Laurent le Moal

Laurent le Moal
Born	France
Nationality	French
Education	ESSEC Business School INSEAD (MBA)
Occupation	Business Executive, Fintech Leader
Known for	CEO of PayU (2016–2023)

Laurent le Moal is a French business executive and former CEO of PayU, the fintech arm of Prosus. From 2016 to 2023, he played a pivotal role in shaping PayU into a leading global provider of digital payments and credit solutions, especially across emerging markets like India, Latin America, and Africa. His tenure was marked by innovation, strategic acquisitions, and a mission to drive financial inclusion through technology.

Early Life and Education

Laurent le Moal was born in France and graduated from the prestigious ESSEC Business School. He later earned his MBA from INSEAD, one of the world’s leading graduate business schools. His academic training gave him deep insights into global strategy and digital transformation—skills that would define his leadership style in fintech.

Career Before PayU

Before joining PayU, le Moal spent several years at PayPal, where he held key leadership roles across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. As Vice President and General Manager, he was instrumental in growing PayPal’s regional presence, especially in markets with complex financial infrastructures. His work at PayPal laid the groundwork for his future success in building scalable fintech platforms.

Leading PayU’s Global Transformation

In 2016, Laurent le Moal was appointed CEO of PayU. His vision extended beyond payments—he aimed to create a full-stack fintech powerhouse focused on underserved markets.

Under his leadership, PayU:

• Expanded to operations in over 50 countries, including major markets like India, Brazil, Nigeria, and Poland.
• Launched PayU Credit, a digital lending platform targeting SMEs and consumers with limited access to traditional finance.
• Invested over $750 million in fintech startups, including acquisitions like Citrus Pay, BillDesk, and a major stake in Kreditech.
• Advocated for local payment methods, enabling merchants to reach customers in cash-reliant economies.

Strategic Vision and Innovation

Le Moal implemented a robust strategy to tackle challenges such as regulatory fragmentation, low financial literacy, and technological limitations in emerging markets. His initiatives included:

• Compliance-first expansion to build trust with regulators and consumers.
• AI and big data integration for fraud detection, real-time credit scoring, and improved transaction security.
• Strategic M&A to rapidly scale capabilities and enter new markets.

Global Influence and Future Vision

Laurent le Moal has been a prominent voice in global financial forums, including the World Economic Forum, where he champions digital finance and inclusive growth. His roadmap for PayU included:

• Scaling digital lending through PayU Credit across emerging economies.
• Exploring blockchain technology for transparent, secure payments.
• Preparing PayU India for an IPO, slated for 2025, following the restructuring of Prosus’ payments business.

Leadership Transition

In late 2023, Laurent le Moal stepped down as CEO and transitioned to the PayU Board as a non-independent director in 2024. His shift marked a move from operational leadership to strategic oversight, ensuring continuity in the company’s growth trajectory.

Legacy and Impact

Le Moal’s leadership has made PayU a cornerstone in the digital economy of several emerging markets. His emphasis on innovation, inclusion, and long-term impact continues to inspire a new generation of fintech entrepreneurs.