Overview

Led global financial strategy, overseeing EUR 8M+ transactions across Europe, North & South America, and Africa.

Daily Responsibilities:

• Strategic Financial Planning: P&L management across multiple jurisdictions, financial forecasting, and budget management
• Treasury & Cash Flow: Optimized cash flow management, liquidity planning, and working capital optimization for international operations
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensured compliance across multiple markets (Europe, Americas, Africa) with local and international regulations
• Financial Reporting: Board-level financial reporting, investor relations, and stakeholder communications
• Team Leadership: Built and led high-performing finance team across multiple countries

Position Specific Responsibilities:

International Expansion - Successfully established subsidiaries in Spain, Mexico, and Colombia, managing full regulatory approval processes, banking relationships, and operational setup. Ensured compliance with local financial regulations and established relationships with local authorities and financial institutions.

Revenue Growth & Cost Optimization - Delivered +23% revenue growth through strategic market entry, optimized pricing strategies, and geographic expansion. Achieved 9% cost reduction through process optimization, strategic vendor negotiations, and operational efficiency improvements.

Financial Systems & Infrastructure - Implemented advanced financial management systems including ERP integration, payment processing optimization, and automated reporting frameworks for enhanced decision-making and sustainability.

Risk Management - Developed comprehensive risk management frameworks covering FX risk, credit risk, operational risk, and regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions.

Achievement

Revenue Growth: Delivered +23% revenue growth through strategic market entry, optimized pricing, and geographic expansion.

Cost Reduction: Successfully reduced operational costs by 9% through process optimization, automation, and strategic vendor negotiations.

International Expansion: Successfully established subsidiaries in 3 countries (Spain, Mexico, Colombia) within 18 months, achieving full regulatory compliance and operational readiness.

Transaction Volume: Managed EUR 8M+ in transactions across multiple continents, maintaining 99.9% accuracy and regulatory compliance.

Team Building: Built and led high-performing finance team across international operations, fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional development.

Cash Flow Optimization: Implemented advanced cash flow forecasting and management systems, improving working capital efficiency and financial stability.

Risk Management: Implemented comprehensive risk management frameworks, reducing financial exposure by 15% while maintaining aggressive growth trajectory.

Overview

Strategic consulting firm specializing in fintech, banking, and insurance sectors, delivering payment system optimization, digital transformation, and process automation solutions.

Core Consulting Services:

• Payment Systems Integration: SWIFT, GPI, RTGS, and blockchain-based payment solutions implementation, enhancing transaction speed, security, and cost efficiency
• Digital Transformation: End-to-end digital transformation programs including process automation, AI integration, cloud migration, and legacy system modernization
• Regulatory Compliance: PSD2, GDPR, AML/KYC compliance frameworks, regulatory advisory, and audit preparation services
• Process Optimization: Lean Six Sigma methodologies for operational excellence, cost reduction, and quality improvement
• Risk & Treasury Management: Comprehensive risk frameworks, treasury optimization, and liquidity management solutions

Client Portfolio:

• Fintech Companies: Payment processors, digital wallets, neo-banks, and lending platforms
• Traditional Banking: Commercial banks, investment banks, and credit institutions
• Insurance Companies: Process automation, claims management, and digital transformation
• Enterprise Clients: Treasury management, payment optimization, and financial process reengineering

Technical Expertise:

Deep expertise in SWIFT GPI architecture, ISO 20022, cross-border payment systems, blockchain applications for finance, API integrations, cloud-based financial platforms (AWS, Azure), and modern payment infrastructure design.

Methodology:

Combines strategic advisory with hands-on implementation, delivering pragmatic solutions that balance innovation with regulatory compliance and operational reality.

Achievement

Operational Efficiency: Redesigned operational workflows for multiple financial institutions, achieving average efficiency improvements of 13% above industry benchmarks.

Payment Systems Implementation: Successfully implemented SWIFT GPI and RTGS solutions for 5+ financial institutions, reducing transaction settlement times by 40% and improving cross-border payment efficiency.

Digital Transformation: Led 10+ comprehensive digital transformation projects, integrating AI-driven analytics, robotic process automation, and blockchain technologies with measurable ROI.

Cost Reduction: Achieved average cost savings of 15% for clients through process reengineering, technology optimization, and vendor management improvements.

Regulatory Compliance: Ensured 100% regulatory compliance (PSD2, GDPR, AML) across all client implementations with zero violations or regulatory findings.

