profile

WIA Profile: Cathy Beardsley

How did you get into the business?

In 1999, while I was working at MCI in Atlanta, I was recruited by the payment processor iBill. I moved to Florida to develop a strategy to either sell the company or position it for an IPO. I stayed at iBill through multiple ownership changes and ultimately left when the company fell into a bad hand. I started SegPay in 2005 with the goal of creating an IPSP to adhere to a unique set of principles. The industry was asking for an IPSP with more financial controls so that client funds could never be mishandled by the payment processor or IPSP. That’s what we do. SegPay was and still is the only IPSP to have our acquirers payout our clients directly. In fact, our clients get paid before we do!

If you really care about your business, it’s easy for work to creep up and take over your life. Those are the times when you have to rely on your team to pull you through.

What in your background prepared you for what you are doing now?

I had five years of experience at iBill that allowed me to see every aspect of the business. My time there gave me a great introduction to processing in the adult space as well as what worked and made a difference for clients. It also opened my eyes as to what can go wrong, thus helping me create a better and more financially transparent IPSP for our clients. Beyond that, I have an undergraduate degree in marketing and masters in finance so I have a good sense of communication and presentation, but I also have the common sense of managing a budget.

What do you see as the challenges of working in the adult online business? How do you overcome them?

In our space, it seems like there is a never ending tide of rule changes from card schemes and regulatory agencies. The key to working through these changes is to position yourself as a leader in the space. This allows you to be proactive in instituting change and working with the regulators. The adult online business is a small network of businesses. You have to perform well on all fronts to earn the respect and trust of the industry. Stepping into this business eight years ago was a challenge because webmasters were not comfortable moving forward with an untested IPSP. We have managed to succeed by embracing three things:

1. It takes time to build a solid business.
2. It is critical to always do what is right.
3. Celebrate each new client win.

SegPay is a reflection of all that work. Does your work life affect your personal life?

SegPay IS personal to me. I have three children and I consider SegPay to be my fourth. I try to prioritize my work so that I can enjoy my time away from the office and with my family. If you really care about your business, it’s easy for work to creep up and take over your life. Those are the times when you have to rely on your team to pull you through. The team at SegPay does just that.

Each month, industry news media organization XBIZ spotlights the career accomplishments and outstanding contributions of Women in Adult. WIA profiles offer an intimate look at the professional lives of the industry's most influential female executives. Women like Cathy Beardsley, President and CEO, Segpay.com

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

opinion

WIA Profile: Lainie Speiser

With her fiery red hair, thick-framed glasses and a laugh that practically hugs you, Lainie Speiser is impossible to miss. Having repped some of adult’s biggest stars during her 30-plus years in the business, the veteran publicist is also a treasure trove of tales dating back to the days when print was king and social media not even a glimmer in the industry’s eye.

Women in Adult ·
opinion

Fighting Back Against AI-Fueled Fake Takedown Notices

The digital landscape is increasingly being shaped by artificial intelligence, and while AI offers immense potential, it’s also being weaponized. One disturbing trend that directly impacts adult businesses is AI-powered “DMCA takedown services” generating a flood of fraudulent Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) notices.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

Building Seamless Checkout Flows for High-Risk Merchants

For high-risk merchants such as adult businesses, crypto payments are no longer just a backup plan — they’re fast becoming a first choice. More and more businesses are embracing Bitcoin and other digital currencies for consumer transactions.

Jonathan Corona ·
opinion

What the New SCOTUS Ruling Means for AV Laws and Free Speech

On June 27, 2025, the United States Supreme Court handed down its landmark decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, upholding Texas’ age verification law in the face of a constitutional challenge and setting a new precedent that bolsters similar laws around the country.

Lawrence G. Walters ·
opinion

What You Need to Know Before Relocating Your Adult Business Abroad

Over the last several months, a noticeable trend has emerged: several of our U.S.-based merchants have decided to “pick up shop” and relocate to European countries. On the surface, this sounds idyllic. I imagine some of my favorite clients sipping coffee or wine at sidewalk cafés, embracing a slower pace of life.

Cathy Beardsley ·
profile

WIA Profile: Salima

When Salima first entered the adult space in her mid-20s, becoming a power player wasn’t even on her radar. She was simply looking to learn. Over the years, however, her instinct for strategy, trust in her teams and commitment to creator-first innovation led her from the trade show floor to the executive suite.

Women in Adult ·
opinion

How the Interstate Obscenity Definition Act Could Impact Adult Businesses

Congress is considering a bill that would change the well-settled definition of obscenity and create extensive new risks for the adult industry. The Interstate Obscenity Definition Act, introduced by Sen. Mike Lee, makes a mockery of the First Amendment and should be roundly rejected.

Lawrence G. Walters ·
opinion

What US Sites Need to Know About UK's Online Safety Act

In a high-risk space like the adult industry, overlooking or ignoring ever-changing rules and regulations can cost you dearly. In the United Kingdom, significant change has now arrived in the form of the Online Safety Act — and failure to comply with its requirements could cost merchants millions of dollars in fines.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

Understanding the MATCH List and How to Avoid Getting Blacklisted

Business is booming, sales are steady and your customer base is growing. Everything seems to be running smoothly — until suddenly, Stripe pulls the plug. With one cold, automated email, your payment processing is shut down. No warning, no explanation.

Jonathan Corona ·
profile

WIA Profile: Leah Koons

If you’ve been to an industry event lately, odds are you’ve heard Leah Koons even before you’ve seen her. As Fansly’s director of marketing, Koons helps steer one of the fastest-growing creator platforms on the web.

Women in Adult ·
Show More