Explore every episode of the podcast Payments Beats

In this episode of the Voice of MPE, the official podcast of Merchant Payments Ecosystem, host Faheem Bakshi, Payments Lead at Kinguin, leads a forward-looking conversation on the evolving world of instant payments and their growing impact on merchants, consumers, and payment infrastructure worldwide. 

Mangala Martinus, Managing Director at Payments Consulting Network & Merchant Advisory, brings insights from the Australian market, where innovations like PayTo and QR code adoption are helping merchants reduce card costs while giving consumers more control.  

Fabian Mansfeld, Chief Acceptance Strategy Officer at EPI Company, shares how the company is building a unified European solution for instant payments by integrating platforms like iDEAL and Payconiq.  

Together, they explore the challenges of interoperability, consumer protection, and the next frontier of scalable, secure, and accessible payments in Europe and beyond. 

In this episode of Payments Beats, Liz Beggs, Chief Operating Officer of Payments Consulting Network and Merchant Advisory, sits down with Ryan Alfons Kaloh, Marketing Director of Alfamart and CEO of Global Loyalty Indonesia, at NRF APAC 2025.

With over 22,000 stores across Indonesia and the Philippines, Alfamart is redefining what it means to be a “mini market”—serving not just as a grocery destination but as a trusted payment point and community hub. Ryan shares how the company’s online-to-offline (O2O) strategy, investment in data infrastructure, and commitment to localising customer experience have driven growth in a rapidly evolving retail landscape. The conversation also touches on the importance of seamless omnichannel promotions, the challenge of cash dominance, and the opportunity AI presents for efficiency at scale.

In this episode of Payments Beats, hosted by Liz Beggs, Chief Operating Officer at Payments Consulting Network and Merchant Advisory, we explore the dynamic intersection of physical and digital retail with Ian Bailey, Chairman at Anko Global and former Managing Director at Kmart.

As they gear up for NRF’25 APAC in Singapore, Liz and Ian discuss the evolving challenges and opportunities of operating in an omnichannel environment. From the complexities of customer identification across payment methods to the importance of fulfillment, data, and digital innovation, this conversation dives into what it takes to succeed in today’s global retail landscape.  

In this episode, Payments Consulting Network Director, Garrett Cassidy and Fexco payUnite CEO, Brian Cleary, dive deep into the evolving landscape of merchant payments in 2025. From the latest innovations in digital transactions to the growing role of independent payment partners, we explore what’s driving the industry forward. We'll also break down the rise of payment orchestration and why businesses are rethinking their approach to managing multiple payment providers. 

Sphere for Good provides tech to merchants, banks and payment gateways that help its customers take climate action easily and add value to their business. Its solutions enable its customers to take action quickly and efficiently. Payments Consulting Network Research Director, Richard Hartung interviewed the Sphere for Good CEO, Shaun Lordan to gain insights into the services Sphere provides and its impact on sustainability. He also recommends ways to reduce the carbon footprint, and provides reporting for its customers.

The Payments Association Pay360 event is the largest payments event in Europe. 

Ahead of the event, Garrett Cassidy, Director at Payments Consulting Network interviewed Ian Povey, CIO Payments Technology at NatWest Group, about where the industry is and what the future holds ahead of his C-Suite keynote panel at the event – “A payments crystal ball: What will change the industry in the next 24 months”. 

In this episode, hosted by Mangala Martinus, MD of Payments Consulting Network and Merchant Advisory, tackles the buy versus build dilemma in payment orchestration. Our expert speakers: John Lunn, CEO at Gr4vy and Anthony Bracic, Head of Product at Wpay, outline the key considerations businesses face when deciding between building an in-house solution or buying a third party. They discuss the common challenges; key considerations; success stories; the importance of scalability and futureproofing for innovation; and ease of customisation.

Merchants find it challenging to keep up with the innovations on Network Tokenisation. In this episode, Liz Beggs, Chief Operating Officer at Payments Consulting Network and Merchant Advisory, dives into a discussion with Cameron Fredericks, Payment Partnerships Manager at David Jones and Surin Fernando, Senior Vice President and Head of Customer Solution Centre at Mastercard Australasia, to give merchants a better understanding on what it is, updates in this space and the benefits for online businesses to implement this capability.

Hosted by Jordan Olivas, Commercial Director for Payments Consulting Network, this episode discusses the evolving role of AI in fintech and payments with John Minutaglio, the Chief Technology Officer for Payarc.  
 
The conversation delves into the widespread confusion and varying levels of readiness among companies regarding AI adoption. John highlights how despite strong board-level support for AI, a lack of deep understanding can still lead to unrealistic expectations and potential pitfalls. 

