PAYMENTS FM

Nikita Skitev

PAYMENTS FM is a podcast for merchants, platforms, marketplaces, and payment product teams. Each episode features operators, founders, product leaders, and payments experts discussing payment strategy, payment operations, billing, compliance, risk, fintech infrastructure, and money movement. Listen for practical conversations about how payment systems work in production and what teams can do to improve them.

payments.fm

Play

Open in

13 episodes
Avg 47 min
English

Episodes 13

Newest Oldest Longest

All13 Unplayed13 In progress0 Played0

Yesterday · 43 min
The Business of Payments for Software Platforms with Jo Phillips & Will Corbera, Payabli
Jo Phillips and Will Corbera, co-founders of Payabli, joined PAYMENTS FM to talk about why vertical software platforms are becoming payments companies, how they think about risk and pricing, and what separates a payments program that works from one that fails. Why this matters Vertical software platforms have been adding payments for close to a decade. Companies like ServiceTitan, Mindbody, and Toast did it early, moving off legacy processors and generic gateways into something built for their own industry. The decision is easy to state and hard to execute. A platform has to decide how much of the payments business to own, how to price it, which risk model to use, and which of its industries actually need something more specialized than an off-the-shelf provider. Jo Phillips and Will Corbera built the payments business at ServiceTitan before starting Payabli. Jo led sales there; Will had already built one of the industry’s first payment facilitators, focused on property management. Together, they turned ServiceTitan’s payments into a large revenue driver and a better customer experience, and that work is what led them to start Payabli. Payments can be 20 percent or more of a platform’s revenue, but that number is not automatic. It depends on pricing, on the vertical, and on whether the platform built a genuinely embedded experience or just added a link to a third-party checkout. Most platforms will not need to become a full payment facilitator. Understanding the referral, managed, and full PayFac options, and knowing which one fits, is one of the more consequential decisions a platform makes. Get full access to PAYMENTS FM at payments.fm/subscribe
May 11 · 40 min
Demystifying Open Banking and Pay-by-Bank with Anubhav Pradhan, ShiftMate
Today we talked to Anubhav Pradhan, co-founder of ShiftMate. We discussed the future of open banking and Pay-by-Bank. Discover how these technologies empower consumers with data control and offer new growth opportunities for financial institutions. Key Topics Differences between open banking and Pay-by-Bank Regulatory impacts on data ownership and consent Leveraging data for customer relationship management Real-time payments and their industry impact Timestamps: 01:10 - Pay-by-Bank explained 02:17 - Consumer data aggregation 03:11 - Payment methods and trends 05:10 - Building trust through open banking 06:08 - Adoption statistics 07:02 - Role of platforms like Plaid 08:10 - Institutional challenges 10:23 - Infrastructure and compliance 11:16 - US adoption nuances 12:30 - Strategic advantages 14:48 - Data ownership debates 15:21 - Marketplace fees 16:41 - Consumer rights and regulations 18:03 - Infrastructure costs 19:02 - Open banking as a growth driver 20:01 - Merchant data access risks 21:22 - Regulatory safeguards 22:48 - Preventing data misuse 23:33 - Potential for data abuse 26:08 - Successful strategies 30:48 - Motivations for small banks 33:36 - Practical advice 35:00 - Foundational data work 37:48 - Payment challenges Connect with Anubhav: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anubhav-pradhan-27b96583/ Get full access to PAYMENTS FM at payments.fm/subscribe
March 16 · 46 min
How AI Analytics Transforming E-Commerce Businesses with Andrei Rebrov, Finsi
In this episode, we explore how subscription and e-commerce companies can harness data, AI, and innovative payment strategies to boost growth and improve customer engagement. Andrei Rebrov, co-founder of Finsi and former CTO of Scentbird, shares practical insights on building effective analytics systems and integrating AI for smarter decision-making. In this episode: 00:00 - Increasing e-commerce conversions through customer payment options 00:26 - Andrei Rebrov introduces his background and current focus in data analytics 01:54 - The problem of blind decision-making in subscription and retail businesses 02:24 - The rise of data-driven approaches in subscription companies like Scentbird 03:59 - Defining what analytics really means for business insights 04:42 - Moving beyond dashboards to actionable knowledge for executives 06:38 - The technique of asking "five whys" to drill down into data anomalies 08:21 - Challenges of connecting multiple disconnected data sources 08:50 - The importance of clean, stitched data for effective AI analysis 10:17 - How AI can rapidly analyze correlations across multiple data points 11:54 - Real-world examples of anomaly detection and Get full access to PAYMENTS FM at payments.fm/subscribe
