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Viktoria Soltesz: the Online Payments Pro Teaching Us How Money Moves

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Viktoria Soltesz is a Payment Consultant, BusinessWoman of the Year 2023, and now an Author, with her book “Moving Money – How Banks Think”, being published on all Amazon stores since early January 2024.

Viktoria is the founder and CEO of PSP Angels Group – an independent payment consulting firm with a vast understanding of the payment market, and an extended network of banks and financial providers, offering personalized payment consulting services, helping clients operate their business globally.

In her book, “Moving Money – How Banks Think”, she walks the reader through the history of transactions and financial systems, offers a detailed explanation of basic banking principles, and delves deep into payment solutions, requirements, risk policies, and compliance limitations associated with online payments.

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Viktoria, congratulations on the publication of your book, and thank you for joining us to share more information about it with our readers! In the Foreword of the book, you introduce yourself, detailing your professional background and your fascinating journey into the world of online payments. Can you please give us a short introduction here as well?

My adventure began in England, where I worked for a well-known accounting software company, witnessing firsthand the globalization of financial practices. My move to Cyprus coincided with the adoption of the Euro, offering me unique insights into the island’s financial dynamics. In Cyprus, I started working in accounting and finance, offering tax planning and managing complex global transactions. When I faced various payment and banking compliance challenges, I determined to understand the payment industry and founded PSP Angels, an independent payment consultancy. My goal with the book is to simplify the payment and banking industry, educate businesses about the importance of compliance, and foster understanding between clients and payment service providers.

Blending personal anecdotes, real time stories and my professional experiences, I describe the challenges businesses face in navigating the evolving landscape of online payments. The book aspires to contribute to making online payments more efficient, secure, and understandable, while encouraging open discussions within the industry.

 

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In the book, you speak of “Financial Literacy” and “Payments Literacy”, and how this fundamental knowledge is not taught in schools. Can you give us a brief summary of the key points that businesses should be aware of and take into consideration when setting up their financial operations? What are the basics of “Financial Literacy” and “Payments Literacy”?

Finance is the language of business and understanding the basics of accounting, taxes, and financial expressions is a must for every business. Financial Literacy is the knowledge to manage money effectively, and plan for future financial goals. Knowing the financial terms and concepts helps businesses to make informed decisions regarding savings, investments, and debt. On the other hand, Payments Literacy is often neglected and misunderstood. The concept of “how money moves” globally is not taught in schools, however today all businesses need to understand how to navigate various payment methods, systems, and processes. Payments Literacy encompasses a range of topics related to financial transactions, including online payments, electronic transfers, and traditional banking methods. It is essential for businesses to understand cybersecurity, the various compliance and regulatory environments, plan banking and payments ahead and source and select the relevant providers for these transactions. All international companies need to be aware of diverse payment methods to align with local customer preferences. Payments Literacy is complementing Financial Literacy and they are both vital for effective business operations.

 

As you describe your journey into payments and how the problems you encountered lead to understanding, you share instances of complicated structures, early financial compliance attempts and rigid bank processes around the mid ‘00s to 2010s. How has the landscape evolved by now? Would you say that compliance has found its footing, have the banking and payments processes become more clear and friendly to businesses and consumers alike?

I believe that challenges in payment and banking have become more complex and will continue to evolve. With the increasing shift of businesses to online platforms and their expansion into international markets, complexities in payment and banking processes are on the rise for everyone involved. Maintaining transparency, ensuring compliance, and managing the risks associated with uncertain territories and service providers has become a challenging task. The emergence of new technologies, such as crypto payments, and the variety of currency and asset management options add an extra layer of complexity to these challenges. Not to mention the various cybersecurity and data protection requirements, too. Businesses today not only need to be experts in the traditional financial structures but also have to adapt to the dynamic landscape of digital payments, banking, and payment methods. Successfully addressing these multifaceted challenges requires heightened awareness, strategic planning, and a commitment to staying informed about evolving technologies and about the ever-changing regulatory landscapes.

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How has Fintech played a pivotal role in shaping the evolution of the payment market, and what key contributions or innovations has it introduced over the course of its history?

