The Payments Expert of the Year award recognises an individual who is currently shaping the payments industry with exceptional expertise, innovation, and forward-looking leadership. This award celebrates individuals who are driving meaningful change through their knowledge, leadership, and ability to influence industry advancements.

The nominee must have shown exceptional thought leadership and contributions to the payments industry. They should be pushing boundaries, addressing industry challenges, and demonstrating a commitment to the ongoing advancement in payments.

This award is open to individuals who have played a pivotal role in driving innovation, regulatory developments, technological advancements, or industry collaboration.

Nominations may be submitted by the nominee themselves or by another individual.

Entry eligibility

• The nominee’s expertise and contributions must have influenced the payments industry in one or several APAC markets.

To make a submission please provide the following information:

Nominee or nominator

• Entry name
• Name of nominating organisation
• Name(s) of nominated organisation(s)
• The nature of the business relationship between you as the nominator and the nominee company’s solution description

Payments Expert of the Year – Judging Criteria

Describe the nominee’s achievements under each criteria section.

1.   Nominee Background & Industry Expertise

Detail the nominee’s professional background and how they are recognised as a current expert in the field. Highlight active roles, specialisations, and the depth of their technical, regulatory, or market knowledge in payments.

2.   Innovation & Problem-Solving Impact (Recent 1–5 years)

Describe how the nominee has developed or contributed to cutting-edge solutions. What emerging challenges have they addressed? Showcase specific projects, technologies, or processes introduced.

3. Leadership & Industry Influence

How is the nominee driving change through industry collaboration, advocacy, or thought leadership? Include advisory roles, speaking engagements, or involvement in shaping policy or standards.

4. Results & Measurable Outcomes

Provide evidence of tangible impact: adoption rates, customer outcomes, improved efficiencies, or successful rollouts across APAC.

Evidence of Success – Metrics & Achievements

Please provide as much information as you can and quote the source of that information. Such information might include the following, but this is not an exhaustive list and, in each case, the judges will be looking for evidence that supports your claims about the key benefits of the nominees impact:

• Industry experience: Number of years the nominee has been active in the payments sector.
• Geographical impact: Markets where the nominee has made significant contributions, particularly in Asia Pacific.
• Project reach: Key initiatives, products, or regulatory changes the nominee has led or influenced.
• Measurable success: Tangible outcomes, such as adoption rates, transaction volume improvements, or policy changes driven by the nominee.
• Thought leadership: Publications, speaking engagements, or advisory roles that demonstrate the nominee’s influence in payments.

Please note that all data will be treated confidentially and will not be disclosed outside the immediate Category Judging Panel and the APAC Payments Excellence Awards team.