ETA acquires ATPC, expands advocacy footprint in payments

The Electronic Transactions Association (ETA) acquired the American Transaction Processors Coalition (ATPC), a move aimed at strengthening policy advocacy and industry representation as regulatory scrutiny of payments intensifies.

The ETA said the acquisition will deepen its ability to address federal and state policy issues while expanding education and member engagement initiatives. The association represents more than 500 companies across the payments ecosystem, including processors, networks, fintechs and technology providers.

Expanding advocacy and policy expertise

The addition of ATPC brings a group known for its focus on advocacy, education and regional ecosystem development, particularly in Georgia, where payments companies employ tens of thousands of workers. The ATPC has also contributed to workforce development through initiatives such as the FinTech Academy, which partners with the University System of Georgia to deliver payments-focused curriculum.

"With this integration, we are reinforcing our role as a central, informed voice on the regulatory and legislative issues shaping payments," said ETA CEO Jodie Kelley in a statement.

As part of the transition, ATPC Executive Director Jay Morgan will join ETA as an adviser, bringing experience in both federal and state advocacy. The ETA said his addition will bolster its public policy capabilities at a time when issues such as interchange, fraud, real-time payments and emerging technologies continue to draw attention from lawmakers and regulators.

The acquisition reflects broader consolidation among industry groups seeking to unify advocacy efforts as payments become more complex and more central to the global economy. The ETA has long positioned itself as a leading industry voice in Washington, D.C., regularly engaging with policymakers on topics ranging from data security and fraud prevention to innovation in digital payments.

ATPC's legacy in payments advocacy

The ATPC, founded more than a decade ago, has focused on advancing thought leadership and strengthening the payments ecosystem through collaboration among processors, fintech firms and educational institutions. Its integration into ETA is expected to extend that influence to a national level.

ETA Board Chair Jamie Walker said the move enhances the association's ability to support policies that foster innovation and trust, while ATPC leadership emphasized the alignment between the two organizations' missions.

"Education is advocacy," Morgan said, noting that the ATPC's priorities will continue under the ETA's broader platform.

The combined organization is positioned to play a larger role as the payments industry navigates evolving regulatory frameworks, increased fraud risks and the continued shift toward digital and real-time transaction models. Congratulation, ETA!

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