Dec 20, 2025 · 56 min
Agentic Commerce with Colin Luce, CEO Basis Theory
Agentic commerce was one of the loudest e-commerce trends of 2025 — but is it real demand or mostly hype + incentives? In this episode of Payments FM, Nikita sits down with Colin Luce, Founder & CEO of Basis Theory, to unpack what’s actually happening in agentic commerce and agentic payments right now, what merchants should do today, and why trust + tokenization might decide how this all plays out. We cover: The real blocker: messy merchant data and product availability Embedded checkout vs “true agents transacting on your behalf” Why virtual cards would be a bad end-state for the ecosystem ACP (Agentic Commerce Protocol), platform incentives, and “who owns the customer?” Where agentic payments may show real near-term value (hint: not the sexy B2C stuff) Subscribe on YouTube / Spotify / Apple Podcasts, and for future episodes go to payments.fm. Join the community Slack: https://payments.fm/p/slack Chapters 01:36 Welcome Colin Luce (Basis Theory) 02:23 FOMO, hype, and incentives driving adoption 06:04 What merchants should do first (traffic, data, readiness) 12:36 Payments realities: embedded checkout vs true agent payments 19:37 Are today’s demos “magic”? (disappointing discovery, data quality) 23:50 Best use cases + where agentic commerce really helps 34:26 Protocols, ACP momentum, and merchant voice 41:31 Who should store the payment credential? (trust + tokenization) 44:59 Chargebacks & liability in an agent-driven world 46:23 Cybersecurity risks in the rush to ship 49:49 Biggest blocker in payments: behavior change 54:01 One elevator tip to improve payment performance #payments #ecommerce #fintech #tokenization #agenticcommerce #ai Get full access to PAYMENTS FM at payments.fm/subscribe
Dec 12, 2025 · 43 min
Solving Payroll and Cashflow Challenges for Small Businesses, Dan Loomis, Gusto
In this episode of Payments FM, we sit down with Dan Loomis from Gusto to discuss the world of payroll and cashflow management for small and medium businesses. Dan sheds light on the common financial headaches like cashflow volatility, lack of control and confidence, and how Gusto Money aims to solve these through innovative solutions. We explore the challenges small businesses face such as managing payables, accelerating receivables, and the unique issues arising from bill payments and invoicing. Dan also discusses the new integrations and features of Gusto Money, including the Payroll Bridge, financing options, and using stable coins for international payments. Learn how Gusto is transforming payroll management and providing flexible financial solutions to help small businesses thrive. 00:38 Guest Introduction: Dan Loomis from Gusto 01:12 Common Payroll Challenges for Small Businesses 05:02 Gusto Money: Addressing Payroll Pain Points 08:11 Invoicing Solutions and Market Competition 14:11 Bill Pay Solutions and Payment Methods 19:45 Same Day Payroll: How It Works 25:19 Financing Solutions: Payroll Bridge 35:04 Stable Coins for International Payments 38:26 Future of Payments and Final Thoughts Get full access to PAYMENTS FM at payments.fm/subscribe
Nov 6, 2025 · 45 min
International Payments: Viktoria Soltesz, PSP Angels
In this episode, we explore the intricate world of payments and banking with Victoria Soltesz, founder and CEO of PSP Angels. We cover essential topics including international payments, high-risk merchants, crypto in payments, and the gaming industry. Victoria shares her mission to create a more ethical and transparent payment industry, emphasizing the need for proper education and strategic planning. Learn practical advice on streamlining your payment processes, understanding the latest in FinTech, and optimizing your fees and customer journey.01:59 International Payments11:36 High-Risk Merchants21:34 Crypto in Payments25:38 Stablecoins and Tokenization27:33 The Complexities of iGaming Payments33:29 Offshore Entities and Tax Optimization39:57 Navigating Payment Systems and Banking42:39 The Future of Payments and Banking Get full access to PAYMENTS FM at payments.fm/subscribe
Oct 9, 2025 · 1 hr 29 min
Payments Data for Business Success: Albert Drouart, Pagos
