Pagaya Spotlights Women: Meryem Erzi

Happy International Women's Day! Today and throughout Women's History Month, we'll be sharing insights from some amazing #PagayaWomen.

Our next "Pagaya Spotlights Women," features Meryem B. Erzi-Colakoglu , chief compliance officer, based in NY.

Join us throughout this month for more Pagaya Spotlights Women stories, celebrating their inspiring accomplishments and encouraging us all to pursue our dreams fearlessly!?

#women #internationalwomensday #womenshistorymonth #womeninfintech #womenintech #compliance #innovation

Meet Meryem Erzi, our chief compliance officer. ?? She and her team are responsible for ensuring Pagaya complies with all applicable laws and regulatory requirements.

With over 20 years of experience in this field, Meryem joined Pagaya in May 2022 because she was inspired by our vision.

Tell us about yourself?

Right after earning a degree in financial and international business, I started my career in banking at a mid-size commercial bank. There I developed a passion for this ever-changing field of compliance, and I’ve been doing this ever since — for over 20 years now. I am a Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM).

Prior to joining Pagaya, I spent 15 years at BNY Mellon as their chief consumer compliance officer, addressing an array of consumer-focused compliance mandates.

Given that compliance’s core purpose is to protect the organization while navigating a constantly evolving, complex regulatory landscape, it was a great fit for me from the beginning — with my analytical thinking, a risk mindset, a passion for learning, and an interest in problem solving.?

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, two sons, and two cats. I’m also passionate about volunteering my time and resources to provide financial literacy and support to empower women to enter the workforce♀?.

How did you get into the Fintech industry?

As the financial world continues to digitize, a career in fintech has become an increasingly attractive option for banking professionals. Everything we know about banking and finance has drastically changed with the digital disruption and technology transformation. I joined Pagaya because I truly believe in our vision to reshape and optimize the financial services infrastructure? to extend opportunity for all players in the ecosystem. I want to be part of that effort.

What is one major accomplishment?

One of the proudest moments in my career was winning the Risk & Compliance Circle of Excellence Award in 2010. At the end of the day, I’m most proud of the contributions I’ve made to creating an environment where all of my colleagues feel respected, engaged, and empowered as a priority, day in and day out.

Who inspires you?

My mom is a huge inspiration for me. Her character, how she beat cancer twice, and selflessness are things I truly admire. She has been a great role model for how I could be ambitious and have a meaningful career and family. The sacrifice and hard work she dedicates to her loved ones inspire me to give my best in the office and at home??.