Payment Expert’s ID Check: Payments Professionals offers insight from industry leaders and experts on how they got their start in the financial industry, from their early years in education, to how they have been able to climb the corporate ladder.
This week, Saeed Soheily, Finance Director at cross-border payment firm Verto, speaks on his formative years at Birmingham Business School, compounding the importance of education within the finance sector. He also revealed what he has learnt from role models Steve Jobs and Warren Buffet.
Where did you go to university and what did you study? What impact did this have on your current journey?
I completed an MSc in Investments at Birmingham Business School, immersing myself in the world of finance and gaining insights from industry professionals.
The business school experience was integral to my current journey, shaping my understanding of the financial markets, as well as the opportunities to network and equipping me with skills needed to navigate the industry.
Were you part of any sports clubs or societies at university and has this influenced your educational and professional development?
During my undergraduate studies, I was part of a student group researching the impact of globalisation on emerging economies. Our team had the opportunity to organise a conference to present our findings. This experience sparked my interest in global macroeconomic phenomena.
This certainly broadened my perspective on the environments in which I have worked throughout my career and has been instrumental in shaping my education and professional development.
Did you have any jobs outside of the industry before making your start in it and was this experience a motivation to get into the industry you aspired to be in?
Before transitioning to the payments industry, I spent a decade in corporate finance advisory. Working closely with clients in the technology and financial services sectors, I gained valuable experience that laid the groundwork for future endeavours.
Around that time, fintech and the emerging payment industry began to make headlines, capturing my interest. This prompted me to enrol in an executive fintech course at Oxford, further fuelling my passion for the industry.
At the same time, I attended fintech industry events and started advising companies in the field. These experiences provided me with invaluable insights and deepened my understanding of the innovative and evolving fintech space, propelling me further along my professional path.
Who was your biggest role model outside of the payments industry who continues to inspire you in your current career?
I’ve been fortunate to learn from a whole range of inspirational figures, like Steve Jobs, Warren Buffet and Sheryl Sandberg, as well as some of my past bosses.
From Jobs, I’ve learned the importance of innovation, simplicity, and maintaining a strong cash position for investments. Buffett’s value investing principles and long-term mindset have also been invaluable lessons. Drawing upon the wisdom and lessons of these individuals has greatly influenced how I approach challenges and opportunities in the workplace.
When was your first big break in the payments industry? Why was this such a significant moment for you?
My first big break in the payments industry came when I joined Verto, where I witnessed firsthand the revolutionary changes reshaping the cross-border payment process.
It was fascinating to see how innovative companies like Verto have reengineered the cross-border payment process to make it frictionless for clients. The level of collaboration among traditional institutions, challenger startups, and banks was eye-opening, as this experience has been pivotal in shaping my understanding of the industry.
Was there a moment you faced in the industry that really challenged you? How did you overcome this?
Data is a key player in the world of payment businesses, shaping financial decisions and risk management protocols. You continuously face challenges in streamlining data processing to ensure that relevant information is available in a timely manner for strategic decision making.
This scenario underscores the power of teamwork and collaboration in overcoming multidisciplinary obstacles. At Verto, our expert teams worked together seamlessly to tackle data challenges, maintaining a robust data architecture that supports our business operations and leveraging cutting-edge data tools for optimal solutions.
Lastly, what is some advice you would give to an aspiring person looking to get a start in your respective industry?
To aspiring individuals looking to enter the payments industry, I would advise embracing the fast-paced, data-driven environment of companies like Verto.
If you’re passionate about tackling payment challenges and thrive in dynamic settings that push you beyond your comfort zone, then the payment industry offers endless opportunities for growth and development.
