Behind the Brand: Allen Kopelman on the Leaders in Payments Podcast

CEO of Nationwide Payment Systems and host of B2B Vault – The Biz-to-Biz Podcast, Allen Kopelman payments industry expert, recently sat down with Greg Myers on the Leaders in Payments podcast to discuss the evolution of the payments industry, the future of fintech, and his entrepreneurial journey. Here’s a deep dive into the conversation and the insights Allen shared about building a resilient payments business.

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From the Kitchen to the Corner Office

Allen’s journey into fintech didn’t begin in finance—it started in the kitchen. After a career as a chef, he transitioned into the world of payments in the late 1990s. In 2001, he co-founded Nationwide Payment Systems, a Fort Lauderdale-based firm dedicated to delivering scalable, technology-forward payment solutions for businesses across a variety of industries.

“I got into the business almost by accident,” Allen said. “But once I saw how the residual income worked and how much businesses needed help, I was hooked.”

This shift led him to become a respected figure in the Allen Kopelman payments industry, offering innovative solutions tailored to high-risk, B2B, and e-commerce merchants.

What Nationwide Payment Systems Does Differently

The company began by selling basic terminal equipment but quickly adapted to the changing landscape—pivoting into POS integrations and full-stack fintech support for retail, restaurant, e-commerce, B2B, and high-risk merchants.

“Today, businesses are buying technology first and merchant services second,” Allen explained. “So, we shifted our focus to be more tech centric.”

Key differentiators include:
✅ 24/7 live customer support
✅ Custom-fit solutions for high-risk, B2B, and niche verticals
✅ Enterprise-level POS systems
✅ Dual pricing (0% option)
✅ ACH, e-commerce, and recurring billing
✅ White-label options for SaaS and ISV partners

This approach has cemented Allen Kopelman payments industry leadership in the competitive merchant processing space.

Surviving and Thriving Through Market Shifts

Allen emphasized the importance of diversification, especially during uncertain times like the pandemic. While many processors heavily focused on brick-and-mortar clients, Allen’s strategy to include e-commerce and B2B helped soften the blow.

“We didn’t take as big of a hit because we weren’t focused on just one vertical,” he noted.

He also highlighted how referral relationships—with business brokers, CFOs, and consultants—form a critical part of Nationwide’s go-to-market approach.

Software Is the New ISO

One of the core themes of the discussion was how software is reshaping the payments landscape.

“In 2001, people-built software to sell hardware. Today, they build software to sell subscriptions—and payments are just the add-on. ISVs are eating the ISO model.”

As an influential voice in the Allen Kopelman in the payments industry, he stressed the importance of finding POS solutions where the software provider also controls the processing relationship to avoid revenue loss—a lesson learned the hard way.

Emerging Trends in the Payments Industry

Here are a few trends Allen believes will shape the future of payments over the next few years:
✅ Software-first sales will dominate merchant acquisition
✅ AI will transform operations like underwriting, risk analysis, and SEO
✅ FTC’s new Click-to-Cancel rules (fines up to $55K per violation) will create compliance challenges for subscription businesses
✅ Visa and Mastercard may crack down on AI-driven Level 2/3 data manipulation
✅ Expect continued regulatory scrutiny with efforts like the CCCA and Durbin 2.0 still looming

His insights further underscore his expertise in the payments industry, helping businesses prepare for regulatory shifts and compliance requirements.

Building a Career in Payments: Allen’s Advice

For anyone new to the industry, Allen offered this no-nonsense guidance:

“Go get your nose bloody. Get out there, knock on doors, make mistakes—that’s how you learn. And invest in your business—have a website, a real email address, and look like a professional.”

He also encourages young entrepreneurs to consider building software or partnering with ISVs, reinforcing his standing as a thought leader in the payments industry.

Giving Back and Leading by Example

Allen also shared his passion for giving back—both to the payments community and the local Fort Lauderdale community. He volunteers with several charities supporting children, food banks, and animal rescue groups. He also regularly contributes to industry publications like The Green Sheet and hosts the B2B Vault Podcast, where he shares real-world business advice.

Final Thoughts

As Allen puts it:

“This business is all about helping merchants succeed—by giving them tools, knowledge, and support that actually matter.”

🎧 Listen to the Full Episode

Catch the full podcast episode on Leaders in Payments and hear more about how Allen Kopelman payments industry expertise is reshaping the future of payments.

📞 Ready to Future-Proof Your Payment System?

Nationwide Payment Systems helps businesses find the right solution—whether you’re a tech startup, a high-risk business, or a growing enterprise.

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📍 Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Serving merchants nationwide and beyond.

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