FintechZoom.com | Your Gateway to Financial Insights

In profile: Capitalixe co-founder Lissele Pratt

In profile: Capitalixe co-founder Lissele Pratt


Breaking the mold and the status quo is enough to see an innovative company as a financial institution at a risk. But things should not be punished for being a forward-looking thinker. Make sure that’s not the case Capitalixe It is to serve those who may not have access to financial services.

Specializes in high-risk industries such as cryptocurrency, offshore banking, gambling, etc. Capitalixe Financial solutions are being provided to corporate and institutional clients around the world, such as banking solutions, crypto-friendly bank accounts, cross-border payments and large-scale payments.

We have more than a decade of experience in the finance industry and have been ahead of Capitalixe in six years, we talked about Lissele PrattThe company is co-founder to learn more about the opportunities and challenges she and Capitalixe face in the industry.

Tell us more about your company and its purpose
Capitalixe co-founder Lissele Pratt,Capitalixe co-founder Lissele Pratt,
Capitalixe Co-founder Lissele Pratt

At Capitalixe, we exist for companies that everyone else ignores. We are here to serve the disruptors who have always pushed towards profit margins in the traditional financial world.

Whether it’s cryptocurrency, games, investment platforms, or other “underserved” industries, these companies often innovate faster than the surrounding systems. As a result, they denied the tools they needed to operate, such as basic banking and payment infrastructure.

We are award-winning FinTech Consulting with a true global footprint, operating in over 140 countries. But not only that, we are the problem-solving people. We focus on making complex simplicity – cutting noise, regulatory challenges and institutional fears that often surround high-risk sectors.

What drives us is a deep belief in the financial inclusion of innovators. Just because a business in a jurisdiction is high risk does not mean that it should be locked into the global financial system. We help them find tailor-made solutions to payments and banking needs.

What are your achievements you want to highlight recently?

We have achieved some really exciting milestones at Capitalixe over the past few years and I am very proud of it. Appointed as fintech employer in 2024 British Business Awards And in Techround 100 It is huge evidence of the impact our team has on the industry.

Individually recognized Forbes Under 30, the top 100 women in fintech Fintech magazine, As a rising star UK Fintech Awards Always very humble.

In addition to rewards, thought leadership has become a core part of my journey. I regularly contribute to publications like Forbes and other entrepreneurEntrepreneurship Magazine and The era of financial technologyand speak at global events such as IFX Expo and Financial Tycoon. I am also honored to be the first brand ambassador of IFX Expo.

Two years ago, I launched the Secret Podcast of Success, which broke the barriers with focus. This is a powerful way to share insights and empower others.

Finally, helping to lead Capitalixe’s expansion to Dubai has been a major milestone for me. This is a strategic step towards our preferred consulting goal for high-risk financial services worldwide.

How did you enter the fintech industry?

My career began as a junior FX broker in London, right in the heart of the financial hustle and bustle. It was intense, high pressure and incredibly fast pace, and a year later, I became the top salesperson on my team.

But for me, it wasn’t the trading floor or the trading that really changed the game, but people I couldn’t help but. I’ve been encountering innovative, forward-looking businesses in medium or high-risk sectors, and time and time again I’ve encountered financial systems where they’re shut down. Not because they did something wrong, but because of outdated perceptions, strict compliance frameworks, or just a lack of understanding from traditional banks.

This disconnection made me deeply frustrated. These are legal businesses trying to grow and no one will serve them.

That was when Capitalixe’s idea was born. I know there has to be a better way to bridge the gap between high-risk industries and the financial infrastructure they need to thrive. I don’t want to work on fintech anymore, I want to change it.

Co-founded Capitalixe is my statement: these businesses are more than just rejection letters. They deserve solutions, expertise and understanding of their partners.

What is the best thing to do in the fintech industry?

Fintech is exciting because it is always changing. I feel different every day. New technologies, new challenges and new ways to solve problems. The fast speed makes things interesting, and I love that this industry is closely related to what’s going on in the world. Political changes or economic changes can affect the market overnight and you must be prepared to adapt.

