Wise Brussels has a very special and unique positioning in the heart of EU institutions. We caught up with three of our Brussels Wisers to find out a bit more about their roles and what life is like at Wise in Brussels.

I've been on this incredible journey with Wise for the past 8 years. In my role I wear the hat of the Head of Compliance for the European area, leading our Compliance Oversight teams not just in Belgium but across the entire European region. I kicked off my Wise adventure in Estonia, as part of the Compliance team. But then, post-Brexit, I found myself packing my bags and heading to Brussels to set up our entity there. I've had my hands in various Compliance teams – from Verification to Core Compliance. The scope of my role expanded, and now, I'm at the helm of Compliance for the entire European area.

What keeps me going? The dynamism of my role. Back in the day, I worked for a bank in Singapore where everything was corporate and rules were set in stone. Wise, on the other hand, is a whole different ball game. It's not just a job; it's an opportunity to grow, change focus when needed, and take ownership of the tasks I'm entrusted with. I've never been bored since I joined Wise.

Can you tell us more about how you first heard about Wise? 

Sure! Fate played a role when I met my now-husband in Frankfurt, who happened to be from Estonia. Following my heart, I moved to Estonia, and given my background in compliance, I was on the lookout for an international company with English as its business language. Wise fit the bill perfectly. I vividly remember the founder interview and onboarding process, where the company's culture and mission left a lasting impression. It was a no-brainer for me – I joined right away.

So, here I am, 8 years later thriving at Wise, grateful for the diverse experiences, the trust placed in me, and the chance to contribute to something bigger. My journey with Wise isn't just a career – it's a meaningful adventure shaped by Wise's culture and mission that align with my values.

I've been navigating the fascinating world of EU policy and Government Relations at Wise for the past 1.5 years. My role revolves around influencing public policy, diving into laws and regulations, and representing Wise's interests in the dynamic city of Brussels and across all of Europe.

In our team, we have two main objectives. First and foremost, we strive to ensure payment transparency by shaping laws that mandate companies to disclose their fees. Additionally, we're on a mission to modernise international  payments, collaborating with various levels of government, both at the EU, national and international levels.

So, what does a day in the life at Wise look like for you?

Well, the beauty of our job lies in its diversity. My schedule is filled with a mix of internal and external meetings, where I engage with the latest political developments, present Wise's stance, and nurture relationships, especially within the fintech and payment sector.

Keeping an eye on industry happenings is crucial, and I attend trade association meetings to stay well-informed about both industry trends and policy changes. We form coalitions with like-minded companies and associations, sharing common goals and visions. Events and panel discussions are also on my radar, providing a platform to contribute Wise's perspective to relevant EU legislative discussions.

Flexibility is a recurring theme in my role, considering that policies can change suddenly. Navigating through changing laws and regulations requires patience and the ability to understand the political landscape. Convincing stakeholders is an art, and I often find myself using fact-based arguments to make our case.

Joining Wise has been a dynamic journey, and every day brings new challenges, victories, and opportunities to shape the fintech landscape through effective policy advocacy.

Working at Wise compared to other workplaces in Belgium is a breath of fresh air! One standout factor is that we’re a team that's solution-oriented, quick on our feet, always seeking solutions rather than dwelling on problems. At Wise, it's never boring; it's a dynamic environment where each person's role is interconnected, requiring collaboration and multitasking across different departments.

The contrast with other companies becomes evident in our approach. While many workplaces follow a hierarchical structure that slows down decision-making, at Wise, we're all about making things happen.  One of the things that have stood out to me during my time here is the trust Wise places in its employees. There's no micromanaging; instead, there's empowerment to excel in our roles.

Can you share a bit more about the team events and traditions? 

Our team traditions are those little moments that add a unique flavour to our Wise experience. Over the past nine months, as a member of the People team, I had the pleasure of organising the summer party in Belgium, held in an open-space venue. It was a lively affair, filled with snacks, drinks, and dancing—a true blast. Our team also gathers for bi-weekly lunches, fostering team collaboration beyond work tasks.

We're not just about work; we know how to have fun too. A Halloween party, though not extravagant in costumes, is an opportunity for us to decorate and celebrate together. Another memorable experience was a waffle-making workshop at an external venue, where we learned the art of crafting proper Belgian waffles. As the festive season rolled around, we indulged in a Christmas party at a hotel, complete with a Secret Santa exchange. Recognizing the family-oriented aspect of our team, we dedicated an afternoon for kids, featuring a special visit from Santa Claus.

On a lighter note, our team engages in activities like assembling a Lego set, showcasing our collaborative and creative side. Overall, the Wise team is a dynamic, active bunch, always finding ways to connect beyond the professional realm.

Wise Brussels is like the cool kid on the block in the job market, offering a work culture that's more like a dynamic adventure than a regular 9-to-5.

Nestled in the heart of the EU institutions, the team brings a unique flavour to the table. It's not just a job, it's a chance to grow, switch things up, and really own your tasks.