With over three decades of experience in the payments industry, Terry Monteith stands as a pioneering figure in Fintech. Her role as a Fintech executive and consultant has not only helped her overcome numerous industry barriers but also inspired other women to ascend to senior management roles within the sector. In recognition of her influence and leadership, Monteith was a finalist for the Women in Payments Distinguished Payments Professional Award in 2020. By 2022, she was celebrated among the top 30 women leaders in Fintech by Financial I.T., a testament to her significant impact on the field.

Monteith's expertise spans across global payment technologies, including cross-border payments and payment facilitation. Her strategic insights have been instrumental in building efficient payment processing networks, optimizing global and mobile checkout processes, and enhancing payment success rates, all while minimizing costs for thousands of businesses worldwide. Her efforts have not only optimized existing systems but have also paved the way for more innovative financial interactions on a global scale.

A Thought Leader and Trailblazer

Throughout her career, Monteith has been a vocal advocate for inclusivity in Fintech. She has penned numerous thought-leadership articles for prestigious publications such as the ABA Banking Journal, Mass Technology Leadership Council (MTLC), and Finextra. Her writings often focus on making Fintech more inclusive and providing strategies to elevate women within the sector. She argues that the industry must address the unique challenges women face and develop actionable solutions to create a more welcoming environment. Additionally, she offers practical advice for women aiming to succeed in Fintech, emphasizing the importance of integrating Fintech studies into college curricula to foster early interest and involvement.

Monteith's Career Journey

Monteith's professional journey began at First National Bank of Maryland (now M&T Bank), where she served as Vice President of Online Payments for four years. She then transitioned to P&H Solutions in Newton, Massachusetts, taking on the role of Senior Vice President of Product and Sales Support for over a decade. During her tenure, she led her team in developing the company's first Internet payment platform for businesses. Under her leadership, P&H Solutions captured 80% of the U.S. banking market, eventually being acquired by ACI Worldwide in 2006—a move that yielded a tenfold return on investment for P&H's venture backers.

Following the acquisition, she joined ACI Worldwide as Senior Vice President, Solutions Consulting & Sales Support, contributing significantly over seven years. ACI Worldwide, a prominent software company, offers real-time payment solutions enabling omni-commerce for corporations across 95 countries. Monteith's global role had her collaborating with offices in 23 countries, enhancing her perspective and expertise on international payment solutions.

Her subsequent role at BlueSnap marked another significant phase of her career. At BlueSnap, she worked on their Payment Orchestration Platform™, facilitating simple, global payment acceptance for B2B and B2C merchants. Over her 11 years with the company, she was pivotal in establishing a network of over 30 international banks, which significantly bolstered local payment processing capabilities and supported businesses in achieving greater financial efficiency and growth.

Currently, Monteith serves as an independent Strategic Payments Advisor. In this capacity, she collaborates with Fintech investors and various companies, including KemKids, a central dance organization in Palm Beach County, Florida. Her role involves optimizing payment structures to enhance financial operations and customer satisfaction.

Her Education

Terry Monteith's academic background is as impressive as her professional achievements. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration with a Minor in Spanish from Florida International University, followed by an MBA in Marketing and Finance from the University of Maryland.

Making a Difference

Beyond her professional pursuits, Monteith is deeply committed to charitable work. She is actively involved with A Wider Circle in Maryland, an organization dedicated to assisting families in poverty by providing essential services and employment support. Her engagement began when her children started volunteering through their school, sparking a family-wide commitment to the cause.

In Florida, her home state, she supports the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, an organization dedicated to wildlife rescue and environmental education. Over four decades, the sanctuary has rescued a variety of native animals and provided educational programs to foster community engagement and conservation efforts.

Moreover, Monteith and her family are enthusiastic supporters of Ali Cat Rescue in Wellington, Florida. This organization is close to their hearts, especially since her daughter adopted a cat from there, further solidifying their bond with the group's mission to improve the welfare of cats and kittens.

Her Love of Travel

When she isn't steering through the complex world of global payments, Monteith indulges her passion for travel. She explores new cultures, traditions, and landscapes, eager to share these experiences with her children and create lasting memories. Her travels not only enrich her personal life but also broaden her understanding of global markets, influencing her professional insights.

A Balanced Life

Staying active and healthy is another priority for Monteith. She integrates regular walks and exercises into her routine and enjoys cooking, often experimenting with recipes inspired by her travels. This blend of professional ambition, personal fulfillment, and community involvement makes Terry Monteith a remarkable leader in Fintech and beyond.

Terry was born and raised in Miami, Florida, and now resides in North Bethesda, Maryland. Her journey from a pioneering executive to a thoughtful leader continues to inspire many within and outside the Fintech industry.

Terry Monteith's Journey from VP to Fintech Industry Leader