PXP Appoints Alex Apergis as Chief Revenue Officer and Transforms its Brand
PXP Appoints Alex Apergis as Chief Revenue Officer and transforms its brand, reflecting its ambition to create a tech first global commerce ecosystem
The company embarks on a new chapter with strengthened leadership and reimagined brand identity, reflecting its ambition to create a tech first global commerce ecosystem and combining innovation and engineering excellence to set new standards in the payments industry.
PXP, a leading omnichannel global payment platform and innovative industry disruptor, have announced the appointment of Alex Apergis as its new Chief Revenue Officer to supercharge global growth. Alongside this strategic leadership addition, PXP is transforming its brand to reflect its innovative tech-first strategy to create a global commerce ecosystem.
Alex is a prominent business leader in the payments industry and comes with a wealth of experience forming and scaling global distribution channels. Alex has previously held leadership positions with WorldPay, Elavon, Evo Payments, emerchantpay and Konect.
In his new role, Alex will drive further excellence by creating dedicated teams for Partnerships, Enterprise, Corporate and SME, along with new teams for Solutions Ecosystem and Innovation and Sales Enablement. Leveraging the PXP platform, Alex will simplify global payments for businesses and drive PXP’s global growth, with a strong focus on Enterprise, Corporate, and Partnerships. Drawing on his deep expertise in payments, commerce, and technology, Alex will deliver PXP’s vision of unifying global payments through a single integration, creating a commerce ecosystem that makes business simpler, better, and more connected.
Commenting on Alex’s appointment, Kamran Hedjri, CEO of PXP, says: “We are delighted to welcome Alex to our senior leadership team at such an exciting time in PXP’s evolution. Our rebrand is the start of a business refresh that will set a new standard in the payments landscape and affirm our vision to become a technology platform that makes commerce simple. Alex will play a key role in shaping and delivering that vision.”
“Alex joins the PXP team with a wealth of experience helping fintech's to scale rapidly and ensuring consistent product and service delivery. He leads several strategically important departments, and his passion for solving payment problems will be invaluable as we establish the new PXP brand and scale the business globally.”
Alex's appointment coincides with PXP's transformation into a brand that redefines commerce technology. The new identity reflects their mission to make payments simpler and better for businesses, where cutting-edge innovation meets AI and future-proof technology This rebrand represents more than a fresh new look & feel; it embodies the vision of creating a commerce ecosystem where businesses of all sizes can thrive. An ecosystem of connected products and services, providing everything a business needs, all accessible from a single platform.
PXP prioritises professionalism, innovation, reliability, and energy, and has an unwavering commitment to client success through meaningful technology. PXP’s new platform will bridge industries, generations, and ideas by providing businesses of all sizes the tools to simply navigate the complex payments landscape with confidence.
Alex joins an executive leadership team that combines a deep payment expertise with proven innovation track records. Their collective experience spans global commerce technology, merchant solutions, and enterprise-scale transformation, which positions PXP at the forefront of payment innovation and evolution.
Alex added:“Joining PXP is a once in a career opportunity to launch and scale a new, cutting edge platform, harnessing AI as part of its technological foundation, that I passionately believe will change the face of payments and commerce globally. PXP put the customer at the centre of everything we do, and we are on a journey to build a commerce ecosystem that makes business, simpler, better, and more connected for businesses of all sizes. The PXP platform will be accessible through a single integration and will give an unparalleled level of control to businesses to maximise transaction conversion, reduce downtime, remove single supplier dependency, and reduce transaction costs.
The management team are driven and extremely aligned towards delivering our collective vision and I am looking forward to supercharging global growth, and continually driving innovation with PXP Innovation Labs, putting our customers and partners at the heart of everything we do. I am genuinely excited to be a part of PXP and I look forward to being a part of the PXP evolution.”
PXP Financial Strengthens Fraud Prevention with DisputeHelp
PXP Financial partners with DisputeHelp to launch Visa’s CE 3.0 and Order Insight, empowering merchants with advanced tools to prevent fraud and reduce chargebacks.
PXP Financial Launches Visa´s Compelling Evidence 3.0 and Order Insight in partnership with DisputeHelp, enhancing their suite of fraud prevention services
PXP Financial, the experts in global acquiring, payment, fraud and data analysis services, today announces the launch of Compelling Evidence 3.0 and Order Insight (OI & CE3.0) in collaboration with DisputeHelp. The solutions serve as a fraud prevention framework designed to combat first-party fraud and reduce chargebacks for merchants.
The partnership leverages both DisputeHelp’s expertise in chargeback and fraud mitigation solutions and PXP Financial’s payment innovation to provide merchants with a robust tool to safeguard revenue and customer trust. It will allow PXP Financial to expand its product offerings by integrating Visa’s OI & CE3.0 framework with the support of DisputeHelp’s industry-leading platform, reinforcing both companies' positions as leaders in fraud and chargeback prevention.
