It’s About the Government

With the election around the corner, politics dominates conversations and news cycles, but government is more important for the IPA and its members.  

Politics is about photo ops, sound bites, and attending events while trying to win votes. 

Government is about creating, understanding, and implementing policies. 

Elections matter. No rational person would deny that. Some might even find them entertaining, getting caught up in the horse race. 

But it is what happens after the election, when whoever wins needs to make the government work for the country; that matters more.  

For trade associations like the IPA, the important work happens on the government side. 

Regardless of who wins control of the White House, the House, and Senate compliance will still be an important part of financial services. Regulators will still be watching the industry and proposing new rules. And we may see more legislation introduced into Congress. 

Before, during, and after the election, the IPA will continue its work to create a regulatory environment that fosters innovation and competition in financial services.  

Doing requires keeping up with legislative and regulatory proposals, educating members on what they might mean, and responding appropriately to them. A lot of fine print needs to be read, and the analysis needs to include what is not said along with what is said.  

Unlike politics, government is often quiet, detailed work that doesn’t make for good LinkedIn posts, but it remains essential to keeping the industry moving ahead.  ​

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.