Russell Vought and David Wasserman to Speak at 2026 Innovative Payments Conference

Cabinet-level regulator and leading election analyst headline IPA's annual gathering

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Innovative Payments Association (IPA) announced that Russell Vought, Acting Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and David Wasserman, Senior Editor and Election Analyst for the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, will be featured speakers at the 2026 Innovative Payments Conference (IPC) in Washington, D.C. Vought will discuss the future of payments regulation, while Wasserman will provide a nonpartisan preview of key upcoming elections.

Why it matters

As a high-ranking government official overseeing both the CFPB and OMB, Vought's remarks will offer unique insight into the regulatory decisions that will shape the payments industry in the years ahead. Wasserman's election analysis is essential for understanding the policy environment that will impact financial services, making his participation a valuable addition to the IPC program.

The details

The 2026 IPC will take place April 29-May 1, 2026 at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. The conference will also feature sessions on topics like AI governance, stablecoin regulation, earned wage access, and cybersecurity threats. The event marks the IPA's 20th anniversary.

  • The 2026 IPC will be held April 29–May 1, 2026.
  • The pre-conference CLE sessions will be offered on April 29.

The players

Russell Vought

Acting Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Director of the Office of Management and Budget.

David Wasserman

Senior Editor and Election Analyst for the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter.

Brian Tate

President and CEO of the Innovative Payments Association (IPA).

Innovative Payments Association (IPA)

The leading voice of the electronic payments sector, including prepaid products, mobile wallets, and person-to-person (P2P) technologies for consumers, businesses, and governments.

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What they’re saying

“The IPA is excited to welcome Director Vought to this year's Innovative Payments Conference. As the person leading both the CFPB and OMB, there is arguably no one more consequential to the future of payments regulation. This is a rare opportunity for our members to hear directly from him.”

— Brian Tate, President and CEO of the Innovative Payments Association (IPA)

“David Wasserman is one of the most respected voices in American politics, and his analysis is essential reading for anyone trying to understand where Washington is headed. We are delighted to have him join us.”

— Brian Tate, President and CEO of the Innovative Payments Association (IPA)

What’s next

Registration for the 2026 IPC is now open at www.ipa.org/ipc.

The takeaway

The participation of high-profile government officials like Russell Vought and respected political analysts like David Wasserman underscores the Innovative Payments Conference's importance as a must-attend event for understanding the regulatory and policy landscape shaping the future of the payments industry.