Client Portfolio Growth: Grew client base to 15+ financial institutions across banking, fintech, and insurance sectors with 95%+ satisfaction rate.

Innovation Leadership: Pioneered blockchain-based payment solutions and AI-driven risk management tools adopted by multiple clients.

Overview

Independent consulting services for banks, fintech companies, and large enterprises across Europe, specializing in financial strategy, digital payments, payment systems architecture, and operational transformation.

Core Consulting Services:

• Payment Systems Strategy: Advised on payment infrastructure optimization, SWIFT GPI implementation, RTGS integration, and cross-border payment solutions
• Digital Transformation: Led digital transformation initiatives including process automation, AI-based fraud prevention, and cloud-based financial platforms
• Financial Operations Optimization: Improved transaction efficiency, reduced operational costs, and enhanced revenue performance through process reengineering
• Regulatory Compliance: Designed compliance frameworks aligned with PSD2, GDPR, AML regulations, and global banking standards
• Risk Management: Implemented comprehensive risk management systems for financial institutions and fintech companies

Client Industries:

• Commercial and investment banks
• Fintech and payment service providers
• Insurance companies
• Large enterprise treasury operations
• Central banking institutions

Project Types:

Strategic advisory engagements, payment system implementations, operational efficiency projects, regulatory compliance initiatives, M&A due diligence, and interim management assignments across Europe.

Achievement

Payment Infrastructure Optimization: Optimized payment infrastructure for multiple clients, driving average revenue growth of 4.9% through improved transaction efficiency and reduced settlement times.

Cost Reduction Initiatives: Achieved average operational cost reduction of 9.3% across client engagements through automation, AI-based fraud prevention, and process reengineering.

Regulatory Compliance: Successfully designed and implemented compliance frameworks for 15+ financial institutions, ensuring adherence to PSD2, GDPR, AML, and global banking regulations with zero compliance violations.

SWIFT & Payment Systems: Led implementation of SWIFT GPI and RTGS solutions for multiple banks and financial institutions, improving cross-border payment efficiency and reducing settlement times.

Digital Transformation Projects: Delivered 20+ successful digital transformation projects, integrating modern payment technologies, automation platforms, and analytics capabilities.

Client Satisfaction: Maintained 95%+ client satisfaction rate with long-term partnerships and repeat engagements across banking, fintech, and enterprise sectors.

Industry Impact: Consulting engagements have collectively processed over EUR 5B+ in optimized payment flows and delivered measurable improvements in efficiency, compliance, and profitability.

Overview

Launched and scaled a new insurance business, growing staff from 8 to 115 employees in just 6 months.

Daily Operations:

• P&L management for EUR 12M+ budget, optimizing cash flow and revenue forecasting
• Operations management for insurance claims, policy administration, and customer service
• Team leadership - recruiting, training, and developing 115+ professionals
• Process optimization using Lean Six Sigma methodologies
• Stakeholder management with clients, vendors, and senior leadership

Position Specific Responsibilities:

Business Launch & Scaling - Successfully launched new insurance operations center in Sofia, scaling from 8 to 115 employees in 6 months while maintaining quality and compliance standards.

Employee Engagement - Reduced attrition rates from 38% to 12% in 6 months through comprehensive employee engagement initiatives, career development programs, and improved work culture.

Process Excellence - Sponsored 3 Green Belt and 2 Black Belt Lean Six Sigma projects, driving efficiency improvements across operations.

Financial Performance - Increased profitability by 17% via process automation and strategic resource reallocation.

Achievement

Revenue Growth: Achieved 27% revenue increase within first 6 months of operations through efficient scaling and process optimization.

Operational Efficiency: Improved operational efficiency by 35% through Lean Six Sigma-driven process automation.

Cost Savings: Delivered EUR 800K in annual savings through 5 successful Six Sigma projects (3 Green Belt, 2 Black Belt).

Team Growth: Successfully scaled team from 8 to 115 employees in 6 months while maintaining quality standards and operational excellence.

Attrition Reduction: Reduced employee attrition from 38% to 12% in 6 months through targeted engagement initiatives.

Profitability: Increased profitability by 17% through resource optimization and process improvements.

Overview

Specialized consulting engagement for a major financial institution, focusing on complex system integration, payment infrastructure optimization, and operational transformation.