Most importantly, merchants stand to gain access to an advanced tool that prevents and reduces financial losses caused by first-party fraud. By shifting liability back to the issuer when evidence is provided, OI & CE3.0 minimise operational disruptions and overhead costs for merchants. The solutions empower merchants to protect profitability by recovering transaction funds, minimizing revenue loss, and enhancing financial stability through robust evidence and improved dispute management.
Kasia Gruszka, Senior Scheme Manager at PXP Financial, said:“This is an exciting development that has enabled PXP Financial to integrate OI & CE3.0 into our payment processing platform, providing merchants with an end-to-end solution that includes fraud prevention, transaction tracking, and chargeback management. We are proud to have already successfully embedded OI & CE3.0 into our existing ecosystem and to now provide merchants with holistic fraud prevention solutions that go far beyond industry standards.”
OI & CE3 address several critical challenges faced by merchants:
First-Party Fraud Prevention: OI & CE3.0 combat issues like first-party fraud, refund fraud, and goods-lost-in-transit fraud.
Chargeback Management: By providing clear evidence of legitimate transactions, merchants can prevent and reverse chargebacks effectively.
Operational Efficiency: OI & CE3.0 reduces time and resources spent on managing disputes, allowing merchants to focus on core business activities.
False Decline Reduction: OI and CE3.0 reduce false declines by preventing first-party fraud data from flagging valid transactions, improving approval rates.
Bart Szypkowski, Chief Revenue Officer at DisputeHelp, added: “As industry leaders, DisputeHelp brings its expertise in deploying and supporting OI & CE3.0, and ensuring the solutions meet Visa’s standards and requirements. OI & CE3.0 are game-changers in first-party fraud prevention in that they enable merchants to shift liability back to the card issuer if they can provide proof of two prior legitimate transactions with the same payment credentials – providing indisputable evidence of an existing customer-merchant relationship.”
The announcement coincides with a range of new initiatives from PXP Financial and DisputeHelp that equip merchants with the tools needed to comply with changes to Visa’s dispute monitoring framework, announced earlier this year.
In an effort to streamline and enhance its monitoring programs, Visa will phase out its current Visa Dispute Monitoring Program (VDMP) and Visa Fraud Monitoring Program (VFMP), replacing them with an upgraded Visa Acquirer Monitoring Program (VAMP) starting 1st April 2025. The consolidated program will incorporate updated metrics and enforcement measures designed to improve fraud and dispute monitoring, impacting how acquirers and merchants address compliance requirements limiting immediate financial losses and lowering chances of false declines leading to exponential revenue losses down the road.
In response to the impending changes – and to minimise the impact on its merchant customers – PXP Financial and DisputeHelp have deployed a suite of cutting-edge tools and solutions which offer robust protection against disputes for PXP Financial’s clients, helping them to stay compliant with VAMP regulations while safeguarding their bottom line. This includes OI & CE3.0 as well as Rapid Dispute Resolution (RDR).
Kasia added:“This initiative is important for ensuring that the payment ecosystem remains secure and efficient. Our work with DisputeHelp and the tools we have implemented will help PXP Financial clients to prevent chargebacks and stay compliant with the evolving VAMP requirements. We will continue exploring new technology to ensure our solutions continue to evolve to meet our customers’ needs.”
The latest announcement from PXP Financial and DisputeHelp builds on a strong and long-standing collaboration between the two partners, combining technical innovation with industry expertise to deliver a best-in-class product. Both businesses are now expanding OI & CE3.0’s adoption across merchants who have already achieved significant reductions in chargebacks and fraud-related costs.
“It is brilliant to continue working with PXP Financial to help empower its customers with the resources needed to significantly reduce disputes, allowing them to focus on what matters most – growing their business. Together, we will keep educating merchants on the dynamic disputes landscape and strengthen our partnership, ensuring that our customers benefit from the most advanced and effective solutions available”, added Bart.
PXP Financial provides a single unified payments platform to accept payments online, on mobile, and at the point of sale. Powered by in-house global acquiring, more than 120 alternative payment methods and financial services, PXP Financial processes EUR 30 billion annually through its unified gateway.
About PXP Financial:
PXP has a state-of-the-art technology platform that supports a wide range of payment methods and currencies, and offers advanced features such as fraud prevention, data analytics, and reporting. It provides a single unified payments platform to accept payments online, on mobile and at the point of sale. Powered by inhouse global acquiring, 100+ alternative payment methods & financial services, PXP processes over EUR 23 billion annually through its unified gateway.
PXP Financial Partners with US Payments Company North
PXP Financial announces its partnership with North. The partnership is giving PXP merchants and partners access to another acquirer connection in the US.
PXP Financial, experts in global acquiring, payment, fraud and data analysis services, today announces a new partnership with North. Founded in 1992, North builds payment technologies that power businesses and organizations – from point of sale to eCommerce and payment APIs, backed by in-house processing.
The partnership is a crucial next step in giving PXP Financial merchants and partners access to another acquirer connection in the US. It promises to serve a broad array of target sectors and industries, complementing PXP Financials ongoing stateside expansion.
