Women in Fintech - Viktoria Soltesz

"Stay passionate about your work, and you will find success."

In an industry as dynamic as fintech, certain individuals stand out for their visionary leadership and impactful contributions. Viktoria Soltesz , the founder and CEO of PSP Angels Group, is one such trailblazer. At the iFX EXPO International in Cyprus this past June, Viktoria captivated the audience with her deep insights into the fintech and payment consulting landscape.

In this interview, Viktoria delves into the transformative trends shaping the future of payment consulting, the tailored strategies her firm employs across diverse regions, and critical themes from her book, "Moving Money: How Banks Think." Her journey offers invaluable lessons for aspiring women in fintech, emphasizing resilience, strategic thinking, and the power of innovation.

As we look ahead to iFX EXPO Asia 2024 this September, we invite you to join us in exploring the forefront of financial technology. This event promises to be a hub of knowledge, networking, and new opportunities, where leaders like Viktoria will share their expertise and visions for the future.

As the founder and CEO of PSP Angels Group, what are the key trends you see shaping the future of payment consulting, and how is your firm adapting to these trends to help clients navigate the evolving financial landscape?

In my opinion, the future of payment consulting is being shaped by several key trends. Online businesses are always looking for ways to collect money from their customers online in a fast, efficient, and safe way. The rise of digital currencies and blockchain technology is transforming the financial sector, creating new opportunities and challenges. At PSP Angels, we are adapting by staying at the forefront of these developments, keeping up to date with the latest technology, and continuously updating our knowledge and skills. Our goal is to provide our clients with innovative ideas and efficient, strategic payment and banking planning that meet their needs and keep them ahead of the competition.

Your firm operates branches in Cyprus, Malta, and Greece, specializing in various financial services. How do you manage to tailor your consulting services to meet the specific needs of clients in different regions, and what challenges do you face in this process?

Our services are unique because they are global. We understand the various requirements and opportunities in each region and highlight the most important risk and cost considerations for our clients so they can make better, more informed decisions. Each country has its own regulatory environment, market dynamics, and customer preferences, which means our approach must be flexible and customized. Online businesses need to understand the unique business practices in each region and find local banking and payment partners that help them scale up in the region. One of the main challenges we face is explaining the constantly changing regulations and ensuring our clients think before they act, avoiding rushed payments and banking decisions that can later be costly or even jeopardize their entire operation.

As an author and a recognized expert in the payments industry, can you share some key insights or themes from your book, "Moving Money: How Banks Think", that you believe are crucial for fintech companies to understand in order to stay competitive and compliant in today's market?

In my book "Moving Money: How Banks Think" I emphasize several critical themes for fintech companies. One key insight is the importance of having a robust payment strategy. Many businesses fail due to poor payment planning, which can lead to cash flow issues and increased operational costs. A well-thought-out payment strategy can help businesses manage their financial flows more efficiently and reduce risks. Additionally, understanding and navigating compliance requirements is crucial. Fintech companies must stay updated on regulatory changes to remain compliant and avoid penalties. Leveraging technology to improve payment processes and adopting alternative payment methods can also provide a competitive edge and enhance customer satisfaction.

Short message or piece of advice for aspiring women in fintech:

For aspiring women in fintech, my advice is to see every perceived disadvantage as an advantage. There has never been a better opportunity in history to be a woman in business than today. We need to embrace the various support systems in place that not only treat women equally in business but often favor them. Women in business are given so many opportunities and advantages ahead of male-run businesses that we should definitely take advantage of this privilege. The fintech industry can be challenging, but it is also full of opportunities. Believe in your abilities, keep learning, and don't be afraid to take risks. Build a strong network of mentors and peers who can support and guide you. Remember that your unique perspective is valuable and can contribute to the success of your team and the industry as a whole. Stay passionate about your work, and you will find success.