<![CDATA[Innovative Payments Association - Blog]]>Tue, 04 Aug 2026 03:15:40 -0400EditMySite<![CDATA[Senate Returns to a Packed August Agenda]]>Mon, 03 Aug 2026 22:48:54 GMThttps://www.ipa.org/blog/senate-returns-to-a-packed-august-agendaInformation provided to members by OGR.

With just over three months until Election Day, the Senate returns to Washington this week facing a packed legislative agenda before beginning its August recess. Government funding, executive nominations, cryptocurrency legislation, and budget reconciliation are all competing for limited floor time as lawmakers work toward the September 30 funding deadline.

Among the Senate's immediate priorities are advancing a continuing resolution to keep the government funded, considering bipartisan Russia sanctions legislation, and moving forward on a slate of executive nominations. Lawmakers are also continuing negotiations on bipartisan crypto market structure legislation while Republican leaders work to build support for another reconciliation package.

Meanwhile, the House remains in its August district work period, with members focused on campaigning and constituent engagement ahead of the fall session. As election season intensifies, both parties are refining their strategies for key House and Senate races that could shape the legislative agenda in 2027.

The Innovative Payments Association's Office of Government Relations provides members with timely analysis and deeper insight into the legislative and regulatory developments affecting the payments industry. Want more updates like this? Join the IPA to access exclusive policy analysis, advocacy resources, and member-only government relations updates. Learn more at www.ipa.org/join.
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]]><![CDATA[Washington Heads into August with Key Legislative Decisions Still Ahead]]>Mon, 27 Jul 2026 22:40:12 GMThttps://www.ipa.org/blog/washington-heads-into-august-with-key-legislative-decisions-still-aheadInformation provided to members by OGR.

As Congress approaches its August recess, attention remains squarely on the Senate as lawmakers work through a packed agenda before leaving Washington. While the House has wrapped up its legislative work until September, the Senate continues to consider executive and judicial nominations alongside several high-profile legislative priorities that could shape the policy landscape heading into the fall. For organizations in the payments industry, these developments are worth watching as Congress weighs issues that could influence the broader regulatory and business environment.

Among the issues drawing attention are government funding, sanctions legislation, budget reconciliation, and continued negotiations surrounding digital asset policy. While some measures may advance before the recess, others are expected to carry into September as lawmakers navigate procedural hurdles and seek bipartisan agreement. At the same time, political messaging ahead of the midterm elections is beginning to take center stage, with both parties using the August district work period to sharpen their priorities before Congress returns.

Understanding what is moving, what is stalled, and what could happen next is critical for businesses operating in the payments ecosystem. Legislative timing, political dynamics, and committee activity often provide important signals about where policy is headed long before formal action is taken. Staying informed helps organizations anticipate potential changes and better prepare for the evolving regulatory landscape.
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This overview highlights only a small portion of the analysis IPA members receive each week through our exclusive OGR Washington "Big Picture" report. Members gain access to in-depth legislative analysis, policy insights, and expert context designed specifically for the payments industry—along with many additional advocacy resources and member benefits. To learn more about becoming an IPA member and gaining access to these exclusive updates, visit www.ipa.org/join.
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]]><![CDATA[Congress Faces a Packed Final Week Before August Recess]]>Mon, 20 Jul 2026 14:09:59 GMThttps://www.ipa.org/blog/congress-faces-a-packed-final-week-before-august-recessInformation provided to members by OGR.

​As Congress heads into its final scheduled week before the August recess, lawmakers are racing to complete an ambitious agenda before returning to their districts. The House is expected to take up several major priorities, including government funding, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), and a new budget resolution, while the Senate continues to focus primarily on nominations and weighs its legislative options for the weeks ahead.

Beyond Capitol Hill, political activity is also accelerating. Arizona voters head to the polls for newly rescheduled primary elections that could shape several of the nation's most competitive House races, while congressional leaders continue to navigate a challenging legislative environment heading into the fall. The weeks ahead will play an important role in determining what issues remain on Congress's agenda when lawmakers return in September.

For companies in the payments industry, understanding how these developments influence the broader legislative and regulatory landscape is essential. IPA members receive regular updates and analysis that help put Washington's fast-moving policy environment into context and identify the issues most likely to affect their businesses.

