Fintech is changing: the rise of women leaders

Dilyana Stoymenova has nearly 16 years of experience at Paysafe, where she has held various roles related to digital payments, process optimization, and team management. She is currently the Director, Merchant Onboarding and Enterprise Project Management, and is responsible for strategic projects and improving the customer experience.

 

The fintech industry is dynamic and highly technological. How is sustainable leadership built in such an environment and what qualities are most important for success today?

 

The fintech industry is one of the most dynamic and technology-saturated environments, which means that sustainable leadership is not built solely through expertise, but through the ability to constantly adapt and lead people through change.

According to me, sustainable leadership in fintech has three keys.

The first is clarity of thought and the ability to translate complex technological and regulatory processes into an understandable direction for the team and the business. The leader must see the bigger picture and make decisions in an environment of uncertainty.

The second is trust and building strong teams. Fintech is evolving so quickly that no leader can be an expert in everything. Sustainable leadership means creating an environment where talented people can make decisions, experiment, and take responsibility.

The third is the resilience of the leader themselves. The pace of the industry is high, technologies are constantly evolving. Successful leaders are those who maintain calm and clarity even when the environment is complex and unpredictable. 

For me, the most important leadership qualities are adaptability, strategic thinking, and emotional intelligence. Technologies are the foundation of fintech, but ultimately it is the people - their talent, trust, and ability to work together – determine long-term success.

 

What were the key moments in your career path that helped you transition from expert to leader?

One of the main moments was the step from being part of the group to the role of leader. When you lead people with whom you were at the same level until yesterday, the dynamics inevitably change. This requires clarity in the role and a willingness to accept that sometimes leadership means setting boundaries and making decisions that are not always popular. In this process, our environment often changes,  which is a natural part of professional growth.

Another important element was the ability to have difficult conversations. Leadership is not just inspiration and vision - it is also the ability to give honest feedback, to discuss complex topics while holding space for the emotions and perspective of the other person. This skill requires serious work on one's own emotional intelligence and the ability to remain calm and constructive even in tense situations.

A key aspect is finding motivation again and again. In the leadership role, you are often the one who brings energy and direction to the team. This means consciously maintaining your own motivation - through learning, through the meaning of developing people, and through focusing on the bigger picture that the team builds together.

The transition from expert to leader is not so much about a change in title, but about a change in mindset - from focusing on one's own results to responsibility for the development and success of others.

 

At Paysafe, women have a strong presence at various management levels. What lies behind this balance - culture, policies, mentorship, conscious leadership, or something else?

First and foremost is the culture of the organization. When the environment encourages different viewpoints and values the contributions of people based on their results and potential, rather than stereotypes, it naturally creates conditions for more women to take on leadership roles.

An important factor is also conscious leadership and support from management. When leaders actively encourage talent development and give people the opportunity to take responsibility and visibility in key projects, it creates real pathways for growth.

Last but not least are the internal communities, mentorship, and experience sharing that create an environment of support and a sense of growth in the community. When you see examples of successful women leaders around you, it naturally expands your perception of what is possible.

Balance is not an end in itself, but a result of an environment where talent is recognized, developed, and given space to manifest.

 

How do diversity and inclusion initiatives actually impact the business – innovations, engagement, talent attraction?

Diversity and inclusion initiatives have a real impact on business mainly through raising the level of awareness in organizations. When people start to better understand differences - whether cultural, professional, personal, or related to life experience - this changes the way teams interact and make decisions.

On a practical level, this leads to a richer perspective in problem-solving and developing new ideas. In an industry like fintech, where products serve a global audience, the diversity of viewpoints helps teams think more broadly and create solutions that reflect the real needs of different groups of users.

Moreover, employees become more engaged. When people feel that they can be largely themselves at work and that their experience and perspective are valued, it creates a stronger sense of belonging and trust in the organization.

Such a environment is also significant for attracting and retaining talent. Today's professionals increasingly seek organizations that not only talk about diversity and inclusion but also apply it in practice in their daily work.

 

What advice would you give to women who are considering a career in fintech and the technology sector today?

I would encourage women considering a career in fintech and the technology sector not to limit themselves by stereotypes. The technology industry offers many more roles than purely technical ones – it needs people with strategic thinking, strong communication skills, an understanding of business processes, and the ability to connect technology with the real needs of clients.

They are also expected to learn constantly. The fintech sector is evolving extremely quickly – new technologies, regulations, and business models are constantly emerging. The people who succeed in this environment are those who maintain an open mind and a desire to expand their knowledge.

Equally important is to seek an environment and mentors who support their development. A career is rarely built alone – conversations with more experienced professionals, feedback, and the opportunity to work on meaningful projects can greatly accelerate professional growth.
Believe in your own perspective! The diversity of viewpoints is a huge advantage in an industry like fintech, which creates solutions for millions of people around the world. The confidence to express ideas and take responsibility often proves to be just as important as technical expertise.