Project Scope:

• System Integration: Led integration of multiple banking systems, payment platforms, and back-office applications to create unified operational environment
• Payment Infrastructure: Optimized payment processing infrastructure, improving transaction efficiency and reducing operational costs
• Process Optimization: Redesigned operational workflows and business processes to enhance efficiency and compliance
• Technical Architecture: Developed technical architecture and integration frameworks for complex multi-system environments
• Stakeholder Management: Collaborated with IT, operations, and business stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery

Key Responsibilities:

Project management for system integration initiatives, technical solution design, vendor management, testing coordination, and go-live support. Ensured seamless integration while maintaining business continuity and regulatory compliance.

Note: Client name confidential due to contractual non-disclosure agreements.

Achievement

System Integration Success: Successfully integrated multiple complex banking systems and payment platforms, ensuring seamless data flow and operational continuity.

Operational Efficiency: Improved operational efficiency through process optimization and system integration, reducing manual interventions and processing times.

On-Time Delivery: Delivered all project milestones on schedule, maintaining business operations throughout integration process with zero disruption to customer services.

Cost Optimization: Achieved cost savings through infrastructure consolidation and process automation during system integration.

Compliance Maintained: Ensured full regulatory compliance throughout integration process, meeting all banking regulations and audit requirements.

Overview

Led European finance operations for AIG, managing 125 specialists across Sofia and Vilnius, overseeing claims operations, intercompany clearing, accounts receivable/payable, and financial reconciliation.

Geographical representation of duties

Daily Operations:

• Claims operations across all business lines, including Contact Center – payments, invoices, inbound/outbound calls, adjudication, reserve calculation, and query resolution
• Intercompany clearing across EU, Americas, Asia, and Africa regions
• Management of outsourced service providers – reconciliation activities, escrow and in-count settlement, and reserve calculation
• Accounts Receivable/Collections including Contact Center - cash allocation, collections (AR and non-AR), first-level query management, GL postings, debt collections, and write-offs
• Accounts Payable - supplier invoices, tax updates, reconciliation, treasury, invoice and vendor management, T-wise reconciliation
• TPA metric reporting, direct marketing sales, and financial reconciliation

Position Specific Responsibilities:

Stakeholder Management - Led monthly and ad-hoc meetings, delivering KPI/SLA/QA reports, identifying new business opportunities, and managing issues and complaints. Responsible for all aspects of customer satisfaction, transition, and relationship management.

Project Management - Defined, negotiated, and signed off on key deliverables including QA standards, KPIs, SLAs, SOWs, migration timelines, training programs, and process maps (L1-L4). Maintained deep understanding of complex IT landscape, leading IT implementation, reorganization, upgrades, and development initiatives.

Staff Development & Operations - Managed hiring, continuous training and improvement, task distribution, on-call scheduling, and performance management. Provided mentorship, professional development, and succession planning.

Budget & Finance Operations - Managed cash flow and forecasting, owned operational budget, monitored and presented progress against financial metrics. Developed and maintained adequate internal controls, and coordinated all audit activities and compliance oversight.

Process Excellence (PEX) - Delivered headcount savings through continuous process map re-evaluation and improvement, implementing Lean Six Sigma methodologies for operational excellence.

Achievement

Payment Settlement Optimization: Improved payment settlement processing by 1 day, significantly enhancing cash flow efficiency.

Backlog Clearance: Successfully cleared historical backlog dating from 2008-2015 across major and complex lines of business.

Aged Debt Management: Improved clean cash position by 34% through strategic aged debt management initiatives.

Project Management Excellence: Successfully migrated 30 projects between June 2014 and January 2016, achieving an average migration timeline of 30 days from initiation through process mapping, SLA/SOW agreement, training, parallel run, to go-live. All projects delivered on time with zero delays.

Process Excellence Achievements: Realized savings of 19 headcount (60% above target) through process optimization and efficiency improvements.

Lean Six Sigma Certification: Developed 3 Yellow Belts and 4 Green Belts within the directorate, leading to total savings of 9 FTE through process improvements.

Overview

Led global payment operations for one of Europe's leading digital wallet providers, managing EUR 2.5B+ in annual transactions and establishing strategic partnerships with major financial institutions worldwide.

Daily Operations:

• Payment Processing Management: Oversaw seamless global payment processing with 99.97% success rate, ensuring high availability and reliability for millions of customer transactions
• Banking Relationships: Managed relationships with 20+ Tier-1 banks and payment service providers across Europe, Americas, and Asia
• Infrastructure Optimization: Continuously optimized payment infrastructure to reduce transaction failures, processing times, and operational costs while maintaining maximum uptime
• Compliance & Risk Management: Ensured compliance with PCI-DSS, AML/KYC regulations, and local payment regulations across multiple jurisdictions
• Strategic Planning: Participated in senior management strategic planning, product development, and market expansion initiatives

Position Specific Responsibilities:

Strategic Partnership Development - Secured partnerships with 20+ Tier-1 banks and PSPs, expanding Skrill's payment network and reducing operational costs by 15% through strategic vendor negotiations and optimized payment routing.

