Breaking into the payments and fintech industry isn’t just about ticking the right boxes on your CV - it’s about connecting with the right people, showing up in the right places, and knowing how to tell your story. I’ve worked with hundreds of candidates over the years, many of whom weren’t the “obvious choice” on paper - but they landed their dream roles because they knew how to build relationships, learn from others, and stay visible in the right networks. That’s the real secret. If you’re serious about launching or accelerating your career in this space, networking isn’t optional. It’s your bridge into a world that moves fast, values innovation, and is always hungry for curious minds and bold thinkers. Here’s how to build and use that bridge.
.png)
Yes, you need to be on LinkedIn. But it’s not about how many connections you have - it’s about how you engage with them.
Start by following fintech thought leaders, key figures in the payments space, and hiring managers from companies that excite you. Comment on their posts, ask thoughtful questions, and share your own perspectives. Over time, these small moments of visibility can lead to meaningful connections.
Pro tip: When you send a connection request, add a short message explaining why you’re reaching out. A little context goes a long way.
Whether it’s Money20/20, Sibos, Fintech Week London, or a niche meetup about embedded finance - get yourself in the room.
Can’t attend in person? No problem. Join virtual panels, listen to webinars, and engage with speakers afterward via social media or email. Introduce yourself, reference something they said, and ask a smart follow-up question. It’s not pushy - it’s professional curiosity.
Not sure where to start? Ask us at PaymentGenes. We can recommend events, newsletters, or industry groups based on your interests.
A good recruiter doesn’t just send your CV to a client - they help position you, prep you, and represent you with the context you might not get a chance to explain yourself.
The best relationships I’ve built with candidates started before they were job hunting. They reached out, we had an honest chat, and we stayed in touch. So when the right opportunity came up - we were ready.
Don’t wait until you’re desperate for a move. Reach out early, ask for insight into the market, and keep recruiters updated as your goals evolve.
The payments and fintech industry is full of debates - about regulation, blockchain, financial inclusion, AI in fraud prevention, and much more. You don’t have to be an expert, but sharing your thoughts on emerging trends shows you’re engaged and forward-thinking.
Write a LinkedIn post. Share a relevant article and add your own take. Start a newsletter. Join a X thread. The point is: don’t just consume content - contribute to it.
That’s how you get noticed.
Networking isn’t about asking strangers for jobs. It’s about exchanging ideas, building mutual trust, and being remembered for the right reasons.
If you’re reaching out to someone in the industry, think about what you can offer - not just what you want. Maybe you read a great article that’s relevant to their work. Maybe you have insight into a market they’re exploring. Start with value, and the relationship builds naturally from there.
Not every conversation will lead to an opportunity - and that’s okay. Networking is a long game. Keep showing up, keep learning, and keep your network warm.
You never know when someone you met six months ago might remember you for a role that’s just opened up.
In a sector built on innovation, relationships still matter most. The right conversation, at the right time, can open the door to a company, a mentor, or a career path you hadn’t even considered.
If you’re exploring your next step in payments or fintech and want some honest advice on how to approach the market - we’d be happy to chat. Let’s connect.
The rise of AI and automation is transforming every corner of the FinTech and Payments industry. From fraud detection to personalised financial products, regulatory compliance to algorithmic trading, AI is driving efficiency, innovation, and smarter decision-making at scale. But while most FinTech leaders are focused on how AI is revolutionising their products and operations, fewer are paying close attention to how it is fundamentally changing another critical aspect of business success - hiring.Talent acquisition is the backbone of innovation in FinTech. The companies that win market share, drive profitability, and stay ahead of disruption are those that can attract and retain the best minds - whether in AI, blockchain, cybersecurity, embedded finance, or product leadership. Yet, hiring in FinTech is a challenge: competition for talent is fierce, niche skills are in high demand, and scaling teams quickly without compromising quality is easier said than done. The solution? AI-powered hiring processes that allow forward-thinking FinTech firms to identify, secure, and retain top talent faster than the competition - all while improving efficiency, reducing bias, and enhancing the candidate experience.From sourcing to onboarding, technology is optimising processes, accelerating hiring, and delivering deeper insights - but it’s not a magic bullet. It’s a tool that, when used strategically, empowers hiring managers and HR teams to work smarter, not harder.So, how exactly is AI revolutionising the hiring process? Let’s walk through it step by step.
For years, traditional banking has been the cornerstone of financial services, but there’s no denying that FinTech is where the real innovation is happening. Digital payments, blockchain, AI-driven financial products - FinTech companies are revolutionising the industry at a speed that banks simply can’t match. If you’re working in banking and wondering whether you should make the leap, you’re not alone. More and more finance professionals are transitioning from legacy institutions to the fast-paced world of FinTech, bringing their expertise in risk, compliance, payments, lending, and customer experience to cutting-edge startups and scale-ups. But how do you make the move? How do you convince FinTech employers that you can thrive in their dynamic environment? And what skills will set you apart? Here’s how to approach your career transition strategically and land a role in FinTech.
Certifications are increasingly important in FinTech and Payments, signaling expertise, commitment, and compliance with industry standards. They can differentiate candidates, open career doors, and are often required in areas like compliance, risk, engineering, product, and data roles. Key certifications include AML and regulatory qualifications for compliance professionals, cloud and security certifications for engineers, agile and operational certifications for product and strategy roles, and data science and AI credentials for analytics functions. Choosing certifications aligned with your career stage and goals enhances credibility and marketability, especially when moving into new markets or leadership positions.
.jpg)