Building a Stronger Payment Security Community: Introducing the PCI & Payment Security Merchant Forum

As we step into 2025, following the relaunch our PCI & Payment Security Forum (See link to previous post) I've been reflecting on what truly matters in our industry. Throughout my career, particularly in my role at 英国电信集团 and lately as a member of the PCI Security Standards Council Board of Advisors, I've witnessed firsthand how collaboration and knowledge sharing can transform challenges into opportunities. This year, I'm making a personal commitment to bring our payment security community closer together.

I've long believed that the strength of our industry lies not in working in silos but in supporting each other. That's why I'm passionate about launching the PCI & Payment Security Merchant Forum, a vision that's been close to my heart and is now becoming a reality. This isn't just another industry initiative; it's a personal mission to create something meaningful that can benefit everyone in our community, from the smallest merchant to the largest enterprise.

The Power of Community Collaboration

The idea is simple but powerful: we're stronger together. Too often, I've seen organisations struggling with similar challenges in isolation, when the solutions might be just a conversation away. Whether it's interpreting new standards, implementing security measures, or navigating the complex world of compliance, we all face similar hurdles. It's time we faced them together.

Why Now?

The payment security landscape is becoming increasingly complex. Small merchants often lack the time to conduct thorough research while focusing on their core business. Medium-sized organisations might have some resources but no comprehensive coverage. Even large enterprises with specialised teams can benefit from external perspectives and shared experiences.

What We're Building

Our forum will meet quarterly throughout the year, creating a balanced approach to knowledge sharing and networking. We've designed a format that alternates between virtual and face-to-face sessions to accommodate different schedules and preferences. The virtual sessions will feature focused presentations and expert speakers, while our in-person meetings will rotate between key locations, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, and Glasgow, ensuring accessibility for members across the country.

A Rich Program of Content and Expertise

We're developing a comprehensive program that brings together the industry's best minds and most valuable experiences. Our plan for regular newsletters will include features such as the "Lunch with Jeremy" series, which will provide exclusive insights from regular meetings with Jeremy King from the PCI Council, offering members direct access to the latest thinking from the heart of the industry. We'll conduct regular polls to ensure our content remains relevant and valuable, letting members influence everything from speaker selection to venue choices.

The forum will feature regular updates from the PCI Board of Advisors and PPO-related sessions (where permitted), keeping members informed of important developments in the industry. Our "Ask the QSA" sessions will connect members directly with certified assessors, providing practical guidance and clarification on complex compliance issues.

None of this would be possible without the support of Paul Rodgers from Vendorcom , whose experience and guidance have been invaluable in bringing this forum back to life. As we move forward, I'm grateful for Paul's expertise in organising these events. Their deep industry knowledge and experience will be crucial in ensuring our meetings deliver maximum value to all participants. This collaborative approach, bringing together different perspectives and expertise, embodies exactly what this forum aims to achieve: the power of community working together toward common goals.

Expert Insights and Real-World Solutions

We're bringing together an unprecedented gathering of industry expertise. Payment brands will share their perspectives on industry trends and future developments, while Acquirers and Solution Providers will showcase innovative approaches to common challenges. QSA Companies will offer valuable interpretations of controls and requirements, helping members understand not just what to do, but why and how to do it effectively.

Perhaps most valuably, merchants themselves will share their real-world experiences, both successes and challenges. This peer-to-peer learning environment will create opportunities for authentic discussion about what works, what doesn't, and why, helping members avoid common pitfalls and accelerate their success.

Building Practical Value

The forum will serve as a foundation for practical improvement in payment security practices. Members will benefit from shared vendor recommendations and references, detailed strategies for de-scoping PCI environments, and implementation guidance for new PCI requirements. We'll explore common assessment pitfalls and develop strategies to avoid them, turning collective experience into actionable insights.

The Vision

Our forum aims to create a collaborative space where merchants of all levels can learn from each other in an environment that encourages open discussion and mutual support. We're building a safe space for asking questions and sharing challenges while facilitating direct access to industry leaders and experts. Through this community, we'll shape merchant-centric solutions, build lasting professional relationships, and drive innovation in payment security.

Looking Forward

As a member of the PCI Board of Advisors and working with BT Group, I'm fortunate to have access to incredible facilities and industry connections. But this forum's success will depend on something more valuable: your active participation and willingness to share your experiences. Our comprehensive event calendar will keep everyone informed of upcoming opportunities to engage and contribute.

Join Us - My only Ask

Whether you're a Level 1 or Level 4 merchant, no matter what industry, your perspective matters. Together, we can make payment security more manageable, more effective, and more collaborative. This is more than just another industry forum; it's a community of practitioners working together to raise the bar for payment security across the industry.

I’m calling on you, the incredible network of professionals in the payments industry, to help make this vision a reality. If you believe in the power of community and the importance of shared knowledge, please share this article far and wide. Whether you’re a Merchant, QSA, Acquirer, Solution Provider, or simply someone passionate about payment security, your involvement can make a meaningful difference.

Reach out to me directly to join the list of contacts I’ll invite to our events. Let’s make this forum a vibrant, inclusive space where everyone has a voice and a chance to contribute. Together, we can build something truly impactful and create a legacy of collaboration, innovation, and security.

Let’s aim to gather as many people as possible by the end of the year, because there’s no limit to what we can achieve when we work together.

#JoinTheForum #StrongerTogether

#PaymentSecurity #PCICommunity #SecurityLeadership #MerchantServices #PaymentIndustry #CyberSecurity2025 #PaymentCompliance #IndustryCollaboration #SecurePayments

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this LinkedIn article are solely my own and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or policies of my current or any previous employer, organisation, or any other entity I may be associated with.