Meet the rockstars of risk: Essential insights for software companies navigating payments, compliance, and security

Updated on November 7, 2024

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Ensuring secure, seamless payment processing is more essential – and complex – than ever today. At Payrix from Worldpay, we have an internal team of risk management experts dedicated to helping software companies, like yours, manage payment processing, fraud prevention, and compliance. Each expert has a unique perspective on balancing payments security and user experience, empowering software platforms to grow confidently in their niche industry. Here’s what they want to know.

Jess Kirkpatrick, Senior Director of Risk, Fraud, and Underwriting

“What is the one thing you want software companies to know about merchant onboarding and underwriting?”

Jess’s key takeaway:

Compliance with federal regulations requires collecting personal information from merchants, such as Social Security numbers, banking details, and addresses. Without this, merchant account setup may be delayed or even blocked. Software companies can streamline merchant onboarding by ensuring their customers are prepared to share this data, allowing for efficient account processing. Learn more about merchant onboarding here.

Mike Valdepenas, Senior Director, Portfolio Management

“What trends in data modeling are you most excited about, and how does data impact risk management in payments?”

Mike’s key takeaway:

Data modeling has become a cornerstone of effective risk management. Recently, we deployed an in-house machine learning model that predicts the likelihood of ACH payment rejections. This model allows merchants to make informed decisions about offering products and services upfront or seeking alternative payment options when high-risk transactions arise. Such innovations save time and mitigate potential losses for our software partners and their users. Explore risk and compliance advice for platforms.

Ryan Barry, Senior Director of Risk Strategy and Partner Due Diligence

“How do you reconcile the need for product innovation with the inherent risks of payments?”

Ryan’s key takeaway:

Risk and innovation aren’t opposites, in fact, they can work together. The most effective payments solutions enhance both compliance and the user experience by leveraging data models, AI, and biometric integrations. Governance and compliance should be foundational to your payments offering, making it possible to innovate confidently while meeting regulatory requirements. Discover what every platform should know about PCI 4.0 compliance.

Zac Lutton, Head of Risk and Underwriting (APAC)

“Why is data security important to the modern payments experience?”

Zac’s key takeaway:

Zac advocates for rigorous PCI compliance as the first line of defense against payments fraud. This “lock on the door” helps build trust in technology and payment partners, a necessity in today’s digital economy. PCI 4.0 isn’t just regulatory – it’s a powerful framework that strengthens security across platforms, empowering software companies to protect customer data while fostering growth. Check out this infographic on PCI 4.0 compliance.

David Blair, Senior Director of Product Management

“What should software companies look for in payment security and risk management products?”

David’s key takeaway:

Scalability is crucial when choosing solutions. Software companies should seek products that include real-time fraud detection, automated compliance tools, and customizable controls to ensure adaptability as they grow. Building trust with these scalable options can set the stage for robust risk management and growth for software companies. Discover everything you need to know about fraud prevention and detection for software-led payments.

Billi Jo Wright, Head of Risk and Compliance

“How can strong risk management fuel growth for software companies?”

Billi Jo’s key takeaway:

Risk management isn’t just about defense; it can be a powerful growth accelerator for platforms. By ensuring compliance and data security, companies not only protect themselves but also build a foundation for exploring new markets and launching products confidently. This stability attracts investors and fosters customer loyalty, helping companies to scale. Listen to Billi Jo discuss compliance and risk management on our podcast.

Michelle Gainer, Senior Director, Global Compliance

“How does the risk and compliance team work with partners to ensure compliance and support their business growth?”

Michelle’s key takeaway

The risk and compliance team strives to make the boarding experience as smooth as possible for software companies. With dedicated experts in PCI, card brand network rules, customer due diligence, and more, ensuring software partners are set up for success is baked into our day-to-day workflows and process. From understanding the unique nuances of a software companies’ business model to their industry landscape, the risk and compliance team at Payrix helps software companies offload the mental burdens of compliance allowing them to focus on what matter most: servicing customers and growing their business. One part of the boarding process is merchant underwriting, we breakdown this essential risk management framework for software companies on the blog.

Become a rockstar of risk at your own organization.

By leveraging the key insights, tools, and supports of a strategic payments partnership. The right partner will help you navigate the ever-changing payments landscape simply and securely. Whether you’re onboarding merchants or seeking innovative ways to reduce fraud, remember these expert tips to help fuel your growth with payments without sacrificing the safety of your platform.

To learn more about how you can partner with the Payrix from Worldpay team for all your payments needs, request a demo today.

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