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, Peter Theunis, Senior Vice President of Sales at BPC, shares how understanding, having genuine passion and becoming an expert of a specific payment topic can lead to a long-lasting career in the industry, as well as establishing, leveraging and maintaining relationships.
Where did you go to university and what did you study? What impact did this have on your current journey?
I studied Computer Science at Hogeschool PXL in Hasselt, Belgium which gave me a solid foundation in IT and a proper understanding of the technical aspects of power payments systems and financial infrastructure.
Understanding software, data management and security has been invaluable in my career, enabling me to effectively navigate the fast-paced and highly regulated world of digital payments. It allowed me to bridge the gap between technology and business, ultimately bringing more depth to my understanding of the payments value chain and the challenges faced by each stakeholder.
Were you part of any sports clubs or societies at university and has this influenced your educational and professional development?
During my time at university, I was actively involved in the student council and played for the university football team. Being part of the student council taught me the importance of organisation, leadership and collaboration, learning how to plan and execute initiatives, manage budgets and bring people together to achieve common goals. Similarly, playing on the football team reinforced the values of teamwork, discipline and strategic thinking.
These skills have translated well into my career, where leadership, project management and effective communication are essential. Organising events and managing responsibilities at a young age gave me the confidence and competence to take on far more significant challenges in my professional life.
What was the first job you had in the industry and are there any lessons from this you still draw on?
My first job in the industry was at Générale de Banque which merged into Fortis Group in 1999 and became BNP Paribas Fortis following the acquisition by BNP Paribas in 2008. I worked in the IT department specialising in the payments area as a Functional Analyst. The role was my entry point into the financial services sector where I have remained ever since.
One of the most valuable lessons I learned from this experience was the critical nature of reliability and security in financial transactions. Payments are the backbone of commerce and even the smallest technical issue can have widespread consequences. Ultimately, this experience reinforced the need for precision, compliance and innovation in payments, all principles that have guided me well throughout my career.
Who was your biggest role model – inside or outside of your industry – who continues to inspire you in your current career?
One of my biggest role models is Jan De Meester, the Founder and former CEO of Integri, where I was a member of the founding team. He was a pioneer in understanding and developing chip-based card transactions and how payments were routed through networks like Mastercard and Visa.
Integri was later acquired by Clear2pay and subsequently by FIS. De Meester’s ability to foresee trends, adapt to industry shifts and build successful companies continues to inspire me today. His leadership demonstrated how knowledge, perseverance and innovation can create a lasting impact in the payments industry.
When was your first big break in the industry? Why was this such a significant moment for you?
My first major break in the industry was being promoted by De Meester to serve as Managing Director of Integri Professional Services. This was a turning point in my career, as it provided me with the opportunity to lead within a company that was at the forefront of payments technology.
In this role, I gained invaluable experience in managing operations, driving strategic initiatives and working closely with major financial institutions. The leadership responsibilities and high-level decision-making during this period were instrumental in shaping my career trajectory.
Was there a moment you faced in the industry that really challenged you? How did you overcome this?
One of the biggest challenges I have faced is being responsible for the P&L of a department. During this role, targets and financial pressures can become overwhelming, making it easy to lose focus. I overcame this challenge by going back to basics: reaffirming the fundamentals of the business, engaging with my team and realigning with core objectives.
I made a point to talk to people, gather insights and remind myself of the capabilities and strengths that brought us success in the first place. This process of recalibrating and re-energising allowed me to push forward with renewed confidence and clarity.
What are some of the skills you deem essential to starting in your industry and how have yours developed over the years?
Becoming a subject matter expert in payments as quickly as possible is essential for success in this industry. The financial services sector is vast, yet interconnected and relationships are crucial.
Over my many years in the industry, I have learnt that building long-term relationships is just as important as technical knowledge. The people you meet early in your career often remain valuable connections for decades, and my ability to work with diverse teams, communicate effectively and maintain professional relationships has been a key asset in navigating the industry for over 30 years.
Lastly, what is some advice you would give to an aspiring person looking to get a start in your respective industry?
My advice is to have a genuine passion for the subject. As payments and financial services are constantly evolving, staying informed of advancements will keep you ahead of the pack. In addition, always be mindful of the relationships you build along the way.
The payments industry is large yet tightly connected, meaning that maintaining good relationships can open doors throughout your career. Stay informed, network actively and embrace the ever-changing nature of the field.
