MAG Insights

Industry Engagement Spotlight: EMVCo's Focus on Payment Account Reference (PAR)

On July 22, EMVCo hosted a Payment Tokenization Special Interest Meeting focused on Payment Account Reference (PAR). MAG's Steve Cole presented insights from the U.S. market, informed by a recent survey of MAG members. The key message: the lack of ubiquity across all transaction types—both PAN and tokenized—continues to limit the full value and broader adoption of PAR.

Steve also highlighted the difficulty in identifying the card issuer in token transactions, a challenge that PAR may be able to solve. The Australian Payments Network (AusPayNet) shared a similar perspective in their presentation. Additional discussion topics included complications around multiple cards issued under the same PAN and challenges related to co-badged cards.

More information from this session will be included in the Q3 MAG Payments Technology Industry Engagement Report.

In case you missed it: The Q2 Payments Technology Industry Engagement Report is now available on the Payments Technology page.

MAG Payments Conference 2025: See You in San Antonio!

September 8-11, 2025 | San Antonio, Texas

The countdown is on for MAG's flagship event-MAG Payments Conference 2025. This premier gathering connects payments and technology professionals across industries to discuss the future of payments, explore innovative solutions, and build valuable connections.

Key Dates and Logistics:

• August 8: Last chance to save $100 with Early Bird Registration—secure your spot now!
• Hotel Rate: $285/night + taxes and fees (total: $362.56)
  • Click "View Policies" when selecting your room to view a full rate breakdown.
  • Hotel Booking Cut-Off: August 14 at 5:00 p.m. CT
• Airfare Discount: MAG has partnered with United Airlines-use code ZR23550247 to redeem.

From inspiring keynote speakers and breakout sessions to real-time innovation on the Innovation Stage, this event provides practical insights and big-picture perspectives on where the payments industry is headed.

Upcoming Events

MAG Webinar | August 19 | 12:00 p.m. CT

Crypto Outlook: What's Your Stablecoin Strategy?

Join Flexa co-founder Trevor Filter as he explores the growing global relevance of stablecoins—especially in underserved markets where they bridge access to financial services, drive cross-border trade, and provide protection against inflation. With regulatory momentum (including the STABLE Act) and institutional interest accelerating, this webinar offers an essential look at how stablecoins could become a dominant force in payments.

Learn what merchants and payments providers can do to prepare in this rapidly evolving space.

Save the Date:

MAG Merchant Meet-Up | San Francisco | October 1, 2025
More details to follow.

MAG Out and About

MAG continues to represent merchants in key industry dialogues. Here’s a look at where MAG staff will be in August:

• Steve Cole will attend the Secure Technology Alliance's Identity & Access Forum Member Meeting, August 26-27.
• Troy Carrothers is speaking on a panel on Pay by Bank for NYPAY August 14.