What does it really mean to have a payment strategy, and why do so many businesses operate without one?

In this episode of Payments Between Us, I sit down with Viktoria Soltesz, payments and banking expert, author, educator, and founder of the Soltesz Institute, to explore why payments should be treated as a strategic business function rather than simply an operational necessity.

With extensive experience across banking, accounting, fintech, and payment consulting, Viktoria brings a unique perspective on how money moves through businesses and why understanding the bigger picture is essential for making better financial decisions.

We discuss what a payment strategy actually looks like, how businesses can evaluate and negotiate with payment providers, and why relying too heavily on a single provider can create significant financial and operational risks.

Viktoria also shares her insights into the complexities of the global banking system, the impact of regulation and sanctions, and why understanding financial flows is becoming increasingly important for businesses operating internationally.

But our conversation goes beyond payment technology and business strategy.

We explore the growing need for independent education, professional standards, and certifications in the payments industry. Viktoria shares the vision behind the Soltesz Institute and the EU MBA in Payments and Banking, and why she believes education and industry collaboration are essential for the future of financial services.

In this episode:
• Why every business needs a payment strategy
• How to assess, select, and negotiate with payment providers
• Hidden payment costs and opportunities for savings
• Understanding financial flows and managing payment risks
• The risks of depending on a single payment provider
• The impact of global regulations, compliance, and sanctions
• Why the payments industry needs professional standards and education
• The vision behind the Soltesz Institute and EU MBA in Payments and Banking
• The future of payments, banking, and financial education

As Viktoria puts it:
“The cash flow is like the bloodline of your business.”

A conversation about understanding how money moves, making smarter payment decisions, and building the knowledge and skills our industry needs for the future.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐕𝐢𝐤𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚:
■ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/viktoria-soltesz/
■ Viktoria Soltesz Website: https://www.viktoriasoltesz.com/
■ PSP Angels: https://www.pspangels.com/
■ The Soltesz Institute: https://www.solteszinstitute.com/

𝐏𝐚𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐔𝐬:
■ Watch, listen & follow: https://cedarium.com/podcast

Payments happen between people.
And so do great conversations.