Fintech became a powerful force reshaping the traditional banking and payment market. Innovations in such a conventional industry was much needed and have significantly improve the efficiency and accessibility of financial transactions. One noteworthy contribution is the introduction of mobile payments, enabling individuals and businesses to seamlessly conduct transactions through their smartphones. This shift to mobile-centric solutions not only simplifies the payment process but also promotes financial inclusivity, reaching individuals who may not have had access to traditional banking services. This has opened up new markets for global trade.

Fintech also brought us the digital wallets and peer-to-peer payment platforms, facilitating fast and secure fund transfers. These innovations have transformed consumer expectations, placing emphasis on speed, convenience, and heightened security in financial transactions. Fintech has driven progress in data analytics, enabling more sophisticated risk assessment and fraud prevention measures. The integration of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) has played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration between financial institutions and Fintech entities. This interconnected ecosystem has resulted in the creation of diverse financial solutions, ranging from automated budgeting tools to advanced investment platforms.

 

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Speaking of Fintech, in practical terms, how are Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies currently being utilized in everyday applications within the payments system, and what impact are they having on traditional payment methods?

Blockchain and cryptocurrencies, although holding significant promise, currently face challenges in practical application within everyday payment systems. Unfortunately, these technologies have become vulnerable to misuse and scams due to the absence of regulation, undermining their positive potential. Despite their increasing adoption, the tarnished reputation blocks widespread acceptance. In every country, authorities worry that unmonitored transactions may facilitate tax evasion or criminal activities. Although efforts are underway to implement regulations and bring order to the landscape, the current situation remains complex, still providing opportunities for creative individuals to exploit gray areas. The potential benefits of blockchain and cryptocurrencies, such as enhanced security and transparency, are unfortunately still overshadowed by instances of misuse. Achieving widespread adoption necessitates not only technological advancements but also a coordinated effort to address regulatory ambiguities. It is crucial to educate users about the legitimate and responsible use of these innovations. Until a balanced and well-regulated approach is established, the transformative potential of blockchain and cryptocurrencies may be hindered by their association with illicit activities. This underscores the critical need for a comprehensive and carefully regulated integration into mainstream payment systems.

 

Readers will have the opportunity to meet you and get their book copies signed at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit, on 26-27 March 2024; you will be participating as an expert speaker in two panels: “Navigating the Future: Integrating iGaming, AI, Fintech, and Advertising with Compliance and Data Privacy”, and “Capital Navigation: Expert Strategies for Securing Investment”. Can you give us a sneak-peek of the key points you will be discussing?

In the upcoming discussion, I’ll be sharing practical tips to help the audience navigate common challenges with banking and payment pproviders and their products, digital assets, and other payment methods, mainly present for the iGaming sector. My focus is on providing valuable insights into more cost-effective and secure banking and payment providers. Unfortunately, the iGaming sector is still facing serious payment and banking challenges, and complexities of global fund transfers. I’ll offer advice on executing these transactions in a safer and more economical manner. The aim is to deliver substantial content value to the audience by offering real-life tips and conducting workshops that empower individuals to navigate the intricacies of financial transactions with confidence.

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In ‘Moving Money – How Banks Think, you mention that your goal is to introduce a new approach in both payment planning and execution. What are the key insights that businesspeople and everyday individuals can gain from your book, and in what areas can they seek your professional consultation?

In the book, I’ve distilled years of experience into a practical method outlined in the Strategy section, serving as a step-by-step guide to minimize risk and optimize costs for any online business. My consultancy work aims to bridge knowledge gaps by providing a detailed explanation of basic banking principles and fundamental economic concepts. I assist businesses by offering insights on staying updated about emerging payment and banking trends. My work helps clarifying various aspects and benefits of online payment solutions, positioning for innovation, seizing growth opportunities, exploring global payment methods and their impact on customer satisfaction, acquisition, and retention. I also provide guidance on understanding various regulations and compliance for navigating legal landscapes, ensuring data security and protecting consumer rights. My 20+ years payment and financial experience helps businesses creating effective payment plans for their complex online payment and banking flows. This comprehensive approach is designed to empower businesses with the necessary knowledge and strategic insights to successfully navigate the intricate world of payments.

