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, Karthik Jagannathan, Head of Payments Advisory at Intix, shares how his love for drumming has run parallel with his career, leading him to Belgium, a big four accounting firm and how he has mastered the art at addressing challenges.
Where did you go to university and what did you study? What impact did this have on your current journey?
I studied Commerce at the University of Madras in Chennai, where I deep dived into economics, accounting and business studies. Numbers have fascinated me for as long as I can remember, so it was the perfect fit.
The strong foundation in macroeconomics and accounting still proves invaluable today, especially in payments, where understanding financial flows and economic principles is key. It’s funny how concepts from my university days still pop up in my work now!
Were you part of any sports clubs or societies at university and has this influenced your educational and professional development?
I wasn’t big on extra-curricular activities during university, it was all about the studies back then. However later in life, I found my passion for music. These days, I’m a semi-professional drummer, playing in multiple projects here in Belgium.
While it came later, music has taught me a lot – timing, teamwork and the ability to adapt, all of which are surprisingly useful in payments too.
What was the first job you had in the industry and are there any lessons from this you still draw on?
My first industry role was as an apprentice at Fraser & Ross, a Deloitte member firm in Madras. As a 20-year-old, it was a crash course in clear, effective communication – something that’s been invaluable ever since.
There was a certain way a Big Four trainee had to carry themselves and that discipline stuck with me. I also loved working with numbers and analysis, which naturally led me to payments. It was a steep learning curve, but one I truly appreciated.
Who was your biggest role model – inside or outside of your industry – who continues to inspire you in your current career?
I admire people who do not take themselves too seriously, despite being incredibly proficient at what they do. Big egos? Definitely not my scene. Some of my biggest inspirations are actually drummers, true experts who can break down complex rhythmic ideas and concepts into something simple and intuitive. That’s a skill I respect in any field.
In the business world, leaders like Ajay Banga and Jamie Dimon stand out. They have a deep command of their industry but can communicate complex ideas in a way that’s clear and approachable. That balance of expertise and humility is something I strive for every day.
When was your first big break in the industry? Why was this such a significant moment for you?
Looking back, I’d say every career move has been a big break, even if I didn’t realise it at the time. Having spent 25 years in this domain, it gives you time to reflect and acknowledge the successes that made up each moment. If I had to pick one standout moment, it would be moving to Belgium 15 years ago. So many incredible opportunities have come from that decision.
Back in 2000, when I was handling payments at Citi, I never could have imagined that I’d one day spend nearly five years at Swift’s iconic campus in Belgium. It’s a reminder that career-defining moments often unfold in ways you don’t expect!
Was there a moment you faced in the industry that really challenged you? How did you overcome this?
Absolutely, I’ve had a few moments! Previous jobs at Clear2Pay (now FIS) and Swift both pushed me in different ways. However, what is important is to appreciate how each challenge can teach you something valuable.
On architectural matters, challenges are faced every day, however, I’ve learned to visualise the perfect solution first, then work backwards to find a practical and acceptable compromise for everyone involved. It’s a balancing act.
When it comes to challenges around stakeholder management, the key has been removing ego from the equation. It’s all about stepping back, seeing the bigger picture and making decisions that serve the greater goal. It wasn’t easy at first, but I’d like to think I’ve become a total pro at it now!
What are some of the skills you deem essential to starting in your industry and how have yours developed over the years?
One of the most essential skills in this industry is having the ability to collect and process information without bias. You need to absorb data, categorise it and store it for future reference – it’s like building your own personal knowledge vault.
Over the years, I’ve also learned that flexibility and adaptability are just as needed. The outcome of a situation may be the same, but your approach and attitude can completely change the journey. Keeping an open mind, minimising personal preferences and staying adaptable have made all the difference in navigating the ever-evolving world of payments.
Lastly, what is some advice you would give to an aspiring person looking to get a start in your respective industry?
My advice is don’t try to know everything, focus on what’s actually happening in the domain right now. Look at the resources available, pick a few key topics and go real deep.
For example, if you are wanting to know more about Open Banking, what you should really be inquiring is what is “closed” banking then? How does this impact people directly? Is the story any different for large corporations? Didn’t they have a version of Open Banking using ERP systems or other connectivity tools? Become the person who truly understands these areas, not just someone who skims the surface.
When an opportunity comes your way, people will see that you’re not just interested – you’re invested. Dive in, question everything and probe the topic like a playful conspiracy theorist. Never lose your enthusiasm to learn something new. That’s how you stand out.
