About NPI
The National Payments Institute was founded with a simple belief: the payments industry needs a community where experience is valued, conversations are real, and membership means something.
Our Mission
We set out to build the community we wished existed when we started our careers in payments. Too many industry groups optimize for member count over member quality. Too many events are vendor pitches disguised as thought leadership. Too many “networks” are just email lists.
NPI is different by design. We review every application. We cap our events. We separate Professional and Student tracks so that everyone gets value at their level. And we're rooted in the real work of payments—not the buzzwords.
Curated Membership
Every application reviewed by our team
Real Practitioners
2+ years payments experience required
Student Pipeline
Dedicated track for emerging talent
Atlanta Roots
Built for the U.S. payments ecosystem
Our Standard for Membership
We believe the strength of any professional community comes from the quality of its members. That's why we review every application, look for real experience, and maintain a clear distinction between Professional and Student tracks. This isn't a mass mailing list—it's a curated network where your time is respected.
Selective by Design
We don't optimize for maximum members. We optimize for the right mix.
Honest About Levels
Student members are clearly marked. No one is misrepresented.
Community First
Members share, mentor, and contribute—not just consume.
Where We Come From
Founded by Visa Product Leadership
NPI was founded by payments professionals with hands-on experience building products at scale. Our founding team includes product leaders from Visa and other top-tier payments organizations who saw firsthand the gap between existing industry groups and what practitioners actually need.
Academic Backing from KSU FinTech
Our partnership with Kennesaw State University's FinTech program ensures we have a strong pipeline of student talent and academic rigor backing our educational initiatives. This partnership is central to our Student & Early-Career branch.
Rooted in Atlanta
Atlanta is home to some of the largest payments processors and FinTech companies in the world. We're building NPI from this epicenter, with plans to serve the broader U.S. payments ecosystem through both in-person and virtual experiences.
Our Commitment to Veterans
We believe the payments industry has a responsibility to create pathways for those who've served. Veterans bring discipline, leadership, and adaptability—exactly the traits that make great payments professionals.
Free Veterans Payments Cohorts
Each quarter, we run a free, structured cohort for U.S. military veterans and transitioning service members. The program covers the fundamentals of payments—card networks, ACH, real-time payments, risk, compliance, and more—taught by NPI Professional members who volunteer their expertise. Cohorts are small (15–20 veterans) to ensure real mentorship and hands-on learning.
Quarterly Veterans Networking Night
After each cohort, we host a dedicated networking dinner where veterans connect face-to-face with payments professionals from our member community. No awkward panels or cold intros—just an intimate dinner where real relationships form. Our Professional members show up as mentors, connectors, and advocates. These nights are completely free for veteran attendees.
What's Coming Next
We're building NPI in phases. Here's what's on the roadmap.
Membership & Events
- •Application-based membership
- •Curated in-person events
- •Community discussions
Courses
- •Cohort-based payments courses
- •Taught by industry practitioners
- •Certificate of completion
Certification
- •Payments mastery exam
- •Industry-recognized credential
- •Continuing education units
Be Part of Something Selective
If you're serious about payments and want to join a community that values quality over quantity, we'd love to hear from you.