hurdles faced, particularly during the pandemic. As the conversation unfolds, we gain an understanding of the strategies driving merchant adoption and the essential role of omnichannel platforms in the finance sector.

CEO of Stax, Paulette Rowe’s journey through the dynamic world of payments is an inspiring story of opportunities and passion. From her role at Facebook to leading PaySafe through a public offering and embracing the culture and vision of Stax, Paulette’s dedication to the payments industry is clear.

Stax is distinguished by its software-first ethos and comprehensive white-labeling capabilities, highlighting its intent to expand internationally. The conversation illuminates how Stax is redefining industry standards with its agile and precise strategies, challenging larger, less flexible entities. The company's unique position in the payments industry stems from disrupting traditional payment models with subscription-based services. Paulette shares insights into Stax's disruption, its focus on key verticals, and the company's evolution into integrated payments, compliance, surcharging, recurring billing, and becoming a fully-fledged acquirer-processor.

Moreover, the podcast delves into the transformative trends impacting the payments and financial services industry, including embedded finance and the impact of artificial intelligence on customer engagement.