The full OGR's Big Picture report is available exclusively to IPA members as part of their membership benefits. To gain access to in-depth policy analysis, advocacy updates, and other exclusive resources, learn more about joining the IPA at www.ipa.org/join.​
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]]><![CDATA[Congress Faces a Packed Summer Agenda as Key Legislative Priorities Take Shape]]>Tue, 14 Jul 2026 12:56:21 GMThttps://www.ipa.org/blog/congress-faces-a-packed-summer-agenda-as-key-legislative-priorities-take-shapeInformation provided to members by OGR.

Congress returns to Washington facing a compressed legislative calendar and growing pressure to advance major policy priorities before lawmakers leave for the August recess. With limited time remaining before several important deadlines later this fall, both the House and Senate are working through a range of legislative, budgetary, and confirmation issues that could shape the policy landscape for the remainder of the year.

Leadership in both chambers is navigating procedural challenges and competing priorities as lawmakers consider appropriations legislation, defense policy, nominations, and broader budget negotiations. At the same time, internal political dynamics continue to influence the pace of legislative activity, making the weeks ahead especially important for industries closely following federal policy developments.

For the payments industry, staying informed about activity on Capitol Hill is essential. Congressional decisions on funding, financial services policy, and other legislative initiatives can have significant implications for financial institutions, fintech companies, and the broader payments ecosystem. IPA members receive regular analysis that goes beyond the headlines to explain what these developments mean for their businesses and what to watch in the weeks ahead.
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IPA members have access to OGR's in-depth Washington policy updates, including detailed legislative analysis, political insights, and expert perspectives on emerging issues affecting the payments industry. To learn more about becoming an IPA member and accessing these exclusive resources, visit www.ipa.org/join.
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]]><![CDATA[Congress Faces a Busy Summer as Major Policy Priorities Take Shape]]>Wed, 01 Jul 2026 16:38:52 GMThttps://www.ipa.org/blog/congress-faces-a-busy-summer-as-major-policy-priorities-take-shapeInformation provided to members by OGR.

Congress heads into July facing a packed legislative agenda that will shape the second half of the year. House Republicans are working to regain momentum after procedural disputes stalled action last week, while lawmakers prepare to consider key measures including the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), appropriations legislation, and national security initiatives. At the same time, the Supreme Court is expected to issue several closely watched decisions that could have significant implications for federal policy

While the Senate is in a two-week recess, negotiations continue behind the scenes on several high-profile issues expected to dominate the summer agenda. Lawmakers and staff are working to advance legislation related to cryptocurrency market structure, the Farm Bill, permitting reform, defense spending, and FY 2027 appropriations before the limited legislative calendar leading into the August recess

The political landscape is also evolving as primary elections continue across the country. Competitive races in states such as Colorado and Louisiana are providing early indications of the issues and candidates that could shape the November elections, while congressional leaders balance legislative priorities with growing campaign pressures.
IPA members receive OGR's full Big Picture report, providing in-depth analysis of congressional activity, regulatory developments, and political trends affecting the payments industry. To learn more about the benefits of IPA membership, visit www.ipa.org/join.
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]]><![CDATA[Congress Faces Critical Week on National Security, Spending, and Affordability Priorities]]>Mon, 22 Jun 2026 19:06:27 GMThttps://www.ipa.org/blog/congress-faces-critical-week-on-national-security-spending-and-affordability-prioritiesInformation provided to members by OGR.

​Washington enters a pivotal week as lawmakers race to advance major legislative priorities before the Senate departs for a two-week recess. National security, government funding, housing affordability, energy costs, and key defense legislation are all competing for attention, creating a crowded agenda that could have significant implications for businesses, consumers, and the broader economy.

​​Congress also is closely monitoring the fallout from the administration's recent Memorandum of Understanding with Iran and regional partners. Debate surrounding the agreement, combined with the expiration of FISA Section 702 surveillance authorities, is expected to dominate conversations on Capitol Hill. At the same time, appropriators in both chambers continue work on Fiscal Year 2027 spending bills while lawmakers prepare amendments to the annual National Defense Authorization Act.

