David Heun

2021's Most Influential Women in Payments honorees demonstrate how a diverse background and a unique perspective can prove crucial in difficult times.

She could have been called "Doctor Kristy" at some point, but Carstensen followed a gut feeling that the medical profession wasn't truly for her — and she could have a bigger impact on financial and payments services in the banking industry.

Rowe has had many successes and challenges in her journey to the CEO position of a division of Paysafe, where she can also help the company promote diversity.

Becoming a collegiate swimming champion and watching her parents operate a small business for years provided valuable experience for Tackett, who now holds an influential payments role at U.S. Bank.

Avila made sure her educational and professional journey would steer her back to helping her home country of Colombia. Her role at Wise (formerly TransferWise) lets her accomplish that mission.

Fitzsimons became the president and general manager of Elavon Merchant Services through a couple of key leadership traits: She was always prepared to accept more responsibility during her 15 years at Elavon, and was relentless in gaining support and collaboration from others.

Levy began showing leadership skills at an early age — and she has demonstrated them at Payoneer for the past 11 years.

An interesting career journey through print and broadcast media brought King to the role at Featurespace she calls 'the best of all.'

Japan's JCB has entered a pact with a new payments alliance to share its contactless solution with members.

Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., went after Visa and Mastercard during an antitrust hearing Thursday in Washington, suggesting the card brands have likely been looking for a way to increase fees and offset previous legal or regulatory pressure on their pricing structures.