Information provided to members by OGR

As appropriations deadlines loom and campaign season heats up, Capitol Hill is entering a critical stretch. This week’s developments will shape the fiscal and political landscape heading into the summer—especially for stakeholders navigating regulatory complexity in the payments space.

In this week’s OGR’s Big Picture, available exclusively to IPA members, we cover:

• House subcommittee markups and the behind-the-scenes dynamics slowing progress
• A breakdown of proposed amendments with potential implications for financial services
• How debt ceiling debates are shifting as August draws closer
• Senate hesitation and what it means for timing of final packages
• Updates on the President’s international agenda and what it signals for trade priorities

And in Tuck’s Tax Take: A closer look at evolving revenue proposals—and whether they’re likely to hold up in reconciliation.

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Information provided to members by OGR

The reconciliation clock is ticking on Capitol Hill, and this week may shape the trajectory of tax, healthcare, and trade policy for the rest of the year. From renewed debates over Medicaid cuts to new developments on U.S.-China tariffs, members of the Innovative Payments Association are getting timely, actionable insights to help them navigate the rapidly shifting policy landscape.

In this week’s OGR’s Big Picture, available exclusively to IPA members, we dive into:

• Key developments in the House’s reconciliation process—and what’s holding it up
• Chairman Smith’s preliminary tax package and what’s still missing
• The latest on debt limit pressure and its timeline
• A sweeping executive order on drug pricing—and its implications for Medicare
• What President Trump’s new China trade deal and upcoming Middle East trip signal for global economic policy
  
  

Plus, “Tuck’s Tax Take” breaks down what’s included (and what’s not) in the initial tax framework—and what it could mean for the payments space.

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You’re missing real-time updates, strategic guidance, and direct access to policy analysis that helps our members stay informed and ready—not reactive.

Now is the time to get involved.

The payments industry lost a thoughtful leader and kind colleague with the passing of Andrew Siden, Founder of Expanse Financial Technology and a valued member of the IPA Board.

Andrew was more than a fintech executive; he was a steady voice in a constantly evolving industry. He brought clarity to complexity and offered insight with precision and humility. Whether you were discussing regulatory hurdles or startup challenges, Andrew approached every conversation with patience, warmth, and curiosity.

I had the great fortune to have the opportunity to work alongside Andrew during my time at the IPA.  Andrew was more than just an entrepreneur.  Andrew was a colleague, a confidant, and a friend. He will be sorely missed by me. 

We’re grateful we had the opportunity to capture a piece of Andrew’s story in one of our 2022 podcast episodes, Innovation Requires an Even Keel. In that conversation, he discussed the evolution of his company, the importance of timing and luck in entrepreneurship, and how to lead with both ambition and grace. Listening to it again now reminds us of his thoughtful leadership and enduring optimism.

You can listen to the episode here:
Innovation Requires an Even Keel – IPA Podcast

We also invite you to read Andrew’s obituary published in The New York Times:
Andrew Siden Obituary – Legacy.com

We extend our deepest condolences to Andrew’s family, friends, and the team at ExpanseFT. As Michael Gaspar steps forward to lead the organization, we know he carries Andrew’s vision and values.

Andrew’s absence was deeply felt at this year’s Innovative Payments Conference, and his influence will be felt for years to come.

Donations may be made to the American Heart Association to honor his memory.

He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.

As we head into the final stretch of the 2025 Innovative Payments Conference, today’s agenda delivered thoughtful insights, sharp debate, and high-level perspectives on the forces shaping the future of financial services.

We started with a powerful panel on Bank-Fintech Relationships, where speakers tackled the fallout from the recent BaaS shakeups and how oversight, accountability, and collaboration must evolve. From there, Acting Comptroller Rodney Hood offered a timely fireside chat that explored how regulators can walk the line between enabling innovation and maintaining system stability—especially in today’s fast-moving financial environment.

The morning continued with compelling commentary from Mark Calabria and a thought-provoking session with Jonathan Eig, who reminded us that while today’s challenges feel unprecedented, we can learn a great deal from historical figures who led through turbulent times.

The afternoon sessions pushed the conversation even further. In a headline-making talk, Suresh Ramamurthi explained why a legal battle between CBW Bank and the FDIC may redefine how banking regulations are enforced—and why the payments community should be paying close attention.
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As we wrap up IPC 2025, we leave with new insights, renewed connections, and a sharper focus on what’s next. Thanks to all who joined us in Washington, D.C., and to the experts who shared their perspectives and sparked vital conversations