Product Development Leadership - Launched new digital wallet and prepaid card products, driving 23% revenue growth and acquiring 750K+ new users through innovative payment solutions.

Technical Infrastructure Management - Led infrastructure optimization initiatives that reduced transaction failures by 42%, cut processing times by 30%, and improved system uptime to 99.99%.

Team Leadership & Development - Built and led a high-performance team of 21 payment specialists, increasing productivity by 28% through training, process optimization, and performance management.

Senior Management Responsibilities - As member of senior management team, contributed to company strategy, participated in executive decision-making, and represented the payments function in board-level discussions.

Achievement

Transaction Volume Management: Successfully managed EUR 2.5B+ in annual payment transactions with 99.97% success rate, ensuring reliability and customer satisfaction.

Strategic Partnerships: Secured partnerships with 20+ Tier-1 banks and payment service providers, expanding Skrill's global network and improving payment routing efficiency.

Cost Reduction: Achieved 15% reduction in payment processing costs through strategic vendor negotiations, optimized routing, and infrastructure improvements.

Revenue Growth: Launched new digital wallet and prepaid card products that drove 23% revenue growth and acquired 750,000+ new users within first year.

Operational Excellence:

• Reduced transaction failures by 42%
• Cut processing times by 30%
• Improved system uptime to 99.99%

Team Performance: Led and developed high-performance team of 21 specialists, increasing productivity by 28% through continuous improvement initiatives and professional development programs.

Product Innovation: Successfully launched multiple payment products that enhanced customer experience and expanded Skrill's market position in the competitive digital wallet space.

Overview

Led critical card management system transformation and payment processing optimization initiatives for one of Bulgaria's largest banking institutions, managing the complex migration of card issuing and acquiring operations to UniCredit Group's centralized platform.

Core Responsibilities:

• CarMas System Migration Leadership: Directed the end-to-end migration of card issuing and acquiring systems from legacy platforms to UniCredit Group HQ's centralized CarMas platform, ensuring zero downtime during transition
• Payment Processing Optimization: Redesigned card transaction workflows, improving processing efficiency and system reliability across debit, credit, and prepaid card operations
• Cross-Functional Team Coordination: Managed collaboration between IT development, card operations, finance, risk management, and external vendors to ensure seamless system integration
• Technical Project Management: Oversaw technical specifications, testing protocols, UAT coordination, and production rollout across multiple card processing environments
• Operational Excellence: Established monitoring frameworks, incident response procedures, and continuous improvement processes for card processing operations
• Stakeholder Management: Coordinated with UniCredit Group HQ, local management, regulatory bodies, and card network providers (Visa, Mastercard) throughout the transformation

Project Scope:

Integration of issuing and acquiring platforms, transaction routing optimization, fraud detection system enhancement, settlement process automation, and compliance alignment with European banking standards and card scheme regulations.

Achievement

CarMas Migration Success: Successfully delivered the complete migration of card issuing and acquiring operations to UniCredit Group's centralized platform on schedule and within budget, managing 200,000+ active cards with zero customer impact during transition.

Transaction Error Reduction: Optimized card processing workflows and system configurations, reducing transaction errors by 28% and improving authorization success rates, directly enhancing customer experience and merchant satisfaction.

System Uptime Improvement: Increased card processing system uptime through improved monitoring, redundancy implementation, and proactive maintenance protocols, achieving 99.7% availability.

Cross-Border Processing Efficiency: Enhanced international card transaction processing through improved routing logic and settlement optimization, reducing cross-border transaction costs by 15%.

Team Performance: Built and led high-performing cross-functional teams of 12+ specialists across IT, operations, and finance, fostering collaboration culture that delivered complex technical projects ahead of schedule.

Process Standardization: Established standardized card operations procedures aligned with UniCredit Group standards, enabling scalability and operational consistency across the bank's card portfolio.

Regulatory Compliance: Ensured full compliance with PCI DSS, European Payment Services Directive, and card scheme regulations throughout the migration and operational transformation.

