Visa appoints new ANZ head of risk

Visa has appointed Martyna Lazar as the head of risk for Visa in Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific (AuNZSP).

She began her role earlier this month.

Lazar is based in Sydney and will serve as a member of Visa’s Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific Leadership Team.

In her role, she will be responsible for championing security in the industry, representing Visa with local government, banking and law enforcement agencies to maintain and enhance the integrity of the payments ecosystem.

Lazar brings over 10 years of risk and compliance experience to Visa, having held leadership roles in payments, risk and fraud management, as well as network and regulatory compliance.

She was most recently Head of Adyen’s risk and compliance function in Asia Pacific, having built the function for the region.

Julian Potter, group country manager of Visa in Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific said, “Lazar’s appointment comes at a crucial time, with security top of mind for our banking and merchant partners and consumers alike.

“Her work in securing the merchant and payment ecosystem regionally, with a particular focus on e-commerce, will further enhance our security credentials and contribute to the overall integrity of the payments ecosystem.”

In a LinkedIn post, Lazar commented on her appointment, “I’m looking forward to working with many talented and experienced folks, many of whom I had a pleasure to meet and collaborate with in the past.

“But most of all, I’m excited to wear my risk hat on again and work towards Visa’s mission to fortify the key foundations: network of networks, technology platforms, security, brand and talent. Thank you Visa for the trust and I’m looking forward to supporting our clients and partners in Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific.”

Earlier this month, Visa made changes to its leadership within APAC Chris Clark, formerly the regional president for Visa Asia Pacific, has been elevated to chairman, APAC while Stephen Karpin will take over as regional president, APAC.