In this episode we talk with Albert Drouart from Pagos about everything payments data. We talk about how businesses can leverage payment data to optimize their transaction processes, reveal hidden issues, and enhance overall performance. Through real-life examples and advanced monitoring strategies, Albert explains the transformative potential of data enrichment and AI in the payments landscape. Key topics include anomaly detection, benchmarking, and AI in payments. This episode is a must watch for anyone who is working with payments data or looking for different ways to optimize their payments performance. Get full access to PAYMENTS FM at payments.fm/subscribe
Jul 18, 2025 · 40 min
The Right Way to Integrate a Payment Provider: Michael Taylor, Checkout.com
Mastering Payment Integrations with Michael Taylor: Best Practices & StrategiesIn this in-depth conversation, Michael Taylor, the Director of Solution Engineering at checkout.com, shares invaluable insights on optimizing your payment processes. We discuss the importance of pre-mortems, best practices for integrating a new payment service provider (PSP), setting clear expectations, and establishing robust communication channels. Michael emphasizes the need to engage all relevant stakeholders early in the process to avoid friction and ensure a smooth integration. We also explore the evolving landscape of e-commerce payments, the role of AI in certification processes, and the critical metrics for monitoring performance post-launch. If you want to elevate your business's payment strategy, this episode is a must-watch!00:00 Introduction to Payment Service Providers00:05 The Importance of Pre-Mortem Analysis01:34 Key Steps After Choosing a Payment Provider02:05 Effective Communication and Documentation05:09 Engaging Cross-Functional Teams07:37 Certification and AI in Payment Integration09:34 Phased Approach to Go-Live11:44 Considerations for Different Payment Types15:02 Pre-Built Components: Pros and Cons20:25 Operational Preparedness24:51 Staying Updated on Payment Regulations28:47 Key Metrics and KPIs for Payment Performance32:26 Successful Integration Examples35:38 Current Challenges in the Payments Industry38:54 Practical Advice for Merchants40:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Get full access to PAYMENTS FM at payments.fm/subscribe
Jun 29, 2025 · 46 min
Payment Retries: Philip Pages (Redux)
In this episode, we sit down with Philip Pages, CEO of Redux Payments, to explore the issue of involuntary churn in subscription-based businesses. Why churn is a critical problem, the difference between voluntary and involuntary churn, and the need for intelligent retry logic to reduce churn rates. We dive into various retry strategies, the impact of new technologies like network tokens, and other methods to optimize payment recoveries. Additionally, Philip shares practical advice for merchants to improve their payments performance and underlines the significance of focusing on involuntary churn for exponential business growth. 00:00 The Power of 0% Churn Rate00:48 Understanding Involuntary Churn02:12 Deep Dive into Subscription Churn04:40 Voluntary vs. Involuntary Churn08:16 The Financial Impact of Reducing Churn12:51 Technological Solutions to Churn18:41 Customer Experience and Retry Logic24:15 Maintaining Customer Trust24:49 Intelligent Retry Strategies25:53 Involuntary Churn Insights28:58 AI-Powered Payment Recovery29:50 Beyond Retries: Other Recovery Mechanisms33:52 Personalized Payment Solutions36:18 Optimizing Payment Recovery42:22 Exciting Trends in Subscription Payments44:32 Practical Advice for Merchants Get full access to PAYMENTS FM at payments.fm/subscribe
Apr 28, 2025 · 30 min
Payments For Platforms: Joshua Silver (Rainforrest)
In this episode of Payments.FM, Joshua Silver, the CEO of Rainforest, delves deep into the intricacies of payment integration models for software platforms. We discuss the two primary models: the integrated referral model and the embedded payments model. Joshua highlights the advantages and disadvantages of each approach and emphasizes the importance of service, technology, and commercials in selecting a payment provider. We also touch on the challenges of fraud and compliance, and how Rainforest's unique approach mitigates these risks while offering a seamless user experience. Tune in for actionable insights on improving your platform's payment performance and understanding the evolving landscape of the payments industry. 00:00 Introduction to Payment Models 01:58 Options for Integrating Payments into Software Platforms 03:15 Understanding Embedded Payments 05:15 The Role of Payment Facilitators 08:44 Balancing Risk for software platforms 16:06 Enhancing Platform and Merchant Experience 23:42 Competing in the Payment Platform Market 26:46 Challenges and Future of the Payments Industry Get full access to PAYMENTS FM at payments.fm/subscribe
