Over a decade ago Michael Lafferty, Chairman of Lafferty Group, discussed the creation of a global peer group for the cards industry with senior industry executives aroundthe world. Everyone he spoke to was enthusiastic about the concept of a neutral forum, independent of existing affiliations, where industry leaders could meet their peersand work together to identify best practices. The result was the International Cards & Payments Council, a membership programme dedicated to being a global forum for industry progress.

Within five years, the Council became established as the most exciting initiative forthe industry – senior cards executives in banks, non-banks, financial institutions, retailers,manufacturers, telecommunications and processing companies came to rely upon aneutral and objective structure within which they could meet their peers to discuss industry issues in a confidential environment – and a permanent secretariat for help on a day-to-day basis. The Council also provided the dynamics and environment that allowed members to commission international benchmarking and other research work – a practice that continues to this day.

Thirteen years on, the Council is more dedicated to helping members to enhance customer service, improve profitability and increase shareholder value than ever before. The International Cards & Payments Council (ICPC) provides research, intelligence and global networking services to key players in the mature and emerging cards and payments markets.

As the industry accelerates and new entrants increase competition across the world,the need for industry executives to chart the direction of this rapidly changing environmentand keep abreast of new innovations is exploding. The Council strives to empower all members with the ability to succeed.

ICPC focuses on a range of pertinent topics and aims to address the challenges facing members across a number of areas, including: