Professional Role and Company Overview
Kivanc Harputlu serves as the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Onlayer, a company recognized for its focus on enhancing global cybersecurity and merchant management, with particular emphasis on compliance with PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard). He has been in this leadership role since 2018-2019, initially as Co-Founder of PCI Checklist (a precursor or part of Onlayer) and subsequently appointed Chairman of the Board at ONLAYER Bilişim Teknolojileri in 2019.
Onlayer is positioned as a leading merchant management platform that delivers end-to-end cybersecurity solutions, tailored to the needs of banks, payment institutions, and merchants. The company prioritizes seamless integration and risk management in cybersecurity, focusing on third-party risk management frameworks.
Recent Company Recognition and Industry Standing
Under Harputlu’s leadership, Onlayer has achieved notable industry recognition:
- Ranked 31st in Fast Company's 50 Most Innovative Companies list.
- Included in the 2025 Gartner Market Guide for Third-Party Risk Management.
- Featured in multiple fintech events and industry gatherings, including the Onlayer 4th Annual Fintech Gathering, which convenes industry leaders from the fintech sector.
These recognitions highlight Onlayer’s growing prominence in the cybersecurity and fintech sectors, demonstrating a strong market reputation that reinforces Harputlu’s executive positioning and strategic vision.
Educational Background
Kivanc Harputlu is an alumnus of the Middle East Technical University (Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi). Additionally, he has studied at Bahçeşehir Üniversitesi (2012-2015), developing a robust technical skill set encompassing:
- Checkpoint security technologies
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)
- Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)
- Security policies and protocols
This educational foundation supports his expertise in cybersecurity and fintech innovation.
Professional Experience and Expertise
- Co-Founder & CEO of PCI Checklist/Onlayer (since 2018): Spearheaded the build-out of cybersecurity risk assessment tools and services customized for payment institutions.
- Chairman of the Board at Onlayer (since 2019): Oversees strategic governance and operational scaling.
- Experienced in transforming merchant management through technology prioritizing security and compliance.
- Frequently shares updates and industry insights via LinkedIn and Instagram, establishing thought leadership in cybersecurity and fintech sectors.
- Active in public fintech forums and industry summits, reflecting a commitment to advancing innovations in financial technology and regulatory compliance.
Company Focus and Market Position
Onlayer addresses the differentiated cybersecurity needs of banks and payment institutions, focusing on PCI-DSS compliance automation and cyber risk scanning that adapts to various organizational requirements. The company’s model supports global scalability and aligns with evolving fintech regulations across markets, especially in the Middle East, with Dubai as a key operational hub.
In summary, Kivanc Harputlu is a technically proficient and strategically driven executive leading Onlayer’s pioneering efforts in merchant cybersecurity and compliance. His academic background and executive experiences directly underpin the company’s innovative product offerings and growing recognition in global fintech and cybersecurity ecosystems. This profile positions him as a key decision-maker with a deep understanding of cybersecurity challenges specific to payments and merchant risk management.