Mar 21, 2025 · 49 min
Benefits of Payment Orchestration: Zubin Vandrevala (Gr4vy)
The Essential Guide to Payment Orchestration with Gr4vy's VP Commercial Zubin Vandrevala. Join us in this insightful episode as we delve into the world of payment orchestration with Zubin Vandrevala, VP Commercial at Gr4vy. Learn about the evolving needs of merchants in payment processing, the complexities they face, and how orchestration platforms can provide strategic advantages. Zubin shares his experiences and case studies, including a detailed look at how key merchants successfully integrated payments orchestration solutions. This episode is packed with valuable insights for any merchant or business looking to understand the potential of payment orchestration in simplifying and optimizing their payment infrastructure. 00:00 Introduction to Payment Orchestration 01:42 Meet Zubin Vandrevala: Background and Experience 02:50 The Need for Payment Orchestration 05:59 Case Study 07:46 Complexity and Growth in Payment Systems 09:34 Build vs. Buy: Strategic Considerations 10:05 Merchant Profiles and Benefits 17:22 Addressing Common Objections 43:14 Industry Trends and Future Outlook 46:56 Practical Advice for Merchants 48:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Get full access to PAYMENTS FM at payments.fm/subscribe
Feb 14, 2025 · 38 min
Optimizing Payment Performance with AI: Insights from Inai CEO
In this episode, Anantharaman Pattabiraman, CEO of the payment intelligence platform Inai, discuss the intricacies of payment performance metrics. We chat about metrics for different business models such as e-commerce and subscription services, the challenges merchants face in tracking and interpreting payment data, and the opportunities for leveraging AI in payments. Anta provides actionable insights on optimizing authorization rates, reducing costs, and minimizing involuntary churn. He also explores the future of payment technologies and the importance of viewing payments as a revenue driver rather than just a cost center. 00:00 Introduction to Payment Success Rates 00:20 Actionable Insights from Payment Data 00:52 Guest Introduction: CEO of InEye 01:56 Key Payment Metrics for Merchants 04:32 Metrics for Different Business Models 08:55 Challenges in Payment Performance Tracking 11:20 The Role of Data in Payment Optimization 18:32 A/B Testing and Orchestration in Payments 25:15 Future of Payments: AI and Account-to-Account 33:19 Common Advice for Merchants 37:31 Conclusion and Contact Information Get full access to PAYMENTS FM at payments.fm/subscribe
Jan 13, 2025 · 46 min
Exploring Trends in Payments: Jenna Wyer (ex-Venmo, ex-Braintree)
In this episode, Jenna Wire, a seasoned expert in the FinTech industry and a founding member of Venmo and Braintree, discusses the latest global trends in payments, challenges facing subscription businesses, and the new era of cross-border payments. Jenna shares her insights on the high costs of credit card processing for merchants, the importance of payment orchestration, and the strategies for reducing payment processing costs. She also explores the potential of generative AI in the payment sector, the rising role of payment consultants, and practical advice for subscription merchants looking to retain and grow their customer base. The conversation touches on various aspects of the industry, including the adoption of alternative payment methods and the future of payment optimization. Contacts: Jenna’s website: https://www.jennawyer.com/ Subscribe to Payments Strategist: https://paymentsstrategist.com/ LinkedIn: Nikita Skitev: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikitaskitev/ Jenna Wyer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennawyer/ Payments Strategist: https://www.linkedin.com/company/paymentsstrategist/ Timestamps: 00:38 Meet Jenna Wire: FinTech Veteran and Innovator 01:56 Trends and Observations from Money 2020 03:01 The Challenge of Credit Card Fees 03:39 Account-to-Account Payments: The Future? 06:46 The State of Subscription Businesses 08:33 The Impact of COVID on Subscriptions 12:50 Usage-Based Billing: Pros and Cons 14:15 Cross-Border Payments: Challenges and Strategies 20:43 The Importance of Payment Orchestration 25:59 Stripe's Forward API and Enterprise Focus 28:15 Generative AI in Payments 32:55 Strategies to Reduce Payment Processing Costs 36:11 The Rise of Payment Consultants 43:10 Challenges in the Payments Industry 46:13 How to contact Jenna Wyer Get full access to PAYMENTS FM at payments.fm/subscribe

Showing 1–13 of 13 episodes