 

Thank you for your time and this riveting interview, Viktoria! We look forward to seeing you at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit this March, learn more about the exciting updates in the ever-evolving world of payments, and get our books signed!

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Conferences in Europe

SOFTSWISS Developer Conference Highlights Engineering Strength in High-Load iGaming

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SOFTSWISS, a global igaming software provider, has hosted one of its largest internal developer conferences. The closed-door event in Warsaw brought together over 100 product and engineering specialists to share their experience on building robust iGaming infrastructure, scalability, and technology resilience.

Designed to accelerate cross-functional collaboration and drive technical excellence, the conference agenda featured ten selected talks focused on mission-critical topics such as platform architecture, high-load performance, risk management, and structured thinking – all vital to the stability and success of modern iGaming operations.

“Behind every seamless gaming experience is a robust, well-architected platform that can perform under pressure,” said Sergey Kastukevich, Deputy Chief Technology Officer at SOFTSWISS. “This conference reflects our belief that high-performance technology is the foundation of long-term operator success. It’s where ideas are tested, knowledge is shared, and better systems are built.”

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The speaker line-up was curated from a highly competitive pool, with three applications submitted for every available slot. The final agenda reflected both the technical depth and practical expertise required to operate at scale in the iGaming industry, offering value beyond core engineering topics.

“Most of the topics revolved around strategic challenges aimed at improving efficiency, stability, speed, cost, and process optimisation. That defines who we are as a company: we are a global tech company with 16 years of experience, our products are mature, and what matters now is how we process large volumes of data reliably and build scalable knowledge bases. These are applied, enterprise-level issues,” highlighted Stanislau Biarkovich, Principal Architecture Manager and one of the internal organisers of the conference.

 

Among the standout sessions were:

“An Economist’s Guide to Architecting and Building Web-Scale Platforms” – a talk connecting infrastructure decisions with economic principles, delivered by Brian Azzopardi, Head of Engineering.

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“How Risk Management Techniques Could Make Business – and Your Life – More Effective” – a session by Sergei Laiter, Risk and Process Manager, highlighting the strategic thinking behind resilient tech systems.

Attendees included engineers and product leaders from SOFTSWISS offices across Europe.

As part of its broader commitment to innovation and community engagement, SOFTSWISS also participated in Code Europe 2025, one of the continent’s top tech festivals. Representing the company on the public stage, Artem Bychkov, Deputy Chief Security Officer, delivered a keynote titled “Groundhog Day: Lessons from 20 Years in Security”, shedding light on recurring cybersecurity blind spots and their impact on digital business resilience – including in iGaming.

With demand for stable, scalable, and secure platforms at an all-time high, SOFTSWISS continues to invest in its global engineering culture to ensure that its partners –  including operators, aggregators, and affiliate programs – can grow with confidence.

 

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About SOFTSWISS

SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS complies with a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 30,000 casino games, the Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.

The post SOFTSWISS Developer Conference Highlights Engineering Strength in High-Load iGaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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EGT Digital to present its brand-new products designed to perform at iGB Live 2025

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This year’s iGB Live is the next destination where EGT Digital will present a selection of impressive new releases, product upgrades and popular bestsellers from its portfolio. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the company’s latest innovations at stand N50.

Part of the exciting new lineup is the upcoming slot Power & Glory: Athena, which will be launched as part of the popular Clover Chance jackpot series. The game invites players to challenge the Greek goddess in exchange for a rich mix of cascading wins and dynamic bonus features.

Together with it, guests can explore EGT Digital’s extensive portfolio of over 140 in-house developed casino titles, covering a wide variety of themes and mechanics. On display will be also the company’s standout jackpot solutions Bell Link, High Cash, Single Progressive Jackpot, and the latest Gods & Kings Link.

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EGT Digital’s iGaming platform X-Nave will demonstrate how its modular architecture helps operators build and grow successful online businesses. Its 4 main modules – Sport Product, Gaming Aggregator, CRM Engine, and Payment Gateway, can be used as part of the complete solution or integrated individually into third-party platforms. Each module has been upgraded with new functionalities, which will be showcased at iGB Live 2025.