Commenting on the announcement, Kamran Hedjri, Group CEO for PXP Financial, said:“This is an exciting step for PXP Financial, and I am incredibly proud of the strong partnership and teamwork that have brought us to this moment. By working closely together, we've ensured that the integration with this new acquirer connection is seamless, robust, and ready to deliver enhanced payment options to our clients.
“The effort that has gone into securing the North partnership demonstrates our commitment to innovation and dedication to expanding our capabilities to better serve our customers. We look forward to growing the partnership to its full potential and the value it will bring to our clients.”
Since 2013, PXP Financial has entered into 23 states in the notoriously competitive US market, and has developed a deep understanding of the regulatory and compliance challenges facing payments in the region. The North partnership means PXP clients can now capitalise both on this expertise and North’s innovative payment technology.
Rafael DiCarlo, North’s General Manager, Gaming, added: “For North, partnering with PXP Financial marks a key step aimed at delivering seamless and innovative payment solutions to our customers. Their deep experience in secure, global payment processing will empower us to scale rapidly and continue to maintain the highest standards of security and efficiency. I am confident this collaboration will unlock new growth opportunities for clients across our shared sectors."
About PXP Financial:
PXP has a state-of-the-art technology platform that supports a wide range of payment methods and currencies, and offers advanced features such as fraud prevention, data analytics, and reporting. It provides a single unified payments platform to accept payments online, on mobile and at the point of sale. Powered by inhouse global acquiring, 100+ alternative payment methods & financial services, PXP processes over EUR 23 billion annually through its unified gateway.
PXP Financial and Phos by Ingenico partner to boost user experience with SoftPoS on Android devices
PXP Financial and Phos by Ingenico partner to launch a SoftPoS solution, allowing contactless payments on Android devices, removing extra hardware needs.
PXP Financial, the experts in global acquiring, payment, fraud and data analysis services, announces its partnership with Phos by Ingenico, the global leader in software point-of-sale (SoftPoS) orchestration for businesses. The two companies introduce an innovative SoftPoSsolution which enables merchants to accept contactless payments directly on Android devices, thus eliminating the need for additional agnostic hardware.
With the rise in cashless payments and the growing need for ensuring convenience and seamlessness in the customer journey, SoftPoS technology is gaining increasing acceptance across the globe.
Through this collaboration, PXP Financial’s customers gain easy access to a cost-effective and scalable solution. This helps them expand their payment acceptance capabilities via a secure, flexible, and hardware-free method of processing contactless payments on any Android device. The solution is easy to deploy and includes both payment processing and online PIN verification for higher value transactions, which simplifies operations for merchants and enhances security for customers. End-users will benefit from a streamlined payment experience, completing transactions through simple contactless taps on mobile devices, offering convenience without the need for traditional payment terminals.
The SoftPoS solution integrates seamlessly through PXP Financial’s Software Development Kit (SDK). This enables partners and merchants to implement the product using a native Android stack. With PCI certification and a flexible design, the robust product is ideal for merchants across multiple industries. Through this partnership, both PXP Financial and Phos by Ingenico are leveraging their combined expertise and bringing features like PIN Translation, Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) and store-and-forward for offline transactions.
Salvatore Cicero, Group Chief Technology Officer, PXP Financial said, “We are thrilled to partner with Phos by Ingenico to push the boundaries of payment technology. This collaboration allows us to offer merchants a cutting-edge SoftPoS solution that combines innovation, security, and flexibility. By enabling contactless payments directly on Android devices, we are helping businesses of all sizes simplify their payment processes while expanding their capabilities across key regions.”
Brad Hyett, Chief Executive Officer, Phos by Ingenico, added: “The partnership with PXP Financial is a giant leap forward in our plan to increase SoftPoS acceptance. Their cutting-edge technology and commitment perfectly align with our vision, and we’re excited to empower businesses with a faster, more seamless way to accept payments.”
The partnership will initially focus on the UK and EU markets, with plans to expand it to the USA and LATAM regions in the coming months.
About PXP Financial
PXP Financial offers a comprehensive end-to-end payment platform, providing a single, unified payments solution that caters to online, mobile and point of sale transactions. Backed by in-house acquiring capabilities, a diverse array of 120+ alternative payment methods and a suite of financial services, PXP Financial processes over EUR 22.7 billion annually through its unified gateway.
To find out more about the PXP Financial family of companies please visit: pxpfinancial.com
PXP Financial Partners with Kushki in LATAM Expansion Plan
PXP Financial Partners with Kushki to Expand Innovative End-to-End Payment Solutions Across LATAM Markets
PXP Financial, the experts in global payment services, today announces its partnership with Kushki, a leading payment platform in Latin America. The strategic partnership aims to provide end-to-end payment solutions for merchants and consumers in the region.
PXP Financial is now able to leverage Kushki’s technology and expertise to create innovative and tailored payment solutions for the Latin American market, supporting plans to launch card acquiring in Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Commenting on the announcement, Kamran Hedjri, Group CEO for PXP Financial, said:“We are proud to already have a strong presence and expertise in Europe and North America, and our aim is to further expand our footprint into Latin America, one of the fastest growing and most dynamic regions in the world.”
