This edition of Meet Our Leaders features Kasia Szymańska, Head of Global Product. From her international upbringing to her work leading product and payments across markets, Kasia’s story reflects Inter’s truly global spirit.
Here’s her story.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
I’m originally from Poland, but I grew up moving around quite a bit because of my father’s job as a diplomat. My family lived in several countries across Europe — one of my favorites was Slovenia, where I went to high school. You could see the Alps from the school bus and take a weekend trip to the Adriatic Sea. It was an amazing place to grow up.
Moving so often made me naturally curious about people and cultures, and it also meant learning new languages came easily. I speak six languages — Polish, English, Slovenian, Serbian, Italian, and Spanish. Portuguese is next on my list!
How did you begin your career in finance?
I started in banking by coincidence. My language skills opened the door to an internship at an Italian-owned bank in Poland. From there, I joined HSBC and later Citibank, where I found my passion for payments.
At Citi, I managed commercial card products across Europe, Middle East and Africa within Treasury and Trade Solutions. Later, I moved to New York to manage the North American business. Living and working in New York was a dream come true — it gave me a deep understanding of the U.S. market, and it’s still one of my favorite cities in the world.
What led you to join Apple Pay?
After several years at Citi, I had the opportunity to join Apple, working on Apple Pay partnerships across the U.S. and Canada. It was an incredible experience. I worked closely with banks and fintechs of all sizes, helping them integrate with Apple Pay. That gave me a clear view of what “best-in-class” digital experiences look like — and, honestly, what not to do as well.
That role helped shape my product mindset. It taught me that technology should feel effortless for the customer, no matter how complex it is behind the scenes.
When did you move to Miami, and how did Inter come into the picture?
During the pandemic, my husband and I decided to leave Brooklyn and spend some time with family in South Florida. We loved it so much that we ended up staying and eventually settling in Miami. We now have a daughter who’s almost two, and it’s been a wonderful place to raise a family.
Professionally, I continued in payments, working with Optum Financial (part of UnitedHealth Group) on the network side of healthcare payments. Through a former Apple colleague, I learned about Inter — they described it as the “bank that would conquer the U.S.” because of its innovation and customer experience in Brazil. That really caught my attention.
After speaking with the leadership team, I joined Inter as Head of Global Product, overseeing accounts, cards, and payment solutions.
What does an average day look like for you at Inter?
There’s really no such thing as an average day at Inter — and that’s one of the things I love most.
Most mornings start with meetings with my team in Brazil. Even though we’re separated by a long flight, we talk daily. Collaboration is constant, and I like to stay closely connected to ensure we’re aligned on priorities and progress.
The rest of the day might include discussions about product roadmaps, new market launches, or marketing and growth strategies. But what stands out most is the culture here — there’s always space for human connection. Whether over lunch or quick chats after work, those moments often spark the best ideas.
What do you value most about working at Inter?
The speed of execution. It’s amazing to see an idea turn into a real product so quickly. We’re a company of builders, and there’s a shared sense of ownership when something goes live.
I also appreciate the collaborative culture. Coming from large U.S. companies, it’s refreshing to see how much weight Inter puts on teamwork and personal relationships. Despite the distance, the connection between our Miami and Belo Horizonte teams feels strong and genuine.
How would you describe Inter’s approach to global growth?
What excites me about Inter is that we’re not just entering new markets — we’re bringing innovation from Brazil to the world. Many companies treat the U.S. as the final destination but Inter sees it the launching pad for many more opportunities globally.
There are so many solutions developed in Brazil that don’t exist in the U.S. yet, and it’s exciting to help introduce them here. The same applies to other markets like Argentina, where we’re expanding. We’re showing that financial innovation can come from anywhere, not just Silicon Valley.
What advice would you give to someone who’s just starting at Inter?
First, be open-minded. Inter is becoming a global company, and that means learning from different cultures and perspectives — while also sharing your own experiences.
Second, take time to connect with the teams in Brazil. There’s so much knowledge and creativity there. Visiting or working closely with them gives you a deeper understanding of how the company operates and what makes it special.
Finally, embrace the pace. Things move fast here, and that’s part of what makes it exciting. You’ll grow quickly if you stay curious and collaborative.
Kasia’s journey shows how curiosity, adaptability, and cultural awareness can shape not only a career but an entire company’s vision. Stay tuned for more stories from the people helping build Inter’s global future.
