Brussels, 18 June, 2026 — The European FinTech Association (EFA) today announced the election of its new Board of Directors, bringing together senior leaders from across Europe’s fintech ecosystem to guide the Association’s work over the coming term.
Established in 2019, the EFA serves as a trusted voice for the fintech sector in Brussels, representing more than 30 innovative financial technology companies in engaging with policymakers, regulators and stakeholders on the development of a competitive, innovative and future-focused financial services framework. The Association works across a broad range of policy areas, including payments, open finance, digital assets, financial data access, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, advocating for a true European digital single market that enables all EU consumers to benefit equally from innovative digital finance solutions.
The election comes at a significant moment for European policymaking. As institutions focus on strengthening competitiveness, fostering innovation and deepening the Single Market, fintech companies continue to play a key role in expanding access to financial services, supporting businesses and consumers, and driving digital transformation across the continent. Going forward, the Board of Directors will consist of:
- Linda Strazdiņa, EU Policy & Government Relations Lead at Wise
- Marc Roberts, General Counsel at Raisin
- Sandrell Sultana, Head of EU Public Policy at Stripe
- Paul Mortby, Head of Policy in the EU, the Middle East and Africa for Block, Inc.
- Sergio Tringali, Head of EU Government Affairs at Revolut
- Laura Schulz, Head of EU Public Affairs at Klarna
- Patrick Häuser, Political Affairs Lead at N26
- Matti Salakari, Head of EU Government Relations at Paypal
- Laura Contin, International Public Policy and Government Relations Lead at Monzo
Representing leading fintech companies operating across the European Union, the new Board reflects the breadth and diversity of a sector that has become an increasingly important contributor to Europe’s economy, innovation landscape and financial services ecosystem. Previous EFA Co-Presidents Linda Strazdiņa and Marc Roberts will continue their mandates on the Board of Directors, with Linda Strazdiņa taking on the role of President of the Association and Marc Roberts taking on the role of Treasurer going forward.
Linda Strazdiņa, President of the European Fintech Association, said: “As policymakers look to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and support innovation-led growth, the fintech sector is poised to play an integral part of Europe’s financial services landscape, delivering innovation, competition and greater choice for consumers and businesses. Our newly elected Board brings together an exceptional group of leaders whose expertise and experience will help ensure that the perspective of innovative financial services providers is represented in discussions shaping the future of finance in Europe.”
Over the coming term, the Board will support EFA’s work across a range of policy priorities affecting the sector, including Payments (PSD3/PSR implementation and retail payment strategy), banking competitiveness, AMLR implementation and 28th Regime, as it continues to promote an open, innovative and competitive financial ecosystem across the European Union.
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About the European Fintech Association:
The European FinTech Association (EFA) is a not-for-profit organisation representing leading FinTech companies of all sizes from across the EU. Designed by and for Europe’s FinTech community, EFA serves as a resource and forum for education, information sharing, and networking between companies, policymakers, and the general public. Our goals are to promote cooperation and dialogue between FinTech companies and institutions, and to advocate and represent the interests of our members in the European Union. For more information about the EFA, visit www.eufintechs.com.
Media enquiries: secretariat@eufintechs.com.
The Board
Linda Strazdina leads EU Policy & Government Relations at Wise. Based in Brussels, Linda advocates for policies that further Wise’s mission of making payments instant, convenient, transparent, and eventually free. Prior to Wise, Linda worked for public affairs consultancies in Brussels focusing on financial services and tech policy, as well as at the Permanent Representation of Latvia to the EU during Latvia’s first Presidency of the Council of the EU, and the European Commission.
Marc Roberts is General Counsel at Raisin, one of the largest German FinTechs, which has been revolutionising the savings and investment market, since 2017. He has been on the board of the European FinTech Association (EFA) since its start in 2019 and is currently Co-President of the association. Before joining deposit specialist Raisin, he was a senior associate at the German law firm Hengeler Mueller, where he specialised in compliance and regulatory law, and at Cravath Swaine & Moore (New York).