"As a leading payment platform in Latin America, Kushki provides innovative and secure solutions, aligning with our focus on service and innovation. Their technology simplifies local and cross-border payments, helping businesses reach more customers and grow. Collaborating with Kushki will be pivotal in becoming a trusted partner for merchants and consumers in the LATAM region."
The partnership with Kushki will allow PXP Financial to offer its customers a more comprehensive and integrated payment solution that covers the entire payment value chain, from acceptance to settlement, and supports multiple payment methods, currencies, and markets. PXP will also be able to access and serve new customers and segments in LATAM, leveraging Kushki’s local expertise, network, and products.
Sherrie Rogers GM Kushki Global added“We are delighted at Kushki to be working with PXP Financial and look forward to building a strong, long lasting relationship. We are excited to be a strategic provider in Latin America supporting them with their expansion plans across the region.”
PXP Financial has already successfully integrated Kushki’s API, enabling a smooth and efficient payment flow, and is on track to launch in Mexico.
The next steps for the partnership will include expanding to other LATAM countries, such as Chile, Colombia, and Peru, where there is a high demand and potential for payment solutions, and pursuing new opportunities and segments that will diversify and grow the customer base.
PXP has a state-of-the-art technology platform that supports a wide range of payment methods and currencies, and offers advanced features such as fraud prevention, data analytics, and reporting. It provides a single unified payments platform to accept payments online, on mobile and at the point of sale. Powered by inhouse acquiring, 100+ alternative payment methods & financial services, PXP processes over €21b annually through its unified gateway.
About PXP Financial
PXP Financial offers a comprehensive end-to-end payment platform, providing a single, unified payments solution that caters to online, mobile and point of sale transactions. Backed by in-house acquiring capabilities, a diverse array of 120+ alternative payment methods and a suite of financial services, PXP Financial processes over EUR 22.7 billion annually through its unified gateway.
To find out more about the PXP Financial family of companies please visit: pxpfinancial.com
PXP Financial, the experts in global payment services today announced its participation in the award-winning Zebra® PartnerConnect programme.
PXP Financial, the experts in global payment services today announced its participation in the award-winning Zebra® PartnerConnect programme. Zebra Technologies is an innovator at the front line of business with solutions and partners that create new ways of working. PXP Financial joins as an independent software vendor (ISV) focusing on providing soft-POS payment capabilities that will enable Zebra customers and partners to accept payments on a range of Zebra mobile computer and tablet devices.
By participating in Zebra’s PartnerConnect programme, PXP Financial gains access to an innovative portfolio, along with comprehensive training and extensive marketing, sales and technical benefits.
PXP Financial chose to join Zebra’s PartnerConnect programme as the combination of Zebra’s industry leading products and solutions, coupled with PXP’s payment acceptance expertise and future proofing payment solutions, will provide businesses with a cutting-edge customer experience for payments.
“As a PartnerConnect member, PXP Financial now has access to industry-leading solutions, training and tools that will allow us to collaborate with Zebra’s global partner network and better meet the needs of our customers,” said Kamran Hedjri, CEO & Founder of PXP Financial. “The PartnerConnect programme makes it easier for us to differentiate ourselves while working together with Zebra to create new ways of working for the front line of business.”
The Zebra PartnerConnect programme is designed to evolve the best of Zebra’s inclusive channel ecosystem, addressing the needs of distributors, resellers, solution partners, ISVs, systems integrators and technology alliance partners, providing opportunities for growth and meeting customer and market demands.
About PXP Financial
PXP Financial offers a comprehensive end-to-end payment platform, providing a single, unified payments solution that caters to online, mobile and point of sale transactions. Backed by in-house acquiring capabilities, a diverse array of 120+ alternative payment methods and a suite of financial services, PXP Financial processes over EUR 22.7 billion annually through its unified gateway.
To find out more about the PXP Financial family of companies please visit: pxpfinancial.com
PXP Launches Partner Portal to Elevate Partner Experience
PXP Financial is pleased to announce the launch of its Partner Portal engineered to transform the merchant application journey.
PXP Financial, a leader in global payment services, is pleased to announce the launch of its Partner Portal. This advanced platform is engineered to transform the merchant application journey, elevating the partnership experience with PXP.
Designed to enhance efficiency and accuracy, the Partner Portal empowers partners to focus on growth and success. It enhances the partner journey by saving time and reducing administrative burdens. With automated checks and digital submissions, it minimizes errors and provides real-time updates for greater transparency.
The Portal offers frictionless submission process, real-time tracking, and comprehensive document management, guaranteeing faster processing and quicker approvals.
Katharina Richter-Weiss, COO at PXP Financial said: “At PXP, our mission is to provide unparalleled payment solutions that drive success for our partners. By simplifying the application process, we are empowering our partners to focus on what they do best - growing their businesses.”
