Date: November 26 2025
Author: FINTECH Circle

The fintech sector continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace — shaped by innovation in payments, digital assets, embedded finance, cross-border transactions, stablecoins, and digital identity. At the centre of this global transformation are the industry’s leading thinkers, innovators, and educators whose analyses, expertise, and thought leadership help shape how the world understands the future of money.

This week, the international payments community received the latest edition of NORBr’s 200+ Leading Voices in Payments — a global ranking of experts influencing how payments and digital finance evolve. We are proud to share that FINTECH Circle’s Founder & Chair, Susanne Chishti, has been ranked #18 worldwide, placing her firmly among the most influential voices shaping this fast-moving ecosystem.

This recognition celebrates individuals whose ideas, commentary, and work across digital finance continue to inspire the next wave of innovation. For FINTECH Circle and its global community, it is a powerful acknowledgment of Susanne’s long-standing contribution to the fintech sector.

A Recognition Built on Decades of Industry Leadership

Susanne’s journey through the world of financial services and fintech spans more than 25 years and includes senior executive roles at Accenture, Morgan Stanley, Lloyds Banking Group, and Deutsche Bank, before founding FINTECH Circle — now one of the world’s largest fintech communities and early-stage investor networks.

In addition to her leadership at FINTECH Circle, Susanne is:

• A multi-book author and editor, including Fintech for Dummies and the Wiley Fintech Book Series
• A fintech investor and board member across early and growth-stage companies
• A keynote speaker at leading global conferences
• A mentor supporting founders through accelerators and innovation programmes

Her global visibility and consistent contributions across multiple platforms have positioned her as a leading voice on payments innovation, regulatory shifts, embedded finance, digital identity, and the broader evolution of the financial services ecosystem.

The inclusion in NORBr’s top 25 — and specifically ranking #18 — reflects the impact of her work across industry commentary, professional insights, community building, and advocacy for responsible technological advancement.

The Significance of this Ranking

NORBr’s “Leading Voices in Payments” list is not an award in the traditional sense; it is an evidence-based ranking that recognises individuals whose ideas and perspectives actively shape industry conversations.

The list includes regulators, practitioners, technologists, researchers, digital asset experts, stablecoin specialists, and fintech innovators from around the world. To be positioned within the top 25, and especially in the top 20, indicates a sustained influence on:

• Thought leadership in digital payments and financial markets
• Public industry conversation via articles, podcasts, and webinars
• Insightful commentary on global trends
• Contributions to research, education, and community knowledge
• Professional impact on the broader financial ecosystem

Susanne appears alongside respected voices such as Linas Beliūnas, Simon Taylor, Monica Jasuja, Neira Jones, and many more whose work continues to shape how organisations prepare for the future of digital finance.

Her presence in this group demonstrates not only her individual excellence but also the value of FINTECH Circle’s broader mission — empowering founders, investors, and financial professionals with world-class insights and opportunities.

An Inspiration for Fintech Innovators Everywhere

For many founders, leaders, and professionals who follow Susanne’s work, this recognition serves as a reminder that consistent contribution and high-quality insight matter. By sharing real-world experience, practical frameworks, and forward-looking analysis, Susanne continues to help shape how the fintech community understands:

• Emerging payments technologies
• Regulatory shifts in digital finance
• Digital identity frameworks
• The role of AI in financial services
• Global fintech trends and market opportunities

Her ability to bridge complex technical developments with practical applications for entrepreneurs and financial institutions is a major reason why she remains one of the sector’s most followed and respected voices.

A Proud Moment for the FINTECH Circle Community

We extend our warmest congratulations to Susanne for this outstanding achievement. Being recognised among the Top 25 Voices in Payments Worldwide and ranking #18 is a testament to her dedication, expertise, and unwavering passion for building a more inclusive, innovative, and collaborative global fintech ecosystem.

As FINTECH Circle continues to expand its impact through education, investment, networking, and industry insights, Susanne’s leadership remains a guiding force in shaping the future of digital finance.

To explore the full NORBr ranking, visit:

🔗 Full List: https://lnkd.in/gV5dgRsc

🔗 Official NORBr Announcement: https://lnkd.in/gS7rUxt8