Celebrating Charles Bayani: A 2025 API Leader of Influence Honoree

“Success isn’t just about what you build—it’s about who you become in the process, and how many people you lift along the way.”

— Charles Bayani

We're thrilled to announce that our Founder and CEO, Charles Bayani, has been recognized by the San Diego Business Journal as one of this year's Asian Pacific Islander Leaders of Influence.

This prestigious recognition highlights influential API leaders making a meaningful impact in business across the community–and Charles certainly fits that description.

From Corporate Banker to Entrepreneurial Trailblazer

Charles' career began at Wells Fargo, where he served as a Vice President in business banking and merchant services, working closely with small business owners across California. But like many of the entrepreneurs he served, Charles felt called to create something of his own—something more nimble, transparent, and relationship-driven.

He founded and launched The Payment HQ soon after–a privately owned merchant services company committed to empowering business owners with easy-to-use payment solutions, payroll services, and access to financing.

This entrepreneurial leap wasn't just about creating a company; it was also about creating a positive impact.

To date, we’ve helped growth-focused businesses recoup hundreds of thousands in unnecessary fees, increase revenue by millions, and unlock smarter tools that drive efficiency, transparency, and long-term profitability.

Standing Out By Serving Differently

Under Charles' leadership, The Payment HQ has grown into a tech-forward, full-service partner for small business owners, offering:

• Multiple payment platforms and hardware options
• Custom integrated payments with medical software ERM & EHR systems
• Business credit
• Payroll services

What Truly Sets The Payment HQ apart?

It starts with our founder’s approach. While many leaders stay behind the scenes, Charles Bayani is in the trenches—meeting clients face-to-face, listening deeply, and designing solutions that actually move the needle. His hands-on style isn’t just about service—it’s about stewardship.

Charles built The Payment HQ to be different by design: privately owned, free from outside investors, and focused on people over profits. That means no corporate red tape, no cookie-cutter plans, and no one-size-fits-all systems.

This flexibility allows us to serve industries that others overlook—including high-risk or complex businesses. If you’ve been turned away, overcharged, or underserved by a “big-box” processor, you’re exactly who we built this for.

On an Empowerment Mission

At its core, The Payment HQ was built with one mission: to empower small business owners to grow with confidence—not confusion.

Charles has always believed that financial tools shouldn’t be cost-prohibitive, time-consuming, or built to benefit the provider more than the business owner. That’s why we focus on solutions that are simple, scalable, and designed to grow with you—not against you.

This recognition as a 2025 API Leader of Influence isn’t just a celebration of Charles—it’s a reminder of what real influence looks like: showing up daily to serve, support, and stand alongside the people building something of their own.

Whether you're a restaurant owner, run a busy dental practice, or manage a fast-growing online brand—The Payment HQ was created with your success in mind.

Here's to Charles and Business Owners Everywhere

This achievement is a reflection of the innovation, integrity, and impact Charles brings to every relationship, every solution, and every business owner we serve.

Congratulations, Charles, on being named a 2025 API Leader of Influence. Your leadership reminds us that success isn’t measured only by numbers—but by how many people you lift along the way.

And to the business owners out there working late, dreaming big, and building with heart: we see you. The Payment HQ is here to support your journey—with smarter tools, transparent pricing, and real partnership every step of the way.