Adding to this, Salvatore Cicero, CTO at PXP Financial, remarked, “The launch of the Partner Portal is a part of our commitment to innovation, excellence, and continuous improvement, with planned future enhancements set to introduce new features that will keep partners and merchants ahead in the market.”
With the launch of its Partner Portal, the company enhances its existing partner offerings. This addition complements acquiring and aggregation services, tailored cooperation models, smart risk scoring, industry-based pricing, and top-notch Account Management, ensuring partners gain a competitive edge.
About PXP Financial
PXP Financial offers a comprehensive end-to-end payment platform, providing a single, unified payments solution that caters to online, mobile and point of sale transactions. Backed by in-house acquiring capabilities, a diverse array of 120+ alternative payment methods and a suite of financial services, PXP Financial processes over EUR 22.7 billion annually through its unified gateway.
To find out more about the PXP Financial family of companies please visit: pxpfinancial.com
Celeris and PXP Financial Forge Strategic Integration
Celeris, a pioneering provider of dynamic payment orchestration solutions, is excited to unveil a strategic technical integration with PXP Financial.
Amsterdam, 16 April 2024 - Celeris, a pioneering provider of dynamic payment orchestration solutions, is excited to unveil a strategic technical integration with PXP Financial, a globally renowned payment service provider recognised for its cutting-edge payment technologies. This partnership marks a significant leap forward in payment processing capabilities for businesses on a global scale.
The collaboration between Celeris and PXP Financial is poised to streamline payment processes, open new verticals, optimise transaction efficiency, and deliver a seamless payment experience to merchants and consumers alike. By synergising Celeris' innovative payment solutions with PXP Financial's state-of-the-art payment technology platform, merchants can now access a comprehensive suite of payment services tailored to address their diverse needs effectively.
This integration empowers merchants leveraging Celeris' services with seamless access to PXP Financial's extensive payment methods, which span traditional card payments, Apple Pay and Google Pay, alternative payment methods, and emerging digital wallets. Moreover, the integration introduces advanced security features bolstering transaction security and instilling confidence among merchants and consumers.
"We are thrilled to announce our strategic integration with PXP Financial, a globally respected leader in payment processing solutions," remarked Sunil Jhamb, CEO of Celeris. "This collaboration underscores our unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled value to our merchants by providing access to the most advanced payment technologies available in the market."
Celeris and PXP Financial share a common vision of empowering businesses to thrive in today's fast-paced digital landscape. By joining forces, both entities are poised to drive innovation, foster growth, and deliver exceptional payment experiences that elevate customer satisfaction and foster long-term loyalty.
"We are excited to partner with Celeris to deliver a seamless payment experience to merchants worldwide," said Kamran Hedjri, CEO of PXP Financial. "Together, we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of payment technology, enabling businesses to stay ahead in an ever-evolving marketplace."
Merchants seeking further information about the integrated payment solutions offered by Celeris and PXP Financial are encouraged to visit https://www.celerispay.com and www.pxpfinancial.com for comprehensive details.
PXP Financial Leverages Mastercard Tech to Fight Fraud
PXP Financial today announced it has received accreditation to become a Token Service Provider by global technology company Mastercard.
April 09, 2024 - PXP Financial, the expert in global acquiring, payment, fraud, and data analysis services, today announced it has received accreditation to become a Token Service Provider by global technology company Mastercard.
The new accreditation has been made possible by the Mastercard Digital Enablement Service (MDES), a single integrated platform which enables the digitization of supported Mastercard card types for a wide range of digital payment methods. The MDES provides PXP Financial with a Secure Card on File tokenization program and a better user experience and higher approval rates for merchants leveraging Mastercard tokens.
Leveraging Mastercard’s Secure Card on File technology means PXP Financial can provide an additional layer of security for its customers accepting online and in-app purchases.
Kamran Hedjri, CEO & Founder of PXP Financial, said: “Ensuring cardholders can enjoy peace of mind is paramount in today’s global marketplace. We know merchants are under pressure to combat the rise in fraud while providing smooth and convenient payment experiences that help to drive sales and foster customer loyalty.
“At PXP Financial, we take our responsibility to merchants navigating this landscape incredibly seriously, keeping our client base across the world at the cutting-edge of payments innovation while maintaining a laser focus on security. Our move towards the use of scheme tokens is representative of this commitment.
“Mastercard offers a highly secure, globally scalable solution, with significant speed to market, along with an industry-leading reputation for excellence in payments that will support our merchants to build the trust that is so vital today. We are delighted to announce our accreditation.”
With experts estimating that there is a new case of identity theft every 22 seconds, and anticipating this ratio to worsen this year, the MDES helps to protect cardholders from becoming victims as it converts their most sensitive information into non-sensitive digital tokens. These digital tokens are used for secure e-commerce and in-app transactions, rather than using the customer’s primary account number (PAN) which remains in a token vault. Digital tokens then safely travel through the e-commerce website or app, without exposing any payment card details. Device-specific tokens add an additional layer of security.