Affordability remains a bipartisan focus. Congress appears poised to advance legislation addressing housing costs, while lawmakers are also considering measures aimed at managing rising electricity prices and the impact of growing energy demand. These issues have become increasingly important political priorities as both parties seek solutions to ongoing cost-of-living concerns.

Meanwhile, closely watched primary elections in New York and Maryland could influence the ideological direction of the House Democratic Caucus. The outcomes may shape future policy debates on issues ranging from foreign policy to financial regulation and economic policy.

IPA members receive OGR's full weekly analysis, including detailed legislative intelligence, election insights, committee activity, and policy developments impacting the payments ecosystem. For more in-depth information and exclusive advocacy resources, join the Innovative Payments Association at www.ipa.org/join.
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]]><![CDATA[Congressional Battles, Budget Negotiations, and Global Developments Shape Washington's Agenda]]>Mon, 15 Jun 2026 15:54:54 GMThttps://www.ipa.org/blog/congressional-battles-budget-negotiations-and-global-developments-shape-washingtons-agendaInformation provided to members by OGR.

As Washington enters a pivotal stretch before the August recess, policymakers are navigating a complex mix of international developments, budget negotiations, surveillance authority debates, and election-year politics. Recent geopolitical events, including a proposed cease-fire agreement involving Iran and ongoing discussions among G7 leaders, are expected to influence both foreign policy and legislative priorities in the weeks ahead.

On Capitol Hill, the Senate takes center stage while the House is in recess. Lawmakers face a packed agenda that includes nominations, intelligence and surveillance policy discussions, appropriations negotiations, and efforts to advance key legislation before the summer break. Deep divisions over federal spending levels, defense funding, and broader fiscal priorities continue to complicate progress on several major initiatives.

At the same time, political dynamics are beginning to intensify as primary elections and runoff contests unfold across several states. These races could have significant implications for congressional leadership, party strategy, and the balance of power heading into the November elections.

For payments companies, financial institutions, fintechs, and other stakeholders, understanding these developments is critical. Legislative activity, regulatory priorities, and shifts in political leadership often influence the policy environment that shapes innovation, compliance, and business operations.

IPA members receive OGR's full "Big Picture" analysis each week, providing deeper insights into the legislative, regulatory, and political developments impacting the payments ecosystem. For more detailed information and exclusive policy analysis, join the Innovative Payments Association today at www.ipa.org/join.
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]]><![CDATA[Banks Will No Longer Be Deputy Regulators]]>Sun, 14 Jun 2026 17:52:18 GMThttps://www.ipa.org/blog/banks-will-no-longer-be-deputy-regulatorsThe Office of the Comptroller of the Currency is working to ensure that banks will no longer be deputy regulators.
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In the past, banks have often found themselves deputized by the regulators to address concerns both inside and outside of banking. Perhaps the most famous example of this was “Operation Choke Point” that ran from 2013-2017. Banks were encouraged by examiners to avoid doing business in tobacco, firearms, and fossil fuels, for example on the basis of “reputational risk.” In an article in Compliance and Enforcement, lawyers from Davis Wright Tremain LLP point out that this was a departure from the “CAMELS (Capital adequacy, Asset quality, Management, Earnings, Liquidity and Sensitivity [to interest rate changes]) rating system, created in 1979.”

In February, Comptroller Jonathan Gould testified at a hearing in the Senate Banking Committee that the agency was moving away from including reputational risk as part of the examination process.

“We have also proposed a rule to eliminate reputation risk from supervision, a tool too often used to debank politically disfavored individuals or groups. We are intent on ensuring banks provide access to banking products and services based on individualized, objective, risk-based criteria, not politics or ideology,” Gould testified.

As in all things, the devil could be in the details on this. If the regulators began hunting for “debanking” as violation, then the pendulum could swing the other way as potential clients cry foul whenever a bank declines to work with them or offer them a loan. Institutions still need to be able to refuse business that doesn’t fit with their risk profile without the fear of “debanking” violations being used as a cudgel to force them to accept businesses.

In a cocktail hour conversation at the recent Innovative payments Conference, one bank lawyer explained to me that she had thought this through. The key for banks will be to explain why a particular business is not a right fit for the bank based on the banks’ risk profile, staffing levels to monitor loans, or similar bank-focused criteria.

