PAYFUTURE TAPS LEGAL HEAVYWEIGHT SANDA LAICENA TO STEER GLOBAL EXPANSION
PayFuture, the fast-growing fintech platform bridging global merchants with emerging markets, has appointed Sanda Laicena as its new Group Chief Legal Officer (CLO). The strategic hire underscores the company’s ambitions to strengthen its legal infrastructure and regulatory compliance as it scales internationally.
With over three decades of experience in financial services, legal, and fintech sectors, Laicena brings heavyweight credentials to the role. Her career includes leadership positions at both traditional banking giants and high-growth digital finance firms, giving her a unique edge in navigating complex global markets.
Laicena’s legal journey began in banking, where she gained early front-office exposure as a law student. She soon transitioned into legal practice, with roles spanning a national law office, central bank, and several senior legal leadership positions in major financial institutions. Her expertise spans regulatory compliance, licensing, international finance law, corporate governance, and cross-border market entry.
Her fintech credentials were solidified in 2012 when she joined 4finance Group as Head of Legal. Over six years, she established and scaled the legal and compliance functions from scratch, helping the company expand to over 15 countries and secure more than 40 financial licences across the EU, LATAM, and the US. Her oversight extended to multiple acquisitions, including banks, and the launch of new tech-driven financial products—all while navigating an ever-evolving regulatory landscape.
Following her success at 4finance, Laicena held the role of Chief Legal Officer at Luminor Group, where she led legal operations across the Baltics, managing a 50-strong legal team. Most recently, she served as General Counsel at Pyypl, where she oversaw regulatory compliance across MENA markets and directed anti-money laundering (AML) initiatives and licensing frameworks.
As Group CLO at PayFuture, Laicena will be instrumental in shaping the company’s legal strategy and ensuring operational resilience across its rapidly expanding global footprint.
“We are delighted to welcome Sanda to PayFuture during such a pivotal phase of our growth,” said Manpreet Haer, CEO and Co-Founder of PayFuture. “Her deep expertise in fintech and financial services, coupled with her proven leadership in managing legal and regulatory complexities, will be instrumental in supporting our global expansion. Sanda’s insight will help us uphold our commitment to compliance, operational excellence, and continued innovation.”
Laicena expressed enthusiasm for the challenge ahead: “I am thrilled to join PayFuture at this exciting time of growth and opportunity. With my experience in building high-performing legal teams and navigating complex regulatory environments, I look forward to helping PayFuture expand its reach globally, while ensuring that legal frameworks and internal processes remain agile and aligned with business needs.”
As PayFuture deepens its reach in high-growth markets, Laicena’s appointment signals a bold move to fortify its legal leadership and regulatory muscle. With an expanding presence in emerging economies, the company is banking on Laicena’s seasoned guidance to power its next wave of international success.