As well as reducing risk, digital tokenization offers a variety of benefits including assisting in remaining compliant with PCI DSS, increased approval rates, and enabling faster, more efficient transactions. While it bears similarities to encryption, digital tokenization differs greatly; for example, with digital tokenization, the sensitive data never leaves the original organisation it was shared with.
International Women’s Day 2024; paving the way to success at PXP Financial
This International Women’s Day, we want to share the experiences of four inspirational women who are paving the way for other talented women in tech.
The campaign theme for this year’s International Women's Day is ‘inspire inclusion’: ‘When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world.’ It’s a sentiment that truly resonates with us here at PXP Financial.
This International Women’s Day, we want to share the experiences of four inspirational women who are paving the way for other talented women in tech. But first, some numbers:
The percentage of women in all tech-related careers has actually decreased over the last two years.
Representation of women in big tech fell by 1% between 2020 and 2022.
At PXP Financial, we are passionate about ensuring everyone has the same opportunities to succeed, and are proud to count some very talented women among our engineers:
Barbara Selista, Software Test Engineer
Mila Karaleeva, QA Engineer
Svetlana Pavlovska, Software Engineer
Ilina Tsoneva, Software Engineer
Q1: What was the spark that ignited your passion for technology?
Barbara:My tech interests started very early, I was maybe 14 or so. As a teenager I got really interested in computers; for me it was fascinating that you enter “some values on some black screen” and the computer could give you a very fast response.
Mila:The spark that ignited my passion for technology traces back to my earliest days, when I was just a curious kid. This passion led me to pursue a degree in computer engineering, where I delved deep into the intricacies of software development, hardware design, and everything in between. The more I learned, the more I realized the vast potential of technology to transform our world and enhance our lives. During my studies, I discovered the field of Quality Assurance (QA), where I found the perfect blend of my technical skills and my meticulous attention to detail.
Svetlana: My father was a mechanical engineer, so since I was a little girl I’ve looked at things from an engineering perspective. I remember when he bought our first family computer - we were always making schedules for who’s turn is to investigate and experiment!
Ilina:Technology has had a hold on me for as long as I can remember. However, the defining moment occurred post-university when I found myself immersed in a field seemingly distant from technology. Interestingly, this field was gradually embracing technology to streamline tasks that were done manually. I could see what kind of impact this had not only on a business-scale, but also in liberating people, freeing them from lots of tedious work.
Q2: What do you love most about working in technology, and what motivates you to continue in this field?
Barbara: It never stands still, so it never gets boring! Thanks to technology, things that used to take days are now done sometimes within minutes - every day is like a surprise where you never know what will happen.
Mila: What I love most is the endless opportunity for collaboration and knowledge exchange. As a naturally sociable person, I thrive in environments where I can engage with colleagues and share insights. In the tech industry, every project presents a unique set of challenges that require innovative solutions. What motivates me to continue in this field is the thrill of problem-solving and the satisfaction of seeing our collective efforts translated into tangible results.
Svetlana: Technology gives you the power to provider solutions to real life problems. This is a dynamic field where creativity and problem-solving skills are highly valued, and I find great satisfaction in being able to tackle complex challenges and see my solutions come to life.
Ilina:In contrast to many other fields, technology stands out as a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape. The remarkable progress witnessed over the last few decades has transformed it into a vast library, teeming with diverse and fascinating "books" waiting to be explored.
Q3: What kinds of obstacles have you encountered on your journey, and how have you turned these challenges into stepping stones?
Mila:I've encountered various obstacles that have tested my resolve and pushed me to grow. One recurring challenge has been the complexity of projects and the inevitable setbacks that come with them. However, I've learned to embrace these obstacles as opportunities for learning and development. My natural instincts as a problem solver have guided me through these challenges. Instead of becoming discouraged by setbacks, I approach them with a positive mindset, viewing them as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks. This mindset shift has allowed me to extract valuable lessons from each experience. Furthermore, as a naturally sociable person, I've encountered challenges in communication and collaboration within diverse teams. I've leveraged my interpersonal skills to bridge gaps, foster open dialogue, and cultivate a collaborative environment where everyone's strengths are valued.
Ilina:Honestly, there hasn't been a singular, standout hardship I can point to as a significant obstacle on my journey. However, it's not because challenges haven't arisen. Rather, my approach involves viewing difficulties as milestones or the ultimate challenge before ascending to the next level. I see them as aspects requiring my action, not just my attention.
Q4: How have the technological milestones/projects you've been part of reshaped the landscape of the industry or had positive impact on consumers?
Mila:By prioritizing usability, security, and inclusivity, we've harnessed the transformative power of technology to make life easier and more enriching for all, so I’m proud to say that each project I’ve been involved in has done these things. One notable project was the development of a data-driven decision-making platform. By leveraging advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms, we enabled the company to analyze vast amounts of customer data in real-time, gaining valuable insights into consumer behavior and market trends. This not only enhanced their operational efficiency but also empowered them to make informed decisions that resonated with their target audience.