The episode concludes with insights into the future impact of AI on consumer confidence and customer service.

In this episode of the Payments Beats Podcast, Payments Consulting Network and Merchant Advisory Chief Operating Officer, Liz Beggs and and co-host Marketing Partnerships Manager, Bernadette Walsh, welcome Peter Ratcliffe, Head of Technology at RM Williams, and Peter Clarke, Chief Technology Officer at Lorna Jane.

Our guests this week are speakers at the National Retail Federation APAC conference in Singapore, where they discuss mastering the art of omnichannel transformation and understanding its business impact.

The episode delves into the importance and challenges of companies having a high-performance technology team driven to enhance both customer and employee experiences. Both guests also discussed the importance of reliable technology solutions and strong partnerships, emphasising how the new point of sale system from NewStore has dramatically improved operational efficiency and employee satisfaction.

At the AusPayNet Summit in late 2023, there was a growing advocacy for adding friction to real-time payments—in other words, making them less instantaneous—to reduce, prevent, and protect against fraud and scams. The rationale is that real-time payments speed up the settlement process, which bad actors can exploit to commit fraud, swiftly transferring and withdrawing funds illegally, leaving consumers to bear the losses. 

In this episode, Chris Jewell, CEO of Zepto, joins Matt Sykes, Director at Payments Consulting Network, to discuss the opportunities and challenges of real-time payment facilitation. They will delve into whether introducing friction to the settlement process is the most effective strategy to mitigate the risk of fraud associated with real-time payments. 

In this episode, Leo Lipis, Director at Payments Consulting Network, discusses corporate travel payments with Colin Adams, Director of Payments Consulting at HRS, a leading technology company focused corporate travel. 

The corporate travel industry, valued at $800 billion, poses challenges for the traveler, the corporate, and the merchant. Travelers want to be sure that they have payment acceptance and flexibility wherever they need it; corporates want to control cost, risks, and ease of reconciliation while ensuring that they maintain their duty of care; and merchants such as hotels and airlines want to attract corporate customers. Each has its own set of needs and balancing these is difficult. 

With corporate travel payments, the needs revolve more around the person and the company making payments rather than accepting them. The conversation thus turns the tables on many payments' conversations, addressing the needs of each set of stakeholders in turn. 

In this new episode, we are joined by David Tay, Asia Pacific Senior Director and Head of Client Engagement at Visa, who shared valuable insights alongside Richard Hartung, Research Director for Payments Consulting Network. Together, they delved into how financial institutions are proactively engaging customers on environmental sustainability.  
 
The conversation centred on driving awareness, engagement, and loyalty among consumers, with a focus on actions taken by FIs in each of these areas.

The podcast zooms in on the realm of cards and payments, specifically exploring features that catalyse behavioural shifts by individuals and companies, ultimately contributing to efforts to mitigate climate change. Rather than traditional incentives like rewards or cashback for donations to non-profits, or the use of alternative materials for card production, the discussion delves into how cards and payment programs can actively influence the adoption of eco-friendly behaviours. 

In our second episode dedicated on Blockchain, Liz Beggs, Chief Operating Officer at Payments Consulting Network and Merchant Advisory, dives deeper into the topic.

Joined once again by Chin-Tah Ang, General Manager Singapore of Crypto.com, they explore the evolution from Web1 to Web3, highlighting the shift from centralised control to decentralised ownership in Web3, along with insights into digital currencies like stablecoins and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).

The conversation also delves into blockchain technology, its role in ensuring data immutability and transparency through distributed networks, and its cryptographic protection.

Cross-border payments are entering another exciting era of change. 
 
This week, Rajat Mehta, Managing Partner at Payments Consulting Network, is joined by Alain Raes, COO and Co-Founder of iPiD, along with Quinn Pham, Regional Director for APAC region, to delve into their experiences in the cross-border payments sphere. Together, they navigate the challenges of adopting new-age solutions and automation processes while emphasising the importance of fraud prevention, error minimisation, and delivering optimal client experiences, particularly in a multi-jurisdictional landscape with stringent regulatory requirements. 
 
The discussion extends to the different benefits of leveraging new automation tools, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), and tokenisation solutions, both for organisations and individuals. They also explore the associated costs for banks, organisations, and end clients, highlighting how these innovations contribute to streamlined processes and reduced time spent on remediation efforts.

In this episode of Payments Beats, Ken Musante, Commercial Director from Payments Consulting Network is joined by Caleb Avery, CEO and Founder of Tilled, one of the payment facilitators gaining momentum in the industry today.

