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, Pratiksha Pathak, Head of Payments at RedCompass Labs, reveals why building a strong foundation – whether that be in education, your first job role, or in a more established role – is key to maneuvering the complex fintech and payments industry.
Where did you go to university and what did you study? What impact did this have on your current journey?
I attended university in Gwalior, India, where I studied Computer Science and Engineering. My studies in Computer Science provided a strong foundation in both technology and analytical thinking.
This combination has been highly valuable in the payment industry, where understanding complex systems and extracting insights from data are critical. It has helped me navigate technical conversations, contribute to system design, and support data-driven decision-making in payment transformation initiatives.
Were you part of any sports clubs or societies at university and has this influenced your educational and professional development?
Yes, I was part of the badminton club during my time at university. Being involved in the club taught me the importance of discipline, focus, and teamwork – qualities that have translated well into my professional life.
It also helped me to develop resilience and time management skills, balancing academics with regular practice and competitions. These experiences have shaped how I approach challenges and collaborate with teams in a fast-paced work environment.
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 as a corporate trainer, where I taught software testing best practices. This role laid the foundation for my understanding of quality assurance and the importance of delivering reliable and well-tested solutions. It also honed my communication and teaching skills, which continue to be valuable in stakeholder interactions, mentoring, and leading teams.
The focus on structure, attention to detail, and continuous learning from that role still shapes the way I approach complex projects today.
Who was your biggest role model – inside or outside of your industry – who continues to inspire you in your current career?
My biggest role model is my father. He spent his career in banking, starting out as an accountant and eventually retiring as a General Manager. His journey has always inspired me, watching his progression taught me the value of perseverance, continuous learning, and staying grounded, no matter how senior the role. His example continues to guide me in my own career in the financial service industry.
When was your first big break in the industry? Why was this such a significant moment for you?
My first big break in the industry was being part of the Barclays Bank Payment Transformation programme. It was my entry point into the payment industry, and it marked a major shift in my career. Being involved in such a large-scale, high-impact programme gave me exposure to complex payment systems, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
It was a significant moment because it laid the foundation for my expertise in payments and opened up new opportunities in an evolving and critical domain of banking.
Was there a moment you faced in the industry that really challenged you? How did you overcome this?
One of the most challenging periods was during the COVID-19 pandemic. The payments industry faced rapid shifts, with a surge in digital transactions, new customer behaviours, and changing regulatory expectations- all while teams adapted to remote work.
For me, the challenge was ensuring continuity on critical programmes while supporting team morale and collaboration in a fully virtual environment. I focused on clear communication, structured virtual delivery frameworks, and staying closely aligned with client priorities.
The experience taught me how to lead with empathy, remain adaptable, and still deliver at pace in an uncertain environment.
What are some of the skills you deem essential to starting in your industry and how have yours developed over the years?
Starting in the payments and financial services industry requires a strong foundation in analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to understand complex systems.
Communication and stakeholder management skills are also essential, as much of the work involves cross-functional teams and regulatory stakeholders.
Over the years, my skills have evolved from being technically focused to more strategic and business-oriented. I have developed a deeper understanding of regulatory frameworks, payment schemes, and transformation delivery.
I have also enhanced my leadership, problem-solving and decision-making skills – especially in high-pressure environments – allowing me to take on larger programmes and guide teams through complex change initiatives.
Lastly, what is some advice you would give to an aspiring person looking to get a start in your respective industry?
My advice would be to stay curious and build a strong understanding of the payments ecosystem – from how money moves to the role of regulation, innovation, and customer experience. Start with the basics, but don’t be afraid to dive into emerging areas like real time payments, open banking, and digital wallets.
Also, focusing on both technical and soft skills, being able to analyse problems, communicate clearly, and work with cross-functional teams is just as important as understanding systems and data.
Finally, be open to learning because this industry is constantly evolving. Those who adapt quickly and keep up with change tend to thrive.
