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, we kick start season two of ID Check: Payments Professionals with Ugne Buraciene, Group CEO of paytech company payabl.
Buraciene details how she “walked into payments” but quickly grew a grasp of the ever-evolving nature of the sector, eventually leading to her position as CEO. She also shared her preference on a ‘hands on approach’ as opposed to education, and why learning within fintech requires focus and attention.
What was the first job you had in the industry and are there any lessons from this you still draw on?
My first role in payments was a shift from tech to a more payments-focused position. This transition allowed me to learn about the broader ecosystem and industry direction. A lesson I carried forward is the importance of constant learning – our industry evolves rapidly, and I strive to stay adaptable as our company expands.
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 was joining payabl. The opportunity was significant because it allowed me to showcase and apply everything I had learned up to that point.
Leading payabl. feels like a culmination of all my skills and experience coming together. Joining the business marked a huge turning point in my career, giving me the platform to make a meaningful impact in the industry.
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?
I often say I “walked into payments” without initially knowing where I wanted to end up. My first significant role was in IT, where we built software for banks and financial institutions. This experience sparked my interest in the industry.
About 16 years ago, fintech wasn’t what it is today; we worked with large financial institutions and acquirers. I began to understand transaction processing, banking, and the infrastructure powering these systems. The complexity took time to sink in fully, and I gradually pieced together a deeper understanding of the industry.
Where did you go to university and what did you study? What impact did this have on your current journey?
I attended Nottingham Trent Business School and studied International Business. I was working at the same time for an international business.
Through my work, I found that I could learn more – and at a much faster pace – than in the classroom. Balancing university with my demanding work and frequent travel, often being away for weeks at a time, became challenging. I realised that for me, university wasn’t as engaging as I’d hoped, and I was gaining far more valuable experience on the job.
Who was your biggest role model outside of the payments industry who continues to inspire you in your current career?
Influential leaders like Christine Lagarde – President of the European Central Bank – inspire me, particularly her advocacy for gender diversity and equality. Her work demonstrates the transformative impact women can have in any field.
My journey to CEO has also been shaped by the strong women in my family, especially my grandmother, who taught me resilience and leadership.
Was there a moment you faced in the industry that really challenged you? How did you overcome this?
The payments industry is dynamic, and with that comes moments of significant challenge, but also opportunity.
Expanding payabl. into multiple jurisdictions came with its fair share of challenges. It was a bold step that required us to rethink our operational infrastructure and adapt to different regulatory environments, cultural nuances, and customer expectations – but it was also a defining moment for us as a company.
The key to overcoming any challenge is your team. We focused on encouraging collaboration, hiring local experts, and ensuring every member felt part of the mission. We also leaned heavily into innovation, redesigning processes, building scalable systems, and investing in technologies that allowed us to meet the unique demands of each market while maintaining a unified approach.
What are some of the skills you deem essential to starting in your industry and how have yours developed over the years?
Success in fintech and payments requires a self-starter mindset, strong motivation, and adaptability. With little formal education available for those looking to enter the industry, a commitment to continuous learning is essential.
Soft skills like problem-solving and communication are very important early on, while technical expertise naturally develops over time through experience and hands-on exposure.
Lastly, what advice would you give to an aspiring person looking to get a start in the payments industry?
To anyone looking to start in the payments industry: embrace your unique perspective and stay curious. Don’t be intimidated by established norms and challenge them with fresh ideas.
Confidence comes with experience, and the more you learn, the more confident you become. Mistakes are part of the process, and every setback is a chance to grow. Speak up, collaborate, and focus on driving meaningful change in an industry that thrives on innovation.
