Women in Fintech: Voices, Journeys and Leadership at Paysafe

Women in Fintech: Voices, Journeys and Leadership at Paysafe – Maria Paskova

I began my career in technology more than a decade ago, driven by a natural curiosity about how technology can enable better business outcomes. Over the years, I’ve held roles within Technology Operations, starting on Site Reliability team and moving through various roles across IT service management, gradually taking on broader responsibilities and leading increasingly diverse teams.

My journey has never been a straight line — it has been shaped by continuous learning, resilience, and the belief that strong processes and empowered people are the foundation of successful organizations. Today, as Senior Director of IT Service Management & Governance at Paysafe, I have the privilege of working with talented teams who share a passion for delivering quality, driving transformation, and making technology work better for the business.

What does it mean to be a woman in fintech today, and how does the culture enable you to lead confidently?

Being a woman in fintech today means being part of a community where diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but actively encouraged. Our culture gives us the space to lead authentically — to bring our ideas forward, challenge constructively, and influence how we grow as a global technology and payments organization.

For me, confidence comes from the strong alignment between our values and our daily actions.

Share a moment in your leadership journey when visible female representation truly mattered.

One of the moments that stayed with me, was when a colleague of mine who at the time was at an earlier stage in her career, told me that seeing women leading impactful initiatives and working in a male-dominated environment made her reconsider what was possible for her own career path.

Sometimes representation feels like a symbolic concept, but in reality,, it has a very practical impact. When people see someone they can relate to in leadership roles, it makes those roles feel more attainable. That moment reinforced for me that leadership is not only about delivering results, it’s also about creating visibility and opportunities for others.

In a fast-moving fintech environment, how do you ensure your voice — and the voices within your teams — shape decisions and drive meaningful impact?

Fintech moves quickly, so creating space for thoughtful voices requires intentional effort. For me, it starts with clarity: ensuring that our teams understand the “why” behind what we do, the challenges we’re solving, and the opportunities ahead. When people feel connected to the bigger picture, their input becomes more strategic and proactive.

I also prioritize structured communication through regular touchpoints, transparent discussions, and forums where every voice is heard. Most importantly, I empower people to own their expertise. When team members feel accountability and trust, they naturally take a seat at the table and influence decisions with confidence. My role is to amplify those voices and ensure they reach the right stakeholders.

What advice would you give to women considering the fintech industry who may not yet see themselves in technical roles?

My biggest advice is: don’t let the word “fintech” scare you. You don’t have to start as a technical expert to thrive in this industry. Curiosity, problem-solving, and a willingness to learn are far more important than checking every technical box from day one.

Fintech is diverse, it needs people who understand processes, risk, operations, customer experience, strategy, communication, and yes, technology. Technical skills can be learned; potential and perspective are what transform teams.

The products and services we build affect millions of people globally. The more varied the voices shaping those solutions, the better the outcomes will be.

If a young woman observed your leadership for a day, what’s the one thing you’d hope she would take away about building a career in fintech?

I hope she’d see that leadership is not about having all the answers. It’s about asking the right questions, listening carefully, and empowering others to contribute their best ideas.

A successful career in fintech is built on continuous learning, collaboration, and the willingness to step outside of your comfort zone. The industry evolves quickly, and that creates opportunities for people who are willing to adapt and open to new challenges.

If she walked away believing that her perspective matters and that she belongs in spaces where important decisions are made, that would be the most meaningful takeaway.