In the realm of financial technology, few names resonate as strongly as Shivansh Chandnani. As a Staff Software Engineer at Meta and a proven leader in the payments space, Shivansh has continually broken ground with transformative ideas and steadfast leadership. His journey from a passionate student of computer science to a pioneering engineer shaping how billions interact with money on platforms like WhatsApp is both inspiring and impactful.
Early Life and Academic Foundation
Shivansh’s story begins with a relentless curiosity for technology, one that guided him to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. There, he completed an integrated five-year program, earning both his Bachelor’s and Master of Science degrees in Computer Science. By graduating early and being able to complete the 5 year program within 4 years itself, Shivansh demonstrated academic excellence from the outset.
His academic journey was more than a pursuit of grades—it was a formative experience that blended theory with hands-on exposure. He delved into rigorous coursework such as compiler construction, data mining, and computer security, while contributing as a Teaching Assistant and Course Assistant for over five semesters. These roles honed his ability to explain complex topics and lead peers, early indicators of his future leadership trajectory.
Professional Journey
Shivansh’s professional ascent began with internships at major players like Meta, Jump Labs, and Oracle’s Textura. His early contributions ranged from optimizing cryptographic libraries to building low-latency trading infrastructure and client services tools that significantly improved system efficiency.
In 2019, he joined Meta full-time, marking the start of an exceptional chapter in his career. Shivansh played a key role in launching and scaling WhatsApp Payments in India, growing it to over 50 million monthly transactions. His ability to adapt solutions for varied markets—Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico—demonstrates a rare agility in global product development. At each stage, he engineered systems that were not only scalable but also attuned to local compliance and customer experience needs.
From creating self-service onboarding tools that reduced manual work to building systems that empowered Indian telecom carriers to remind users of mobile recharges via WhatsApp, Shivansh has consistently engineered user-centric solutions. His work on the incentive payout system and integration with public transit payment flows elevated WhatsApp from a messaging platform to a vital financial tool.
Leadership and Innovation
As a tech lead for a 16-member engineering team at Meta, Shivansh has cultivated a leadership style marked by collaboration, clarity, and innovation. He led an overhaul of the U.S. peer-to-peer payment infrastructure, slashing operational costs significantly while simplifying compliance procedures. By identifying customer pain points and co-designing solutions, he helped drive 100% year-over-year product growth.
His approach to leadership transcends technical management. Shivansh served as the Intern Director at Meta, overseeing project plans and performance for over ten interns and their respective managers. His commitment to mentorship and team development ensures that the next generation of engineers thrives under his guidance.
Notable Achievements
Among Shivansh’s standout accomplishments is the creation of a groundbreaking integration allowing Indian merchants to link their payment gateways to WhatsApp. This innovation revolutionized how businesses engage with customers, making payments as seamless as messaging.
His reliability enhancements in Meta’s payment systems dramatically reduced downtimes, enhancing trust and user experience. His ability to align engineering efforts with regulatory demands also made him the go-to lead for external audits—a testament to his multifaceted expertise.
Academic Contributions
Beyond industry, Shivansh has made notable academic contributions. As a Teaching Assistant, he designed new course material and led discussions, impacting the learning journey of over 120 students. His influence extended to developing autograder systems and online learning platforms, bridging traditional teaching with modern technologies.
His deep understanding of systems architecture and security translated into coursework and real-world applications, showcasing his ability to unite theoretical models with scalable engineering.
Future Vision and Impact
Today, as he continues in his role at Meta, Shivansh remains focused on reshaping the future of digital payments. His influence reaches beyond code—he is reimagining financial accessibility, security, and speed on a global scale. Whether improving payment experiences in emerging markets or mentoring the next generation of engineers, Shivansh’s work promises a more connected and inclusive digital economy.
As fintech continues to evolve, leaders like Shivansh Chandnani will be pivotal in driving ethical innovation and scalable impact. His journey is far from over, but his legacy is already in motion.
