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, Anthony Yeung, CCO of CoinCover, offers insight into the importance of learning real-world skills while studying at university. He also sets a friendly reminder why nurturing and maintaining connections with industry figureheads can lead to a long-lasting career, as you never know what these conversations can produce.
Where did you go to university, and what did you study? What impact did this have on your current journey?
I attended Northumbria University and studied Business Studies. The biggest impact university had on me was choosing a four-year sandwich course that included a year in the industry. That one year made a huge difference in how prepared I was to enter the working world after graduation. In fact, I learned more in that one year than in my entire university course because it gave me real-world exposure.
From a young age, I knew that whatever role I pursued would be customer-facing. I chose Business Studies because it was my passion, but more importantly, I only considered courses that offered a year in the industry. I knew I’d learn far more in a real-world environment.
I believe that if you’re aiming for a specific profession like engineering, medicine, law or something similarly vocational, then your degree choice is important. Outside of that, though, I don’t think your course defines you. To this day, I’ve never hired anyone based solely on their degree or even their final grade. Success comes down to having a plan, the right mindset and building strong relationships. It never hurts to nurture your connections.
Were you part of any sports clubs or societies at university, and has this influenced your educational and professional development?
Plenty, but none that directly influenced my career after graduation!
What was your first job in the industry, and are there any lessons from it that you still draw on?
My first fintech role was at Retail Decisions (ReD), a fraud detection solution provider, where I worked as a bid and proposal manager.
From that role, I transitioned into more commercial-facing positions and soon became quota-carrying, largely thanks to my experience in bid management. That role gave me access to the right people within the business who could answer my questions. As a bid manager, you naturally uncover every nuance of the product you’re selling, which gives you a huge technical advantage.
One key lesson I carry forward is the ability to stay calm and organised under pressure. In the world of bid management, if you lose your composure or become disorganised, you’re essentially dooming the bid to failure.
Who was your biggest role model—inside or outside of your industry—who continues to inspire you in your career?
I would say there are two key role models that have shaped my career to date;
Andy McDonald (Head of Sales, ReD) played a crucial role in shaping my sales career. From him, I learned how to motivate teams, execute effectively and remain personable. These are the learnings I apply when working with teams today.
Additionally, I admire Jeremy Nicholds (CEO, Judopay) who is highly respected in the industry. He’s the kind of person where, if he calls, you pick up. Integrity, honesty and doing the right thing are core values to him.
He taught me how to be a better leader, inspire teams at an organisational level and prioritise diversity and inclusion in the workplace. I was very fortunate to have the chance to work for him, and my time working with him shaped my appreciation for the real impact fintech can have on people’s lives.
When was your first big break in the industry, and why was this such a significant moment for you?
Becoming the top global salesperson at a global fintech company in my first year was an inspirational moment for me, because through the process of a winning business, I was able to build a substantial network within the industry. Winning this award gave me the confidence to know I could succeed in fintech and truly kick-started my passion for the space.
The journey to achieving this also taught me valuable lessons about continuous improvement (mainly motivated by my desire to hold on to the award!). For example, winning business is great, but am I bringing in the right customers who will help the company grow, or am I just hitting my quota? That mindset has shaped the way I think about business today.
Was there a moment in the industry that really challenged you? How did you overcome it?
Being made redundant was a major challenge. It’s difficult to talk about because it feels embarrassing and makes you question your own abilities. Honestly, my confidence took a huge hit. Everyone deals with redundancy differently, but for me, a few things helped.
I reflected on all the positive contributions I had made in my role and career to remind myself of my value. Also, I took the opportunity to recharge while still maintaining a structured routine where I spent a significant part of my day networking and speaking to others in the market.
Over time, I realised that redundancies happen at all levels, regardless of seniority or performance. It’s not unique to you but it’s simply a part of the business landscape we operate in today.
What are some of the essential skills for starting in your industry, and how have yours developed over the years?
Staying informed about market trends, both at an industry and role level is essential. This comes from engaging with social media, networking and learning from others who have done your job before, it’s always invaluable.
Over the years, I’ve built a strong circle of peers that I can turn to for advice at any time. They act as my own personal advisory board for professional growth.
Lastly, what advice would you give to someone aspiring to start in your industry?
To succeed, you need to be passionate about the sector you work in and naturally inquisitive. Don’t just learn what’s in front of you, seek out knowledge beyond your immediate role.
Everything moves in cycles. Don’t dismiss an idea just because someone told you to. Be open-minded and curious. Take blockchain, for example, many people have negative perceptions of it, but often that’s because they haven’t taken the time to understand it. They fixate on why it won’t work rather than exploring why it could.
One of my old managers once told me, “A conversation leads to a conversation.” That has always stuck with me. It’s essential to meet as many people as possible in the industry, regardless of their current title. Someone you speak to today may not have an executive role, but you never know how much influence they actually have or where they’ll be in the future.