Sandrell Sultana currently leads the EU Public Policy work at Stripe. Previously, she was the Financial Service attache representing Malta in the EU Council Working Parties, as well as in other EU fora dealing with economic and financial-related issues. She also worked as a Partner for financial services consultancy Kreab, as the lead for fintech and capital market policy. She started her career as an Analyst for American Express and subsequently, for E&Y, while she also held a senior position at the European Venture Capital and Private Equity Association in their Political Advocacy department. Sandrell holds both a Bachelor in Business and a Master in European Business from the Cass Business School London.
Paul Mortby is the Head of Policy in the EU, the Middle East and Africa for Block, Inc (NYSE: SQ), leading Block’s policy and Government Relations efforts in the region for all of Block’s business units (Square, Cash App, Spiral, TIDAL and TBD). Paul has a breadth and depth of experience in fintech regulation including in payments and e-money, digital assets, and digital identity. Before joining Block, Paul worked in the Financial Conduct Authority’s Banking and Payments Policy and Innovation teams where he engaged with innovative payments and digital asset based solutions and supervised a range of FCA Sandbox tests. Paul has a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from Aberdeen University and a Master of Laws from Durham University.
Sergio Tringali is Head of EU Government Affairs at Revolut, where he leads engagement with EU institutions, policymakers, and stakeholders, and coordinates the company’s dialogue with EU institutions and participation in key European policy initiatives. A lawyer and senior public affairs professional with more than a decade of experience in European and international affairs, he has designed and implemented advocacy strategies for leading companies and industry associations. His work has focused on financial services, digital innovation, emerging technologies, data governance, and security. Sergio has advised on a broad range of European regulatory files and public policy initiatives, helping bridge the gap between policymakers, industry, and consumers. He holds degrees in Law and International Relations, complemented by specialised studies in EU affairs and public policy analysis.
Laura Schulz is Head of EU Public Affairs at Klarna. A Brussels-based Public Affairs specialist with over a decade of experience at the intersection of digital policy, EU affairs, and strategic communications. Before joining Klarna, Laura spent nearly four years as EU Public Affairs Manager at Booking.com. Prior to that, she built the public affairs practice on digital and payment issues for Schwarz Group, combining EU and national affairs across Brussels and Berlin. Laura’s career started in EU and German politics; she then moved to consulting several clients in the tech industry on digital policy. She holds a Master’s Degree in European Studies.
Patrick Häuser is the Political Affairs Lead at N26, where he represents the policy interests of the European digital banking pioneer at all regulatory levels. Patrick possesses deep expertise in both the German and European political landscapes, having previously served as Head of Office for a German tech industry association and as a digital policy advisor to a Member of the German Parliament in Berlin. Prior to that, he worked in Brussels as a public affairs consultant, advising global tech companies on EU regulatory policy. He holds Master’s degrees in European Governance from Utrecht University and in Politics and Public Administration from the University of Konstanz.
Matti Salakari is Head of EU Government Relations at Pay Pal, based in Brussels, Belgium. In this role, he leads PayPal’s engagement with EU institutions and policymakers, shaping public policy strategy across the region. With deep experience at the intersection of business and public policy, Matti works closely with government stakeholders, regulators, and industry partners to support balanced, forwardlooking policy frameworks that enable innovation, strengthen trust, and foster a competitive digital economy.
Laura Contin heads Monzo’s international public policy expansion in the EU and core markets (Ireland and Spain). She also oversees AI and innovation engagement with UK regulators. Laura leads all aspects of government relations and regulatory policy formulation, focusing particularly on new market entry and creating a supportive regulatory and policy environment. Previously, she served as Director of European Affairs at Whitehouse Communications for six years, advising firms on effective policymaker and government’s engagement for impactful policy transformation. She also worked in Brussels for a few years at a trade association, Ecommerce Europe, focused on leading work in the payments landscape.