Together, they discuss why PayFacs are increasingly considered by industries and businesses examining the diverse range of benefits they provide. 

They also delve into how payment facilitators enhance businesses through streamlined payment processing, improved customer experiences, and enhanced financial insights. 

Join us as we uncover the untapped potential of payment facilitators and their impact on shaping the future of payments in today's dynamic business landscape.

In this week's episode, we delve into the crucial intersection of sustainability and the payments and fintech industry. We shine a spotlight on the Impact of Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), two pivotal regulatory frameworks that are set to reshape global business practices, particularly within the payments Industry.  
 
Alexandre Lheritier, Co-Founder of Koaloo.Fi, joins Urvik Patel, our Associate at Payments Consulting Network, to unpack the implications of these directives. 

They will explore not only what the CSRD and ESRS entail but also how businesses worldwide will be impacted. From navigating regulatory challenges to implementing sustainable practices, they discuss the hurdles and strategies necessary for the payment industry to adapt and thrive in this evolving landscape.  

Additionally, they delve into the significance of preparing for these challenges proactively and the reasons why non-European entities should consider aligning with these regulations.  
 
Join us as we delve into the complexities and opportunities presented by ESG and sustainability in the payments and fintech sector. 

In the dynamic landscape of finance and technology, Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies are a hot topic again, casting a spotlight on their profound impact on payments, banking, and e-commerce. Ross McIntyre, Associate at Payments Consulting Network, interviews Karim Raffa of KPMG, Ivy Fung, VP Women in Blockchain Asia, and Digital Assets Expert, Tim Way to discuss Seamless Asia 2024 as a relevant avenue to know more about CBDCs, tokenisation of real world assets (RWA), stablecoins, loyalty applications, and an array of innovative products that have emerged in tandem with the exponential growth of Asia's internet economy.

Join us on this exploration of the forefront of innovation, where Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies stand as catalysts for the next chapter in Asia's financial evolution. 

In this engaging episode, Marcia Klingensmith, Director at Payments Consulting Network, guides us through the intricate evolution of 3D Secure, providing a comprehensive understanding of its inception and the subsequent evolution into a seamless and data-enriched experience. Joined by the CEO and Co-Founder of PAAY, Yitz Mendlowitz, our conversation extends beyond the historical context, delving into the global adoption of 3D Secure and the challenges inherent in its implementation.

Discover how 3DS is adapting to new payment trends like CBDCs, cryptocurrencies, and instant payments, enhancing security and reducing friction. Join us for a concise yet insightful journey through the changing landscape of payments! 

The payments and fraud risk landscape for merchants continues to undergo rapid change. In this interview between Julie Fergerson, CEO and Co-Founder and Tracy Brown, VP Programs and Technology of Merchant Risk Council, and Mangala Martinus, Managing Director at Payments Consulting Network and Merchant Advisory, we discuss predictions for the key themes and trends in merchant payments and risk in 2024, as well as the objectives and major initiatives for MRC for the year ahead.

As the dynamics of the payments ecosystem continue to shift, this episode serves as an invaluable guide for merchants, professionals, and enthusiasts alike, offering a comprehensive exploration of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Stay ahead in the game of navigating the complex intersection of technology, security, and commerce. 

Achieving successful bank-fintech partnerships isn’t easy.

In this interview between Robert Keil, Chief Fintech Officer at FinWise Bank, and Mangala Martinus, Managing Director at Payments Consulting Network and Merchant Advisory, we discuss the importance of fintech partnerships for banks, the challenges for both sides of the equation, and the considerations for banks and fintechs in building successful long-term partnerships.

In this episode, Robert also highlights the need for transparency, clear expectations, streamlined procedures, prioritising compliance, and treating FinTechs as vendors rather than customers.

In this episode Liz Beggs, Chief Operating Officer at Payments Consulting Network and Merchant Advisory, explores all things blockchain.

With guest and General Manager, Singapore of Crypto.com, Chin-Tah Ang, the episode dissects observations and insights into the evolution from Web1 to Web3, with emphasis on the shift from centralised control to decentralised ownership in Web3 as well as the various digital currencies, including stablecoins and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).

The conversation also explains the concept of blockchain as a technology that ensures data immutability and transparency through distributed networks and cryptographic protection.

In this engaging new episode, Marcia Klingensmith, Director at Payments Consulting Network, delves into the world of instant payments with Alloy Labs’ Venture Partner, Peter Davey, a leader in real-time payments innovation.  
 
After driving product innovation at the Clearing House and now at Alloy Labs, he focuses on addressing challenges for community banks and credit unions, emphasizing the need to simplify and enhance connections to instant payment networks. 
 
