Getting to Know Justin Passalaqua, CEO of Worldline North America

Over the past six months, we’ve achieved significant milestones as a team under Justin’s guidance. One of our proudest moments was updating our software to comply with PCI DSS 4.0 standards, enhancing security for our customers, and staying ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. Beyond this, we partnered with Castles Technology to deliver an advanced SoftPOS solution later this year, equipping our partners with cutting-edge tools. It was also an honor to be recognized as a "Great Place to Work" for the fourth consecutive year, a testament to the supportive and vibrant culture within our organization.

Justin’s leadership is rooted in his inspiring career path—from starting out as a sales manager to becoming the CEO. Along the way, he’s faced challenges that fueled his passion for fostering an innovative and empowering workplace. His commitment to creating a culture where team members can grow and succeed has been instrumental in our collective success, and this dedication shines through in recent promotions that have advanced the careers of key teammates.

Join us as we sit down with Justin to hear more about his career, his leadership philosophy, and his vision for the future of both Worldline North America and the payments industry.

Q: Can you tell us about your career in the FinTech industry and how it led to becoming CEO of Worldline North America?

Justin Passalaqua: My career has been anything but conventional. I started as a sales manager at a software company and unexpectedly transitioned into the payments space when a chance meeting led to an interview at Mercury Payment Systems. Covered in dust from helping set up Wi-Fi cables earlier that day, I still managed to land the job.

From there, I discovered my passion for innovation, helping software companies integrate payment solutions when it was a completely new concept. What’s kept me in this industry is its endless opportunities for growth. Even after 18 years, the combination of challenge and innovation still excites me.

Q: What are your top three favorite things about being CEO of Worldline North America?

Justin Passalaqua:

1. The People – The team is my biggest motivator. The culture, camaraderie, and diversity here make every day enjoyable.
2. The Location – I love being in Victoria, I'm very happy here. We just moved into a new office too, which was very fun.
3. The Challenges – Solving big problems is deeply rewarding. It drives me to make a real impact every single day.

Q: How would you describe Worldline’s value proposition to a 5-year-old and to a peer?

Justin Passalaqua: For a 5-year-old, I’d say, “Imagine your mom buys you candy with a magic card that instantly sends money from her bank to the store.” That’s essentially what our technology enables.

For adults, Worldline is like a highway connecting different forms of payment—whether it’s through online shopping carts, mobile apps, QR codes, or restaurants. We ensure these transactions are seamless, secure, and instant.

Q: What sets Worldline apart from other payment providers?

Justin Passalaqua: Humanizing payments. That’s our strength. Our consultative sales approach and bilingual customer care team ensure a more personal, hands-on experience.

Another key differentiator is our goal to deliver a seamless omni-channel solution that connects Canada and the US through a single integration. No one else currently offers this comprehensive approach, and we aim to fully realize this vision by 2027.

Q: What are the biggest challenges in the payments industry right now?

Justin Passalaqua: The competition is fierce, especially in North America, with countless new players innovating very fast. On top of this, payments is one of the most regulated industries globally. Navigating compliance across jurisdictions like the US and Canada requires constant diligence. These challenges demand that we remain agile and innovative.

Q: How do you approach work-life balance in such a demanding role?

Justin Passalaqua: Work-life balance is something I protect fiercely. Strong time management helps a lot. I always schedule a lunch break, set boundaries on my calendar, and prioritize longer vacations completely disconnected from work at least once a year.

It’s all about creating space to recharge so I can maintain productivity and avoid burnout—it’s essential both for me and the teams I lead.

Q: What inspires you most about the team at Worldline?

Justin Passalaqua: Diversity. The variety of ideas and personalities in our workplace fosters a sense of community and connection. It’s not just work—it’s a place where people build real friendships. That kind of environment makes everything better.

Q: What’s a milestone you’re excited to achieve at Worldline North America?

Justin Passalaqua: Omni-channel integration is the ultimate prize. By creating a full-service solution that connects the US and Canada through a single integration, we’ll move the industry forward and truly stand out in the global payments landscape. We’re on track to make this happen by the end of 2027.

Q: On a personal note—what’s your favorite app right now?

Justin Passalaqua: I love “The reMarkable,” a digital notebook that’s completely changed how I organize and take notes. It’s made me more productive and helps me keep everything accessible and in sync.

Q: Who’s one person, dead or alive, you’d love to meet?

Justin Passalaqua: Barack Obama. Sitting down or shooting some hoops with him would be incredible. He’s such an inspiring person, and I’d love the opportunity to learn from his perspective.

Q: Any fun facts, like favorite karaoke songs or dream lunches?

Justin Passalaqua: Karaoke? Anything Boyz II Men—I’ve got some solid late ’90s R&B skills.

For lunch, I’d choose Tapisco in Lisbon. It’s a tapas-meets-Mediterranean fusion spot where I had the best meal of my life.

Closing Thoughts

The past six months have laid a strong foundation for an exciting future at Worldline North America. With Justin’s vision and leadership, we’re not just celebrating our achievements—we’re paving the way for what’s to come. From advancing omni-channel integration to shaping innovative, human-centered payment solutions, we’re committed to driving progress that benefits both our partners and the broader payments industry.

As we look ahead, our focus remains on redefining excellence in payments, fostering innovation, and empowering our team to grow and thrive. Together, we’re building a future where every transaction is seamless, secure, and personally connected.