Barbara:Two projects that stand out are: our card issuing solution and our work to enable a watch to make payments. This is quite common now but at the time hadn’t been seen before - having a small chip in your watch and being able to use NFC to perform payments was so impressive! Similarly, being able to receive SMS notifications for payments. Today this is standard, but after working for several months on the SMS notifications and finally receiving a message on my phone was one of my nicest memories.
Ilina: I believe every project holds significance, even when its impact extends to just one individual. Throughout my journey, I've been fortunate to contribute to projects within the healthcare and media intelligence industries, each playing a crucial role. The first, centered on healthcare, simplified the lives of patients, while my involvement in media intelligence projects has brought invaluable insights to top executives at renowned companies.
Q5: If you could take a tech time machine back to the start of your career, what advice would you give yourself?
Mila: Looking back, I realize that every obstacle, setback, and even failure I encountered played a crucial role in shaping me into the professional I am today. Yet, in those early days, it was easy to feel overwhelmed or discouraged by the uncertainties of the tech world. I would remind my younger self to be brave - to embrace challenges head-on and view them as opportunities for growth and learning. I would encourage myself to step out of my comfort zone and tackle each challenge with confidence and resilience.
Svetlana: I would say myself to be more active listener.
Ilina: I would share Warren Buffett’s words of wisdom: The best investment you can make is in yourself.
Barbara:Do not worry so much!
Q6: What 'hidden superpower' has helped you navigate the tech world?
Barbara:Patience, patience, patience - and being stubborn enough to keep going until a problem is solved.
Mila: I agree, my superpower isn't some extraordinary ability or innate talent - it's simply my unwavering determination and refusal to give up. It's what has enabled me to weather the storms of uncertainty, overcome hurdles, and emerge stronger on the other side. As long as I continue to persevere, there's no challenge too daunting, no obstacle too insurmountable.
Svetlana:I would say it would be my problem-solving skills. I think software engineers tend to see problems from different angles and think outside the box.
Ilina: My ability to always find or create a way to achieve my goal has always been my greatest strength. It’s a skill that’s proven quite useful in the tech world, considering we mostly aim to solve problems.
Q7: Looking into a crystal ball, what future technology do you see becoming an integral part of our lives?
Mila:I envision a future where augmented reality (AR) becomes an integral part of our daily lives, and a world where digital information seamlessly blends with the physical environment, enhancing our interactions and experiences in profound ways.
Svetlana: AI, AR, Virtual Reality (VR), Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering could become integral parts of our lives. While these future technologies hold immense promise, it's important to approach their development and adoption thoughtfully, considering ethical implications, societal impacts, and the need for equitable access. By harnessing the power of technology responsibly and collaboratively, we can create a future that is not only technologically advanced, but inclusive, sustainable, and enriching for all.
Ilina:Undoubtedly that would be AI. Noteworthy tools such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, Microsoft's Copilot, Meta's LlaMa, and Google's Bard have been gaining increasing popularity. These AI advancements have proven exceptionally handy in assisting with and facilitating an infinite number of tasks, ranging from the routine to the complex. I anticipate that trend will continue.
Barbara:Artificial intelligence, definitely, and self-driving cars!
Q8: Who have been your female role models, and how have they shaped your journey?
Mila: My female role models have primarily been my professors and mentors throughout my journey in the tech industry. I also find inspiration in my colleagues. Every day, I witness their unwavering commitment, resilience, and determination as they pursue their dreams and contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of technology. These remarkable women have not only excelled in their respective fields, but have been instrumental in shaping my career. I have seen proof that gender is no barrier to success in technology.
Svetlana: Marissa Mayer, former CEO of Yahoo, is one of the female role models who has left a significant impact on the tech industry and inspired many, including myself. One of the aspects of Mayer's leadership I admire is her dedication to innovation and product excellence. Her analytical approach to problem-solving and her commitment to putting the needs of users first have taught me valuable lessons about the importance of empathy and usability in the development of technology products.
Q9: If you could have a mentorship session with any tech leader, who would it be?
Mila:I would choose Ada Lovelace, the visionary mathematician and writer widely regarded as the world's first computer programmer. As a pioneer in the field of computing, her insights and foresight have had a profound impact on the trajectory of technology. I’d love to ask what inspired her to envision the potential of computers beyond mere calculation, and how she overcame the societal constraints of her time.
Ilina: It would be interesting to meet Sal Khan, the founder of Khan Academy, a free-for-all education platform, which also employs AI for that purpose. While he may not have the same household recognition as that likes of Elon Musk or Bill Gates, his impactful use of technology for the betterment of millions around the world truly stands out. His approach encapsulates the essence of what we should all aspire to achieve in the tech industry, namely create a positive impact on a global scale.
Q10: How can tech industry become more inclusive of women?
Barbara:Involve already girls with IT very early. Get into schools and present the fancy, funny stuff that appeals to kids.
