Almost a year ago, we shared the story behind Payoneer’s decision to open an office in the Madrid Region: why they chose our region, how they approached the setup process, and the key role Invest in Madrid played in helping them establish themselves smoothly in the area. Since then, a lot has happened.
To better understand that journey, we spoke with Gal Reshef, Senior Director and Head of Operations at Payoneer, who summarizes it as follows: “Our mission is to be the preferred partner for global digital commerce. We want to empower anyone, anywhere, to participate and thrive in the new digital economy.” This vision has guided every step of our expansion.
Today, Payoneer’s Madrid office has nearly 60 employees, most of whom are part of our Compliance teams. This rapid growth reflects both our confidence in Madrid as a strategic location and the quality of local talent. And it’s not just about increasing numbers; we have also made significant investments in laying solid foundations—processes, infrastructure, and, above all, people—to build a headquarters prepared for the long term.
Madrid was a natural choice. As Gal explains, it is “a dynamic business hub, with a thriving fintech ecosystem, a highly skilled workforce, and excellent connectivity with Europe and Latin America.” Added to this is a welcoming environment for international businesses and a high quality of life, with comfortable weather—key factors when attracting international talent.
After a year of strong expansion, we are now entering a new stage. In terms of staff, we expect to remain relatively stable this year. The focus is no longer on rapid growth, but on consolidating teams, strengthening collaboration, and continuing to build a solid office culture that is inclusive and aligned with Payoneer’s values.
At this stage, success is measured not just in numbers, but in people’s experiences. Our priority is for employees to feel connected, supported, and motivated to come to the office. That’s why we are dedicating time and energy to improving onboarding, fostering collaboration between teams, and promoting initiatives that reinforce a sense of belonging. Culture is not something you create once and consider done—it requires constant attention.
Looking ahead, the goal is clear: to nurture and stabilize everything we have already built. We will continue exploring opportunities, but always from a responsible and sustainable perspective, keeping the employee experience at the center of every decision. Madrid is an essential part of our long-term European strategy, and we want to continue contributing to the growth of the local fintech ecosystem.
Looking back, one lesson stands out above all: building a strong headquarters starts long before the first hire and never truly ends. Investing in recruitment and employer branding from the outset, actively participating in the selection process—especially for key roles—and building culture alongside the teams makes a huge difference.
On this journey, the support from Invest in Madrid has been and continues to be fundamental. Their assistance in understanding the local business environment, connecting with key players, and guiding us through administrative processes has been crucial to making our arrival and growth in Madrid so smooth.
Our experience in the Madrid Region has reinforced a very clear belief at Payoneer: growth is not just about expanding, but about creating an environment where people can develop and thrive. With the commitment of our local teams and the support of strategic partners, we are proud of what we have achieved so far and eager to continue building the future.