Nikhita Hyett: Pioneering Fintech as Managing Director for Europe at BlueSnap

Current Role in Tech

Nikhita Hyett serves as the Managing Director for Europe at BlueSnap, a leading fintech payments platform. In her role, she spearheads the company’s European operations, with a particular emphasis on expanding BlueSnap’s presence in the UK and across Europe. Her responsibilities encompass a wide range of areas, including sales, partnerships, account management, and product development. Nikhita is deeply involved in shaping BlueSnap’s strategy, balancing both global objectives and local market needs.

Transition from Journalism to Fintech

Nikhita’s journey into fintech is both unique and inspiring. Originally a tabloid news journalist, she later transitioned to magazines, where she took on the role of showbiz editor for a women’s weekly publication. However, after the birth of her first child, she returned to work only to realize that her passion had waned. Observing her husband’s flourishing career in fintech sparked a pivotal moment for her. “That’s what I need to be doing!” she recalled, leading her to make the bold decision to pivot her career towards the fintech sector.

Excitement in the Fintech Sector

When asked about what excites her most about working in fintech, Nikhita’s enthusiasm is palpable. “I’m literally excited about everything,” she exclaims. The rapid evolution of technology has transformed payments from a mundane administrative task into a dynamic and critical component of business success. Nikhita emphasizes that payments can be the deciding factor in closing a sale, making the sector not only interesting but essential. She is particularly eager about future innovations in payments and fintech, viewing even regulatory changes as opportunities for growth and creativity.

Support Systems in Fintech

Nikhita acknowledges the importance of support in her career. She is fortunate to be surrounded by a network of colleagues, friends, and mentors who provide valuable insights and encouragement. “I have an amazing mentor at BlueSnap,” she notes, highlighting the instrumental role this relationship has played in her professional development. Additionally, her husband serves as a significant source of inspiration and support, reinforcing the value of a strong personal network in navigating the challenges of the fintech landscape.

Advice for Aspiring Fintech Professionals

For those looking to break into fintech, Nikhita offers straightforward advice: “Go for it!” She emphasizes the importance of authenticity, encouraging individuals to be themselves in a field that has evolved beyond traditional banking stereotypes. “Payments is not about banks or banking anymore,” she asserts, reflecting on her experiences at both Adyen and BlueSnap, where a culture of innovation and openness thrives.

Reflections on Personal Growth

Looking back, Nikhita wishes she could tell her younger self to be patient. “Great things will come!” she advises, underscoring the importance of perseverance and resilience in achieving one’s goals. This perspective is particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced world, where immediate results are often expected.

Embracing Challenges

The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is #ChoosetoChallenge, a sentiment that resonates deeply with Nikhita. She thrives on challenges, often finding that stepping outside her comfort zone leads to personal and professional growth. However, she candidly admits that balancing new job responsibilities during a pandemic, while managing family life, has tested her limits. “Both my husband and I starting new jobs during a pandemic, with kids at home, has definitely stretched our challenge thresholds,” she reflects.

Navigating Current Career Challenges

Currently, one of Nikhita’s biggest challenges is adapting to the role of a teacher for her children during remote learning. “I failed miserably,” she admits with a laugh, but she is grateful that her kids are back in school. Despite the daily hurdles she faces in her career, Nikhita finds motivation in her team, encouragement from clients, and support from her family, all of which help her maintain perspective.

About BlueSnap

BlueSnap is a global payment services provider that simplifies the payment process for businesses, handling everything from online stores to cross-border sales and subscriptions. The company has been vocal about the lessons the industry can learn from recent events, such as the Wirecard fallout, particularly regarding regulation and multi-acquiring strategies. BlueSnap’s All-in-One Payment Platform is designed to enhance sales and reduce costs for both B2B and B2C businesses, offering access to over 110 payment types, including popular eWallets, and built-in fraud prevention measures.

Nikhita Hyett’s Background

Nikhita Hyett brings a wealth of experience to her role at BlueSnap, having previously worked at payment provider Adyen and retail technology company Global Blue. Her expertise in strategic partnerships and customer relations positions her well to lead BlueSnap’s mission of equipping merchants with cutting-edge payment technology. With a focus on accelerating global commerce through online and mobile sales, Nikhita is dedicated to driving innovation in the fintech space.