With more than two decades of experience in the payments industry, John Newton joins Aperia Compliance, an IXOPAY company, as the new Vice President of Sales. Known for his ability to forge strategic partnerships and lead high-growth initiatives, John brings a seasoned perspective and deep industry insight to a company that’s redefining compliance and security for merchant acquirers.
Aperia Compliance simplifies PCI compliance and enhances merchant security through an intelligent suite of tools—including PCI Apply 4.0, Payment Script Monitor, and the Merchant Protection Program. These solutions don’t just help merchants become compliant—they help acquirers stand out in a crowded market while generating new recurring revenue streams by reselling value-added services.
We sat down with John to learn more about his background, what brought him to Aperia Compliance, and how he plans to shape the future of sales and strategic growth.
1. John, with over two decades in the payments industry, what initially drew you to this field, and how has your perspective evolved over the years?
I got into payments by accident, really. I started in a role that quickly exposed me to how payments are the backbone of every business. What’s evolved is the level of complexity—and the opportunity. It’s no longer just about moving money. It’s about delivering security, trust, and insights. That complexity excites me, because it creates so many ways to innovate and add value for merchants and partners alike.
2. Before joining Aperia Compliance, you led strategic partnerships at First American Payment Systems. What lessons from that experience are you bringing into your new role?
The biggest takeaway is the importance of creating alignment—between what we sell, what our partners need, and how we support both. At First American, I worked with a diverse partner base, and I learned that transparency and consistency are non-negotiable. Those lessons are the foundation I’ll use here at Aperia Compliance to build long-lasting relationships with acquirers and ISOs.
3. As the new VP of Sales at Aperia Compliance, what excites you most about the company’s mission and its role within the IXOPAY ecosystem?
It’s rare to find a company with both a compelling mission and the tools to back it up. Aperia Compliance’s mission—simplifying PCI compliance and securing merchant environments—is critical. But what really excites me is the practical impact of our solutions. We give merchants a guided path to compliance, and we help acquirers unlock new recurring revenue by offering these services through white-label platforms like PCI Apply 4.0.
4. PCI compliance and security are often seen as complex challenges for merchant acquirers and their clients. How do you plan to position your compliance offerings to make this journey easier and more valuable for partners and merchants alike?
That’s the heart of our go-to-market strategy—turning complexity into simplicity. PCI Apply 4.0, for example, guides merchants through compliance step-by-step with U.S.-based phone support and auto-filled SAQs. Our Payment Script Monitor provides continuous security monitoring to meet PCI DSS 6.4.3 and 11.6.1 requirements with minimal effort from the merchant. And our Merchant Protection Program layers on endpoint security, breach response, and identity theft resolution. Together, they create a platform that not only simplifies compliance but also strengthens the merchant's business. And for acquirers, that’s a strong differentiator.
5. Can you share your approach to building high-performing sales teams, especially in a space as dynamic and competitive as payments and compliance?
I look for team members who are curious, collaborative, and customer-obsessed. You can't fake passion in this space—you need to be genuinely interested in solving problems and learning constantly. I also focus on process: setting clear goals, measuring what matters, and celebrating wins. That, plus a strong feedback culture, keeps the team energized and moving forward.
6. Finally, what’s something about you—personally or professionally—that your new colleagues and partners might be surprised to learn?
I coached lacrosse for over 20 years, and that experience shaped much of how I lead teams. Lacrosse is a fast-paced, high-pressure sport that requires players to make quick decisions, adapt constantly, and stay composed as the game evolves. Coaching taught me the importance of individual excellence working in service of team goals, and how consistent daily improvement—not just game-day performance—drives long-term success. That mindset translates directly to building and leading sales teams in this ever-changing industry.
Looking Ahead
With John Newton at the helm, Aperia Compliance is doubling down on growth, partnership, and merchant enablement. As acquirers look to differentiate themselves in a competitive payments landscape, Aperia’s smart, scalable tools offer a true win-win: an easy path to compliance for merchants and a profitable, turnkey solution for resellers.
We’re thrilled to welcome John to the team—and excited for what comes next.