Martin Waldemarsson – our Evel Knievel of fintech.

It’s said that extreme sports athletes are not just daredevils; they also excel at risk calculation. Understanding and managing risk is crucial, whether you’re throwing yourself from a cliff or jumping a 40-meter gap on a motorcycle. It’s just as important in payments, so we’ve hired the Evel Knievel of fintech, Martin Waldemarsson!

Hi, Martin! Please tell us about your role at Finshark.

I am the Head of Risk and Models. My role involves identifying and mitigating the risk of our products being used in association with criminal activity, as well as validating that our models and processes work as expected.

That sounds really exciting! What are you currently working on?

We have plenty of exciting projects coming up. Unfortunately, they are top secret for now, but stay tuned!

Oh, come on! You’ve got to give us a little something.

 No, sorry, I can’t reveal anything!

Pretty please..?

Oh, all right. We’re going to this is classified! and then Finshark will this is a secret, don’t try to read!.

Uhm… Ok, no, we can’t publish that! If we instead focus on the big picture, what are some of the main challenges you foresee in the fintech industry regarding risk management?

Things are happening so fast with tech advancements; the playing field and the rules are always changing; you must be prepared to adapt. This means keeping pace with, or in the best of worlds being one step ahead of, both cybercrime and financial authority guidelines, because in this line of work, you can’t sit around and wait for instructions, it’s better to act than react.  

Let’s not sit around and move on with the interview then! What do you like the most about your new job?

I really enjoy working with skilled professionals who are passionate about fintech and Financial Crime Prevention (FCP). It’s also easy to enjoy your job when the technology and products are top-of-the-line, the goals are set high, and the company is steadily advancing.

Sounds like you’ve come to the right place. What were you doing before joining Finshark?

I worked in FCP at a more traditional bank. I’ve been in banking for 12 years, the first 7 years in Malmö and Stockholm and the last 5 years in Copenhagen.

What made you join the team in Lund?

The exciting possibilities of a fintech startup in an interesting phase, geographically close to where I live (Malmö). That doesn’t happen too often.

Is the fintech world as exciting as they say?

I definitely think so. There aren’t many fields where so many advancements are being made simultaneously and at such a high pace.

How do you think Finshark can position itself as a leader in the fintech industry?

It is important to have a holistic approach. It’s not enough to have the best payment product, you also need to be surrounded by a great group of people working as one, have a clear vision for the future, and, at the same time, be adaptable to change. This is where the Finshark team will succeed!  

Pärla and Smörgåstårta? Well, you are Swedish, for sure! What more can you tell us about yourself?

I am 35 years old, living in Malmö with my wife Karin and two kids, Assar and Uno, aged 6 and 8. I partly grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where I attended kindergarten. I’ve spent the last 5 years working in Copenhagen, a city I really love.

In my free time, I coach my eldest son’s football team and accompany my younger son to wrestling practice. I also enjoy cooking and having dinner with family and close friends. Furthermore, music in any shape or form is a passion of mine, whether it’s listening at home, going to concerts, or playing music on my guitar or digitally.

What would you be doing if you weren’t Head of Risk and Models? 

I would be a very successful football player for Malmö FF. Unfortunately, this did not happen due to unlucky circumstances, nothing to do with lack of talent. 

With kids, I suspect you will take the opportunity to work some days from home. Have you got any tips for people working remotely?

Ensure you have a good ergonomic setup, including an adjustable desk and chair, good lighting, and so on. Also, remember to take breaks occasionally, go for short walks, or stay active in some other way between meetings.

Martin may never have become the football star he once dreamed of, but at least now he can coach future stars. Creating a better future both financially and football-wise. Who could ask for more? We’re glad to have you with us, you little daredevil!