Tune in to discover why institutions must take incremental steps toward modernization and think of the importance of partnerships and shared efforts in navigating the changing landscape of instant payments.  

The Americas Cash and Payments Seminar 2023 will take place in Orlando Florida this November.
 
In this episode of Payments Beats, Payments Consulting Network Associate for London, David Fagleman, is joined by Shaun Ferrari, Vice President & Director of Global Business Development at Currency Research, to discuss the changing payments landscape in North, Central and South America, highlighting the increasing focus on instant payments and the challenges of cross-border transactions.  

Shaun also predicts that cash will continue to be relevant, with digital payments playing a growing role, and emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between the two.

In this episode, Deborah Baxley, Director at Payments Consulting Network, sits down with Hitender Sachdeva, Vice President of Digital Products at Royal Bank of Canada to cover a broad spectrum of topics-- from SWIFT payments to real-time rails to open banking and global settlement, offering a meticulously detailed overview of the changes shaping the future of banking and financial transactions. 
 
With a wealth of experience spanning over two decades in corporate and retail banking, this makes a comprehensive look into the latest trends, developments, and the driving forces behind payment modernization.  

In this episode Liz Beggs, Chief Operating Officer at Payments Consulting Network and Merchant Advisory, explores how payment infrastructure goes in cycles, shifting from merchant owned to an acquirer owned infrastructure. 

With guest and CEO of the DataMesh Group, Mark Nagy, we gain essential insights on the emerging trends for those looking to achieve long-term growth for their businesses.  

Ranging from mobile transactions to contactless payments, and from digital onboarding to data analysis, these payment innovations’ functionalities exist across various segments.

In this episode, Mangala Martinus, Managing Director of Payments Consulting Network and Merchant Advisory, is in conversation with Justin Passalaqua, Country Director, Canada at Worldline. They delve into the growing significance of Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) within the payments acceptance value chain. The discussion also covers key considerations when selecting an ISV, various types of service providers falling into these categories, and the reasons why merchants are increasingly turning to ISVs to enhance the payments experience for their customers.

Payments orchestration is often misunderstood but it has several applications. In this interview with Rob Lincolne, CEO and Founder of Paydock, and Karthik Narayanan, Co-Founder of inai, Mangala Martinus, Managing Director at Payments Consulting Network takes a deep dive into exploring what payments orchestration encompasses, and examines its key benefits and use cases across various industries.

In this episode, Dean Sheaffer, Commercial Director at Payments Consulting Network and Matthew Steinbrecher, Vice President at Reach, explore merchant payment acceptance at a high and general level.

Learn what merchants need to consider with their payment acceptance framework. This includes streamlining authorisations and managing payment expenses to improve the customer experience, along with addressing the costs associated with fraud or chargebacks for the company.

In this episode of the Payment Beats Podcast, David Hensley (PCN) and David Fagleman (PCN) are joined by Jeremy Light, Chairman and Co-Founder of pingNpay, a low-cost payments network for micro-payments to power Web 3.0 and metaverse business models. The episode taps into Jeremy’s deep experience of payments to understand what the metaverse means for payments and the potential impacts for businesses, consumers and governments.  We look at the challenges and opportunities that this new technology presents and what it means for the future of payments. 

Cross Border Payments are looking at a big set of changes in the coming months/years. Legacy architecture, protocols, currencies are going to be altered. Fintech, the emergence of CBDCs and digital currencies and the trending de-dollarization discussions - they all are playing a role that the entire eco-system in the payments world is paying a lot of close attention to. The impact is sector agnostic; and it will push for more involvement from agile fintech companies like KVB, which offer essential solutions to meet CX and UX requirements. Additionally, the ecosystem is adapting to establish optimal business-to-business partnerships for providing these solutions to consumers. Joining us in this week's episode are Byron Hsu and Mark Li from KVB. 

In this episode, Deborah Baxley, Director, Payments Consulting Network and Andrew Gomez, Director, Lipis Advisors discuss the rising threat of faster payments fraud. Andrew has done a lot of research on faster payments fraud trends around the world.  He highlights the challenge, shares common fraud schemes, and provides practical strategies. Listeners will gain valuable insights from success stories of organizations effectively combating this type of fraud.

Welcome to our podcast on ISO 20022 Implementation, where we bring together PCN industry experts from Australia, USA and The Netherlands to discuss the global adoption of this vital financial messaging standard. Join us as we delve into the significance of ISO 20022, its impact on cross-border harmonisation, migration strategies, and the future outlook for the financial industry. 

Read our BIS submission – PCN Review of ISO 20022 Harmonisation Requirements here.