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Fintech leaders tell Georgia Senate committee Atlanta is a global payments hub
Summary
Executives from Bluefin, Stacks and workforce firm Wasserman told the Georgia Senate Economic Development Committee that Atlanta’s fintech ecosystem — “Transaction Alley” — supplies global payment security, talent and training that benefit local employers and small businesses.
Executives from three fintech firms told the Georgia Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism on the morning the state should build on Atlanta’s concentration of payments companies to retain jobs and talent.
The panelists said Atlanta’s fintech cluster provides technology, workforce development and industry collaboration that support both large and small employers in Georgia.
John Perry, chief executive officer of Bluefin, described his company’s payment‑security work and the role of its Atlanta office. "Bluefin is a global leader in payment security, specializing encryption and tokenization solutions that protect sensitive data and personal data from cyber threats," Perry said, noting Bluefin operates in 60 countries and supports more than 35,000 businesses.
Perry said Bluefin’s Atlanta engineers focus on encryption and tokenization and that the company collaborates with universities and standards groups such as the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council.
Chris Wasserman, founder and chief recruiting officer of Wasserman Talent Solutions, urged continued investments in workforce pathways beyond four‑year degrees, telling the committee Georgia Tech, the University of Georgia and technical colleges are producing talent that employers need. "We really are focusing on developing the career paths that may not, a 4 year degree may not be necessary, but can also add tremendous value," Wasserman said.
Paulette Rowe, chief executive officer of Stacks, a payments technology company, said Georgia’s concentration of fintech firms and non‑profits that support talent development influenced her decision to base major operations in the state. Rowe said the Georgia Fintech Academy, founded by a local nonprofit, has produced about 7,000 "fintech ready" workers since 2017 and that Stacks is considering moving its headquarters to Georgia.
Chairman Beach thanked the panel and underscored the committee’s interest in workforce and infrastructure support for fintech employers.
The panel proceeded without formal committee action; committee members asked about blockchain and stablecoins, cybersecurity staffing needs, and how to keep fintech jobs in state.
The discussion preceded two separate bills considered later in the meeting.