New features are coming to the Sport Product module, bringing a more dynamic and personalized betting experience. Among the highlights is the Early Payout option for live events, giving players the chance to lock in a win as soon as their team takes a 2-goal lead. The updated eSports menu introduces a new visually engaging layout that makes browsing and navigation effortless. To further tailor the experience, the new Sports Recommendation Engine delivers real-time, personalized suggestions based on individual betting history and behavior. A predefined multiple bets container now appears in the Sports lobby, displaying both original and boosted odds. With the enhanced Quick Deposit feature, players can top up their accounts instantly while staying within their financial limits.

X-Nave’s Gaming Aggregator will present its expanded game library, which now includes more than 24,000 titles from over 150 providers. Attendees will get acquainted with the Client Hub, which offers easy access to game resources and features, jackpots, documentation, and certificates. In addition, now operators will be able to manage bonuses through the Aggregator, thanks to the module’s built-in bonus support.

The Payment Gateway will introduce several important upgrades designed to improve flexibility and player convenience. One of the latest additions is the Stacking Deposits feature, which allows multiple consecutive deposits to be combined toward activating a bonus. The PIX method now enables players to make deposits straight from the game window, while the Quick Deposit functionality continues to support fast and seamless top-ups. The platform users will also have at their disposal Google Pay as a deposit option and Apple Pay as a withdrawal option. Fully automated deposits and withdrawals via bank transfer will be also available.

Last but not least, the Standalone payment gateway will be presented too. This is a new separate product, which includes all features of the Payment Gateway: transaction monitoring, rule engine, integrations with payment methods, and allows integration with X-Nave and platforms of other providers.

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Tsvetomira Drumeva, Head of Sales at EGT Digital, commented: “I always look forward to iGB Live, as this event traditionally provides us with the chance to showcase our innovative solutions to a wide range of professionals from all over the world and to strengthen our existing partnerships, as well as start new high-potential collaborations. This year, my excitement is even greater as the show will be held in a new place – London, which has already established itself over the years as a preferred location for holding large-scale gaming exhibitions. I am confident that our participation in iGB Live 2025 will be a great success, meeting and even exceeding our expectations.”

The post EGT Digital to present its brand-new products designed to perform at iGB Live 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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iGB L!VE to champion player protection

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The Sustainable Gambling Zone (SGZ) located on stand Q30 at iGB L!VE will reflect the very latest thinking on player protection delivered by a mix of not for profit and private sector companies including Yaspa, Experian, Department of Trust, Gordon Moody and BetBlocker  – the 2025 Clarion Gaming charity partner.

Visitors to the Zone will have the opportunity to connect directly with specialists in responsible gambling, mental health, and consumer protection, learn about the latest technological advances and initiatives designed to enhance player safety and well-being, attend thought-provoking sessions and workshops focused on best practice and foster collaborations aimed at driving positive change across the industry.

Explaining the evolution of Clarion Gaming’s commitment to player protection Managing Director Stuart Hunter said: “I’m extremely proud that we became the first b2b gambling event to champion player protection when we launched the Consumer Protection Zone at ICE 2018.

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“The journey of the Sustainable Gambling Zone has been nothing short of remarkable. What began as a ground-breaking initiative has evolved into a powerful symbol of the industry’s collective commitment to sustainability. As the home of the iGaming community moves to London, the heart of the iGaming industry, the SGZ will once again underscore our belief that player experience and responsible practices are fundamental to long-term success.”

Naomi Barton Portfolio Director iGB events added: “World class exhibitions provide a powerful platform for engagement. The opportunity to bring together the international industry with its regulators in a professional environment is a key opportunity to ensure that gaming regulation delivers robust player protection undertakings within a framework which allows the industry to grow.

“We remain utterly committed to supporting safer gambling and the promotion of regulated markets. The SGZ provides a focus for our attendees to understand, implement, and champion the responsible principles that underpin a healthy and thriving iGaming sector. We invite all 15,000+ iGaming professionals attending iGBLive 2025 to visit the SGZ and be part of what promise to be vital conversations.”

iGB L!VE: 2 – 3 JULY, 2025 | ExCel London

The post iGB L!VE to champion player protection appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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