When Comptroller Gould spoke at our conference, he also said that the OCC would no longer rely on banks to police every third party that touches the banking system. He said it was inappropriate for regulators to force third parties to do what the regulators want them to do.

Instead, he said that the regulators would be using their powers to supervise fintechs directly.

While it is rare for banking regulators to go after third-party partners directly, it is not without precedent.

In 2013, the FDIC imposed a consent order and civil money penalty on Achieve Financial Services, saying that it had the authority to do so because Achieve was an institution-affiliated party of its issuing bank.
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An “institution-affiliated party” of a bank under the Section 1813(u) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act includes “any independent contractor (including any attorney, appraiser, or accountant)” that could violate a banking law. The act gives “the appropriate federal banking agency” the right to take actions against institution-affiliated parties directly.
Fintechs and other bank parties should be on notice that the regulators are looking their way. Compliance is an essential part of financial services, not just a check-the-box exercise.
Ben Jackson is the Chief Operating Officer of the Innovative Payments Association, a leading trade association representing companies in payments. With over two decades of industry experience, Ben is dedicated to providing valuable information, advocacy, and support to help members improve financial outcomes for consumers, businesses, and government agencies.
]]><![CDATA[Congressional Divisions Put Major Policy Priorities to the Test]]>Mon, 08 Jun 2026 14:14:23 GMThttps://www.ipa.org/blog/congressional-divisions-put-major-policy-priorities-to-the-testInformation provided to members by OGR.

Washington enters another consequential week with lawmakers facing a crowded agenda and increasingly visible political divisions. Republican leaders in both the House and Senate are working to advance key legislative priorities while managing internal disagreements, a challenge made more difficult by competing policy demands and a rapidly evolving political environment.

Several issues will serve as important tests of congressional leadership in the days ahead. Debates surrounding the reauthorization of FISA Section 702 surveillance authorities, continued reconciliation efforts, and labor-related legislation are highlighting the complex dynamics shaping Capitol Hill. At the same time, primary elections and shifting political alliances are creating additional uncertainty as both parties look ahead to the November elections.
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In the Senate, lawmakers are balancing national security priorities, appropriations work, and confirmation votes, while House leaders face growing challenges in maintaining party unity on several high-profile issues. Committees in both chambers are also advancing legislation that could have long-term implications across multiple sectors of the economy, including financial services, technology, and digital assets.

For payments companies, fintechs, banks, and other stakeholders, these developments offer important signals about the policy environment taking shape in Washington. Legislative priorities, regulatory oversight, digital asset policy, and broader economic debates all remain in flux as Congress navigates a particularly active summer agenda.

Additional analysis, insights, and legislative updates are available exclusively to IPA members through the association's government relations resources. To learn more about IPA membership, visit www.ipa.org/join.
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]]><![CDATA[Washington Faces a Critical Week of Policy Activity]]>Mon, 18 May 2026 19:47:59 GMThttps://www.ipa.org/blog/washington-faces-a-critical-week-of-policy-activityInformation provided to members by OGR.

​Congress returns to Washington this week facing a packed legislative agenda and mounting pressure to advance key priorities before the Memorial Day recess. Reconciliation negotiations, budget discussions, and high-profile policy debates are all converging at once, creating significant implications for financial services, digital assets, and the broader economy.

On Capitol Hill, lawmakers are navigating negotiations tied to federal spending, housing legislation, infrastructure funding, and executive branch nominations. At the same time, discussions surrounding market structure, digital asset oversight, and broader financial policy continue gaining momentum as policymakers work to advance bipartisan agreements on several unresolved issues.

International developments are also shaping the conversation in Washington. Recent meetings between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, ongoing trade discussions, and geopolitical tensions are expected to influence economic policy debates and regulatory priorities in the weeks ahead.

For the payments industry, these conversations represent more than political headlines. Decisions being made now could shape regulatory approaches, market conditions, and the future direction of financial innovation for years to come. IPA members receive deeper analysis and strategic insight into the developments shaping Washington and their impact on the payments ecosystem.

​Join the IPA to access exclusive member insights and stay ahead of the policy conversations shaping payments. 
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