PCI DSS Compliance for Fintech Startups
Tailored for Fintech and your role.
Head of Compliance Strategy • CPA, CISA, ISO 27001 Lead Auditor
Strategic Priorities for Fintech Leaders
Raphael N
Head of Compliance Strategy
Raphael leads go-to-market compliance strategy for high-growth SaaS and AI teams. With over a decade of experience across Big Four firms and fintech startups, he specializes in translating complex SOC 2 requirements into automated, engineering-friendly workflows.
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All RiscLens content is researched, written, and reviewed by compliance professionals with real-world audit experience. We maintain strict editorial independence and never accept payment for coverage or rankings.
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Audit readiness checklist
- •Define scope and evidence owners for PCI DSS Compliance
- •Map controls to your Fintech workflows
- •Confirm evidence cadence and review approvals
- •Document exceptions and compensating controls
- •Validate auditor expectations before kickoff
Evidence to prepare
- •Network segmentation evidence
- •Vulnerability scan reports
- •Access control logs
- •Security awareness training
Frequently Asked Questions
What PCI DSS level applies to fintech companies?
Level is based on transaction volume. Over 6 million annual transactions = Level 1 (requires QSA audit). Lower volumes may self-assess with SAQs. Card brands may escalate level based on risk.
How does PCI DSS interact with other financial regulations?
PCI DSS focuses on cardholder data security. It complements but doesn't replace financial regulations. Some overlap in security controls; document how you satisfy both frameworks.
What are the requirements for payment processors?
Payment processors typically need Level 1 certification with annual QSA assessments, quarterly network scans, and penetration testing. Strong access controls and encryption are fundamental.
About RiscLens
Our mission is to provide transparency and clarity to early-stage technology companies navigating the complexities of SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) compliance.
Who we serve
Built specifically for early-stage and growing technology companies—SaaS, fintech, and healthcare tech—preparing for their first SOC 2 audit or responding to enterprise customer requirements.
What we provide
Clarity before commitment. We help teams understand realistic cost ranges, timeline expectations, and common gaps before they engage auditors or expensive compliance vendors.
Our Boundaries
We do not provide legal advice, audit services, or certifications. Our assessments support internal planning—they are not a substitute for professional compliance guidance.
SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) is a voluntary compliance standard for service organizations, developed by the AICPA, which specifies how organizations should manage customer data based on the Trust Services Criteria: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.
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