Cathy Beardsley
Cathy Beardsley has been nominated for the prestigious 'Woman in PayTech' award at the PayTech Awards USA 2025.
A Vision Rooted in Equity
When Cathy Beardsley founded Segpay in 2005, she didn’t just create a company—she sparked a movement. At a time when “high-risk” merchants were excluded from payment processing due to outdated perceptions, Cathy saw an opportunity to address systemic inequities in financial services.
She built Segpay as a platform rooted in transparency, compliance, and inclusion, giving underserved businesses access to essential financial tools. Today, Segpay is a global payment processor licensed in the U.S., UK, and EU, with plans to expand into Australia in early 2026. Cathy’s vision and values have shaped not only her company but the broader payments ecosystem.
Transformative Leadership and Innovation
- PayPal Integration: Expanded access to mainstream payments for EU merchants.
- Gateway Upgrade: Enhanced reliability and user experience through a complete system overhaul.
- Rapid Dispute Resolution: Streamlined merchant issue management for faster resolutions.
- Marketing Overhaul: Launched the very successful Segpay News Network (SNN), which is Segpay's own news hub through creating video content targeted directly to high-risk merchants and is broadcast across all of Segpay's social channels.
Championing Women in Fintech
Cathy has built Segpay into a workplace where women thrive. Over 50% of Segpay’s staff are women, many of whom have advanced into senior roles under Cathy’s mentorship. She leads with intention, ensuring pay equity, fostering professional development, and creating a culture where women have a seat at the table.
Beyond Segpay, Cathy is a vocal advocate for women in fintech. She participates in industry panels and forums, sharing her journey and inspiring the next generation of female leaders. Her leadership is personal, inclusive, and deeply impactful, making her a role model for women across the industry.
Recognition and Legacy
Cathy’s work has earned widespread recognition: