Behind the platform, there is a lot of quiet, detailed work that goes into making sure every transfer is secure and every regulation is met. It isn't always flashy, but it’s the work that actually makes the company run.
For International Women’s Day, we’re sharing the perspectives of three women who are right at the center of our day-to-day operations: Liz Scales, Lynne Stark, and Elaine Waters.
Liz spent 20 years in the legal and regulatory sector before a module during her MBA "hooked" her on the fast-paced nature of fintech. Today, as our Deputy Company Secretary, she handles the complex job of keeping our growth aligned with global standards.
"It’s a team sport," Liz says. "Legal, compliance, risk, and ops all have to work together to make sure we’re operating the right way. That shared focus on accountability is what really builds trust."
While the work is highly technical, Liz is quick to point out that the team's shared resilience is what gets things done. "Being part of this group for nearly four years has been incredible. There’s a real sense of camaraderie that comes from navigating challenges together, when things get tough, people roll up their sleeves and get on with it."
Elaine Waters, our Business Onboarding Specialist, came to fintech through a background in customer experience and problem-solving. Her role is about the first impression: helping new customers access our services in a way that is safe but also straightforward.
Just last week, Elaine celebrated a major milestone, 10 years with CurrencyFair. Having been part of the journey for a decade, she has seen the industry transform firsthand. "Fintech appealed to me because it solves practical problems for people," Elaine explains. For her, "Fair" is as much about the experience as it is the price. "When onboarding is clear and transparent, customers can start using the platform with confidence."
She also notes that the internal culture is a lot more collaborative than people might expect. "People are approachable and always willing to help each other solve problems. After ten years here, that openness is still the thing that really stands out to me day-to-day."
Lynne Stark, our Compliance & Governance Risk Manager, made a big move from a legal background in South Africa to Ireland, joining CurrencyFair just weeks after she arrived.
As a Compliance officer, her daily focus is on protection. "My job is to make sure customers stay the priority and are protected throughout their entire journey with us," she says.
Even though her field is highly regulated and precise, Lynne says the office atmosphere keeps things grounded. When asked what people wouldn’t know about the team from the outside, she keeps it simple: "We love a bit of craic." It’s that balance of being serious about the work but not too serious about ourselves that makes the environment work.
As we look at the next year of expansion and new challenges, it’s clear that the "Fair" in our name isn't just about the exchange rate. It’s about the people who show up every day to ensure our platform is as transparent, secure, and human as possible.
The work done in the engine room might be quiet, but it’s the foundation for everything we do. We’re incredibly proud of the team we’ve built, and we’re looking forward to seeing what we conquer next together.