Mila:Encourage more women to pursue leadership roles within tech companies by implementing mentorship programs, leadership development initiatives, and sponsorship opportunities. Having diverse leadership teams not only fosters innovation but also serves as a visible representation of gender diversity within the organization. Also, create supportive and inclusive work environments that prioritize equal opportunities, pay equity, and career advancement for women, and offer flexible work arrangements, parental leave policies, and professional development opportunities to support women throughout their tech careers.
Ilina: The tech industry has shown promising signs of narrowing the gender gap in recent years, which is undoubtedly positive news. However, a fundamental aspect of fostering inclusion begins with how women perceive themselves. It is paramount for every woman to manifest confidence in her abilities, ensuring that self-doubt never becomes a barrier on her path to success. A more inclusive tech industry involves not only addressing systemic issues, but empowering women to believe in their own capabilities.
PXP Financial is one of the leading providers of payment services in the world and we are always looking for talented people to join us. Find out more about the careers we have on offer at https://www.pxpfinancial.com/careers
PXP Financial Becomes a Google Pay Payment Service Provider
PXP Financial is now a Google Pay Payment Service Provider, enabling merchants to accept secure, fast, and convenient mobile wallet transactions worldwide.
PXP Financial integrates Google Pay to boost conversion rates, increase customer data protection and maximise global reach
January 31, 2024 - PXP Financial, the experts in global acquiring, payment, fraud and data analysis services, today announces it has become a Google Pay Payment Service Provider (PSP). The move means PXP Financial can manage a Google Pay integration, in both web and native applications, as well as securely process transactions by decrypting the payment data and authorizing with acquirer directly.
Google Pay is a fast, simple way to pay on sites, in apps, and in stores using the cards saved to the users’ Google account. It boasts more than 150 million users worldwide and allows people to perform transactions without cash, making spending easy.
Commenting on the announcement, Kamran Hedjri, Group CEO for PXP Financial, said:“Today, consumers expect to buy what they want, when they want, how they want. PXP helps its customers keep up with the ever-evolving changes and trends in the market, and demand from end-users. We are delighted to be able to add Google Pay to the range of online and in-store payment solutions we can support to help merchants increase sales, reduce friction, and grow customer loyalty by aligning with how people want to buy.”
PXP Financial initially engaged with Google in April 2023 and completed the integration in October, before launching with a merchant in November.
PXP Financial provides a single unified payments platform to accept payments online, on mobile and at the point of sale. Powered by inhouse global acquiring, 120+ alternative payment methods & financial services, PXP processes over EUR 22,7 billion annually through its unified gateway, supporting business growth for its clients.
To find out more about the PXP Financial family of companies please visit: pxpfinancial.com
PXP Financial is recognised as a Fintech Power 50 Trailblazer, celebrating innovation and leadership in delivering global payment solutions for merchants.
Annual Fintech Power 50 list recognises PXP Financial as among 2023’s 40 most influential companies.
PXP Financial, the experts in global acquiring, payment, fraud and data analysis services, has been revealed as the year’s top FinTech trailblazers by the Fintech Power 50.
Announced at the Fintech Connect conference in London’s ExCel centre on 7 December, the Fintech Power 50 is an annual guide to the most influential and innovative companies and personalities shaping the industry. Each year, thousands of nominations are narrowed down to the 40 companies and ten individuals which stand out as the year’s most dynamic.
This year, around 900 companies were nominated for inclusion. PXP Financial made the final list thanks to its significant experience in, and focus on, shaping and leading innovations in the payments space. Its company culture and values, which include a 25% higher-than-market rate for promotions, also stood to out to the Fintech Power 50 panel.
PXP Financial Group CEO and Founder Kamran Hedjri commented: “We are delighted to have been recognised by the Fintech Power 50 and are incredibly proud of this accolade. PXP Financial stays at the cutting edge of the international fintech and payments communities thanks to the expertise of our people. It is their contributions which have earned us our reputation for shaping the future of our sector.
“Our principles are rooted in a commitment to success, fearlessness in driving change, the cultivation of trust and a commitment to continuous learning. In the dynamic realm of payments, we work immensely hard to remain at the forefront by harnessing innovative technologies and new solutions, creating a top-tier payment experience for our customers. Our culture is defined by ambitious objectives within an open and transparent communication ethos, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
“Some fantastic businesses have made this year’s final cut, we are in excellent company and looking forward to driving change together in 2024.”
The Power 50 is a network of diverse FinTech companies and influencers selected for their reputation for transforming financial services, with a printed guide distributed at major industry events such as Money20/20, Sibos, Hong Kong Fintech Week.
PXP Financial offers a comprehensive end-to-end payment platform, providing a single, unified payments solution that caters to online, mobile and point of sale transactions. Backed by in-house acquiring capabilities, a diverse array of 120+ alternative payment methods and a suite of financial services, PXP Financial processes over EUR 22.7 billion annually through its unified gateway.
To find out more about the PXP Financial family of companies please visit: pxpfinancial.com
To view the official Fintech Power 50 list, please visit: thepower50.com.