Overview

Overall management of company operations in Bulgaria

Daily Operations:

• Finance, Budget & Cash Management: Managed ATM deployment and exploitation, reconciliation, dispute management, and arbitrations. Analyzed, managed, and approved cash flows, including withdrawals from participant banks, ATM refills, and returned amounts. Forecasted cash flow and effectively managed the team responsible for cash supply.
• Transaction & Reconciliation: Monitored day-to-day transactions, reversals, chargebacks, and re-presentments. Led decision-making processes in accordance with payment card industry standards. Implemented company rules and regulations for transaction reconciliation. Managed CIT (Cash in Transit) operations, controlling input/output performed by CIT company, including daily vault balance statements, ATM revision acts, ATM visit files, and fee collections.

Position Specific Responsibilities:

Stakeholder Management - Led communication and decision-making processes with senior and operations management of participant banks including DSK Bank, UniCredit Bulbank, and Invest Bank. Participated in project management initiatives connected to HQ operations.

Project Management - Led TBI Bank implementation and developed comprehensive risk management system based on HQ and PCI standards. Implemented fraud prevention measures and MasterCard certification initiatives.

Budget & Finance Operations - Managed cash flow and forecasting, owned operational budget, monitored and presented progress against financial metrics. Developed and maintained adequate internal controls, coordinated all audit activities, and oversaw compliance.

Card Services - Managed daily operational cycle for Bulgaria MasterCard issuing and acquiring, including daily cooperation with TBI Bulgaria Card department, fraud department, and security department management.

Achievement

Fraud Prevention System: Introduced enhanced fraud prevention system, preventing losses totaling EUR 35,000 from fraudulent transactions.

Euronet IAD Network Roll-out: Successfully launched Euronet IAD network project from start (July 4, 2007) to production (August 21, 2007). Grew ATM network from 17 machines at launch to 80 ATMs throughout the country by May 2008.

TBI Bank Project: Successfully completed TBI project including negotiations on specifications, file processing, card embossing, pin printing, telecom connections, and general system architecture connecting Euronet's 2 processing centers (Serbia and Greece) with Borica HQ. Project timeline: November 2007 - May 2008.

PCI Compliance Initiative: Participated in HQ efforts to achieve PCI compliant company recognition by MasterCard and Visa, implementing PCI requirements without disrupting local office operations.

MasterCard Certification: Successfully completed ETED (Electronic Terminal Emulation Device) testing with MasterCard International (January 2008) and passed MC DSK Bank demo tests (February 2008) with approval for go-live.

EMV Compliance Leadership: Achieved 100% EMV compliance across all ATMs by September 2007, eliminating chip capability shift liability and becoming the first company in the Bulgarian market with complete EMV status.

Overview

Pioneered digital banking initiatives for one of Bulgaria's leading banks, developing innovative electronic banking services and IT infrastructure that transformed customer experience and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Corporate Intranet Development: Designed, developed, and implemented the bank's comprehensive corporate intranet system, improving internal communication, document management, and operational workflow efficiency
• Electronic Banking Services: Introduced new electronic banking services including ATM bill payments, phone banking systems, and online mass payment processing capabilities
• Digital Platform Development: Led development of the bank's first corporate website with integrated online banking features, establishing the foundation for digital customer engagement
• IT Strategy Development: Developed comprehensive strategies for implementing new IT technologies in electronic banking services, positioning the bank as an early adopter of digital banking solutions

Technical Leadership:

Served as technical lead for digital banking transformation projects, working with cross-functional teams including IT development, business units, and external vendors. Translated business requirements into technical specifications and managed end-to-end implementation of electronic banking platforms.

Innovation & Process Optimization:

Identified opportunities for automation and digital service delivery, implementing solutions that reduced manual processes and improved customer satisfaction. Established best practices for electronic banking operations and security protocols.

Achievement

Corporate Intranet Launch: Successfully designed and implemented the bank's first comprehensive corporate intranet, improving internal communication efficiency and document tracking capabilities.

Digital Banking Innovation: Introduced multiple electronic banking services (ATM bill payments, phone banking, online mass payments) that enhanced customer convenience and reduced operational costs.

First Corporate Website: Led development and launch of the bank's first corporate website with integrated online banking features, establishing the bank's digital presence and customer engagement platform.

IT Strategy Implementation: Developed and executed IT technology strategies that positioned the bank as an early leader in electronic banking services within the Bulgarian market.

Process Automation: Successfully automated multiple manual banking processes, reducing processing times and improving operational efficiency across multiple departments.

Customer Experience Enhancement: Digital banking initiatives significantly improved customer satisfaction scores and attracted new customer segments to the bank.