STRONGER TOGETHER Joining Forces to Advance Payments and Financial Access By Jeff Foote, CTP, President & CEO, and Lonnie C. Talbert, Chief Industry Executive, ePayResources At the heart of every financial transaction is a customer, a business or a community that depends on reliable, secure and accessible financial services. Whether those services are delivered through electronic payments, self-service technologies or cash access points, the organizations that enable them carry an enormous responsibility. Our role, as industry associations, is to ensure our members have the knowledge, tools, advocacy and connections they need to fulfill that responsibility. That shared commitment to members, customers and the communities they serve is what brought ePayResources and ATMIA together. The merger between our organizations marks an important milestone not only for ePayResources and ATMIA, but for the industries and global markets we collectively support. From the outset, this decision has been guided by a clear objective: expanding the value we deliver by combining complementary strengths across payments, cash access, education, advocacy and industry leadership. As financial services continue to evolve, collaboration across the ecosystem is essential to helping members navigate complexity, seize opportunity and better serve those who rely on them every day. Both organizations have long supported distinct but increasingly interconnected parts of the financial ecosystem. ePayResources has built its reputation as a trusted payments association, helping financial institutions, businesses, and government organizations navigate ACH and payment operations through education, compliance guidance, risk management and industry engagement. ATMIA has established itself as the global nonprofit trade association representing the ATM and cash opportunities for financial institutions, independent ATM deployers, manufacturers, processors and technology providers worldwide. As payments channels converge and financial access evolves, the intersection between these domains has become more pronounced. Institutions that depend on electronic payments also operate ATM networks. Technology providers innovate across both digital and physical channels. Policymakers increasingly view payment choice, financial inclusion and cash access as interconnected priorities. Bringing our organizations together reflects this industry reality and positions members to benefit from a more integrated perspective. One of the most immediate advantages for members is expanded access to expertise. ePayResources’ deep knowledge of payments rules, compliance and operational risk now sits alongside ATMIA’s global leadership in ATM operations, cash management, security and self-service financial technology. This combined insight creates a more comprehensive resource for organizations navigating challenges that span multiple channels, from fraud mitigation and regulatory compliance to customer experience and operational resilience. Advocacy also becomes stronger and more coordinated. ATMIA’s global presence and experience engaging policymakers complement ePayResources’ relationships with U.S. regulators, payments networks and industry stakeholders. Together, we are better positioned to represent member interests on issues such as payment choice, fraud prevention, regulatory modernization and financial inclusion. Members benefit when their perspectives are supported by broader expertise, stronger data and a more influential collective voice. Education and professional development will expand in equally meaningful ways. Both organizations are recognized for delivering high-quality training, certifications, conferences and research. Aligning these capabilities enables richer programming that reflects how the industry operates today, connecting payments, cash, technology and innovation rather than treating them as separate disciplines. This integrated 19
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTg3NDExNQ==