The virtual event included an expert panel featuring: Kim Ford, Senior Vice President of Government Relations at Fiserv; Tom Gannon, Vice President of Public Policy at Mastercard; and Brian Tate, President and CEO at the Innovative Payments Association (IPA) who discussed the role the payments industry played in supporting the economy, small businesses and the underserved leading up to, during and beyond the pandemic.

The panel addressed the how the industry worked with the federal government to provide support with the distribution of the pandemic support funds and helping small businesses access federal loans through the PPE program. They also discussed their work with state governments to provide virtual access to EBT. Finally, they discussed how the industry has worked to support the global economy throughout the pandemic through a substantial shift from in person to digital payments.

The next Transaction Alley Talks will discuss the importance of financial inclusion in the payments industry.