Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Training
References
Profile Snapshot
Timeline
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SAM DESHAN

Auckland,Auckland

Summary

Experienced Cards & Merchant Payments business manager with an MBA and 22 years in the industry. Specializes in lifecycle management, Risk Mitigation, Audit & compliance with PCI DSS and regulatory standards. Proven a record in data-driven analysis to create new market opportunities and business verticals for continiued growth . Demonstrated ability to design and implement innovative payment solutions while managing portfolios effectively. Detail-oriented professional with strong communication skills and a proactive approach to challenges.Skilled in managing customer relationship effectively, with a focus on team collaboration and mentorship.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience

Work History

Manager -Cards & Retail Payment Acceptance

Qatar National Bank Q.P.S.C
Doha, Qatar
06.2014 - Current
  • Spearheaded POS and digital payments merchant portfolio, achieving double-digit annual growth for 10 years.
  • Launched Qatar's first integrated B2B payment solution, enhancing market competitiveness.
  • Managed cross-functional team in product and risk strategy across Merchant Payments value chain.
  • Achieved 60% market share through strategic portfolio management and rigorous risk assessments.
  • Drove record-breaking card spend and NFC transaction volume during FIFA 2022, improving cashless infrastructure.
  • Implemented comprehensive security policies to maintain PCI compliance and safeguard customer transactions.
  • Fostered collaboration among Product, Sustainability, and Marketing teams to align stakeholders on product vision.
  • Established training protocols and documentation processes for efficient product delivery and compliance adherence.

Product Manager - MCommerce & Mobile Money

Mobitel Pvt Limited
11.2012 - 06.2014
  • Spearheaded launch of mCash, Sri Lanka’s first National Mobile Money platform, achieving full compliance through key regulatory approvals.
  • Managed regulatory alignment to support seamless operational execution across all facets.
  • Led team through product development lifecycle, including User Acceptance Testing and soft and commercial launches, ensuring minimal disruption.
  • Drove project performance with a focus on delivering user-centered solutions.
  • Introduced Sri Lanka’s first cobranded credit card integrated with Mobile Money, establishing leadership in digital payment innovation.
  • Coordinated internal teams and external partners to align on strategic goals for mCommerce expansion.

Sales & Service Officer

Mashreq Bank
Dubai
07.2011 - 08.2012
  • Optimized branch operations, enhancing service levels during tenure as Local Market Manager.
  • Coached new staff effectively, resulting in improved team performance and reduced customer attrition.
  • Ensured compliance with internal and external audit standards, maintaining strong audit ratings.

Assistant Manager – Telemarketing/Credit Analyst

American Express
Sri Lanka
06.2003 - 06.2011
  • Developed and executed the Card Member Lifecycle Program, partnering with cross-functional teams to enhance customer activation, engagement, and retention. Improved customer loyalty and satisfaction through personalized card member engagement strategies.
  • Led recruitment and training initiatives, as well as the annual strategic planning process, fostering a culture of operational excellence and performance. Spearheaded cross-selling initiatives for retail banking products, resulting in successful service delivery for over 10,000 bill payment subscribers.
  • Conducted in-depth credit assessments and developed comprehensive reports with insightful analyses, supporting sound credit decision-making. Ensured the accuracy and compliance of key financial metrics, including MFA spreads, scorecards, and statements, aligning closely with internal policies.

Education

MBA - Banking

Edinburgh Napier University
United Kingdom

Bachelors - labor education

University of Colombo
Sri Lanka

Diploma - Credit Management

Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka

Training

  • Mastercard Certified Professional in Digital Payments, MasterCard Academy, Doha, Qatar, 2024
  • Strategies for a Profitable Card Business, MasterCard Academy, Doha, Qatar, 2022
  • Supervisory Development Program (SDP), QNB, Doha, Qatar, 2022
  • Project Management [Harvard Business Simulation], QNB, Doha, Qatar, 2022
  • Mastercard Payment Gateway Services, MasterCard Academy, Doha, Qatar, 2022
  • Introduction to the Payments Landscape: Digital Trends, Visa University, Doha, Qatar, 2022
  • Introduction to the Payments Landscape: Understanding Acquiring, Visa University, Doha, Qatar, 2022
  • Project Management, QNB, Doha, Qatar, 2018
  • Dynamics of Merchant Acquiring, MasterCard Academy, Doha, Qatar, 2016
  • Mobile Payment Summit, Malaysia, Malaysia, 2014
  • City & Guilds (Business Communications & Writing), City & Guilds, London, United Kingdom, 2009
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel, Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka, 2009

References

Available Upon Request

Profile Snapshot

  • Manager - Cards & Retail Payment Acceptance, Qatar National Bank Q.P.S.C., Doha, Qatar, 06/01/14, Present
  • Product Manager - mCommerce & Mobile Money, Mobitel Pvt Limited, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 11/01/12, 06/01/14
  • Sales & Service Officer, Mashreq Bank, Dubai, U.A.E, 07/01/11, 08/01/12
  • Assistant Manager – Telemarketing / Credit Analyst, American Express, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 06/01/03, 06/01/11

Timeline

Manager -Cards & Retail Payment Acceptance

Qatar National Bank Q.P.S.C
06.2014 - Current

Product Manager - MCommerce & Mobile Money

Mobitel Pvt Limited
11.2012 - 06.2014

Sales & Service Officer

Mashreq Bank
07.2011 - 08.2012

Assistant Manager – Telemarketing/Credit Analyst

American Express
06.2003 - 06.2011

MBA - Banking

Edinburgh Napier University

Bachelors - labor education

University of Colombo

Diploma - Credit Management

Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka

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