Brian Abernethy’s background in the integrated payments space includes positions of increasing responsibility at major payment processors including TSYS, Global Payments, and Clearent. Specializing in the Independent Software Vendor (ISV) partnership channel, Brian has an extensive background in helping ISV’s create a comprehensive integrated payments strategy including technological requirements, operational planning, marketing campaigns, and ultimately commercialization.  Throughout his career, he has overseen the creation of over 100 integrated payments partnerships in verticals markets such as Healthcare, Field Services, Non-Profit/Fundraising, Retail, Restaurant, Hospitality, Professional Services, B2B, and many more.

Over the past several years, Brian has provided thought leadership through public events including “PayFac Day” with the Electronic Transaction Association (ETA), investor roundtables facilitated by KBW at Money 20/20, and a number of webinars and podcasts from Clearent.

After founding Utopaya in early 2022, Brian has already successfully guided a private equity backed software business valued at $1B+ to becoming a registered Payment Facilitator in record time, resulting in an $100MM+ annual revenue opportunity for his client. 

Brian holds a Masters in Business Administration from Wake Forest University and Bachelor of Arts in Economics from St. Lawrence University, where he was an All-American goalkeeper on the Men’s Soccer team.