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Ben Agnew to step down as CEO of The Payments Association
Friday, May 01, 2026 — 16:28:34 (UTC)
Ben Agnew to Step Down as CEO of The Payments Association
Following a successful investment from Nineteen Group, Agnew departs with the organisation positioned for a new phase of international expansion and market development.
London, Friday May 1st 2026 – Following a successful period of growth and transformation, Ben Agnew has decided to step down as CEO of The Payments Association, as the business enters its next phase after investment from Nineteen Group in 2025.
During his tenure, Ben has played a pivotal role in establishing The Payments Association as the largest and most influential payments community and events platform in the market. Driving positive change through creating industry platforms, influencing policy and connecting industry. Under his leadership, revenues and membership were tripled, the organisation significantly expanded its market relevance and commercial reach and growth capital was secured.
With these strong foundations now in place, both parties believe this is the right time for new leadership in the next stage of the company’s growth and development.
Ben Agnew said: “It has been a privilege to lead The Payments Association and work alongside such a talented team, members, partners and represent our industry. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together in becoming a strategic partner for the industry, and building a market-leading platform with strong momentum and exciting future potential. I am grateful for the relationships, challenges and opportunities that have shaped my time at the Association. I wish the team and Nineteen Group every success in the years ahead.”
Alison Jackson, CEO of Nineteen Group, said: “We would like to thank Ben for his significant contribution to The Payments Association. He has helped build a strong and highly respected platform, created a robust foundation for future growth, and leaves the business well positioned for its next chapter of international growth.”
Further updates regarding leadership and future plans will be shared in due course.
ENDS About The Payments Association The Payments Association is a community for all companies in payments, whatever their size, capability, location or regulatory status. Its purpose is to empower the most influential community in payments, where the connections, collaboration and learning shape an industry that works for all. It works closely with industry stakeholders such as the Bank of England, the FCA, HM Treasury, the PSR, Pay.UK, UK Finance and Innovate Finance. Through its comprehensive programme of activities and with guidance from an independent Advisory Board of leading payments CEOs, The Payments Association facilitates the connections and builds the bridges that join the ecosystem together and make it stronger. These activities include a programme of monthly digital and face-to-face events including an annual conference, PAY360, The PAY360 Awards dinner, CEO roundtables and training activities. The Payments Association also runs seven stakeholder working project groups covering financial inclusion, regulation, economic crime, cross-border payments, open banking, digital currencies and ESG. The volunteers in these groups represent the collective views of the industry and work together to ensure the big problems facing the industry are addressed effectively. The association also conducts original research which is made available to members and the authorities. These include monthly whitepapers, insightful interviews and tips from the industry’s most successful CEOs. Media contact Ian Donegan, SkyParlour for The Payments Association ian@skyparlour.com +44 (0)330 043 1315
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Source: Company press release. 
Categories: Appointment