What I like most is being part of what keeps moving forward. There is a lot of innovation and there are plenty of opportunities to make things better.

You can think creatively, move quickly, and work with people who move like you. Yes, it’s challenging, but it’s also incredible. If you like a fast-paced environment and solve real problems, then FinTech is where it is.

What makes you most frustrated with the fintech industry?

One of the biggest frustrations in fintech, especially when working with high-risk customers, boarding can be slow and attractive. You would think that in such a fast industry, the process would be seamless. But in reality, depending on jurisdiction and risk profile, due diligence, KYC and compliance checks can take weeks, sometimes months.

This is especially frustrating when you know that the business is legal, but traditional systems, bureaucracies, or overly cautious risk teams can lead to unnecessary delays. These slowdowns could seriously hinder the growth of companies trying to move quickly.

That said, I’m very optimistic about the role AI and automation will play in transformation and onboarding. We have seen tools that can simplify compliance and enhance risk analysis without compromising security. As the industry matures, I believe we will see onboarding grow into something more effective without losing the rigor of regulatory requirements. The potential is huge and should have been long overdue.

How did your previous role affect your career?

Every role I play shapes the entrepreneur I am today, especially my business development background. It taught me how to sell, how to communicate value, and most importantly how to listen. I really believe that if you can sell, you can build a business because sales is about solving problems and building trust. This mentality becomes the foundation of Capitalixe.

Before Capitalixe, I also opened several small businesses and although they aren’t big, they are crash courses in branding, marketing, social media and the arts that put myself there. Those early adventures made my skin, toughness and the ability to wear multiple hats – all the skills I rely on as a founder every day.

Nothing teaches you how to try, fail, learn and keep moving forward. Every step is ready for my leap.

What is the best mistake you made?

Well, I think it’s quitting my newly promoted job in the city to backpack around Southeast Asia. That is the “mistake” that changes everything.

On paper, it looks reckless. I just got promoted and was on a solid career path and got rid of all stability and got some eyebrows. But deep down, I know I need space to breathe, think, figure out what I really want from life, not just what I want.

That trip gave me some priceless…clearity. I realized how much I value freedom, autonomy, and the ability to create my own things. Six months after I returned to London, I launched Capitalixe Never look back.

Sometimes the best decisions are disguised as bad guys. Everything I have built since then has been a catalyst. It’s definitely my best “mistake”.

What impact will your company have on the future?

We have recently expanded to Dubai and I really believe it is becoming the next major financial powerhouse and even starting to surpass traditional hubs like London.

We are actively building strong businesses in the area and a big part of that commitment is that I move there. Standing on the ground means I can meet customers and partners face to face and build deeper relationships. The next chapter will emerge, emerge and grow in a smart and sustainable way.

We also doubled our growth. We have processed over £1 billion in annual payments, with over 85 institutional clients and a trust network of over 50 fintech partners. My personal mission is to truly strengthen the partnerships in our business. This means introducing high-quality, trusted providers and focusing more on growing our introducer program.

Partnerships play a key role in how we grow and how we serve our customers. The better our network, the smoother our lead flow will become and more efficiently match the client to the right solution.

What are the next key conversation points or challenges for the entire industry?

There is no doubt that AI is now the biggest disruptor (and opportunity) in fintech. It is changing the process from boarding to compliance, automation, that took weeks and greatly improved efficiency and risk analysis. That’s the exciting part.

But huge innovations bring real risks. We also see AI being exploited by bad actors. It is used to bypass KYC inspections, forge files, and promote fraud. Deep strikes, identity theft and AI-generated manipulation are very real threats.

The challenge now is how we maintain it so that we are still using it safely. At present, there are almost no regulations on AI in fintech, which is a dangerous gap. We need a smart, proactive framework that allows innovation to thrive while protecting systems from abuse.



Source link

Comments are off for this post.