The Payments Association has appointed Emma Banymandhub as chief executive as the trade body prepares to expand internationally following investment from Nineteen Group earlier this year.

Banymandhub previously served as chief operating officer at the association, which represents more than 250 organisations across the payments and financial services sector. During her time as COO, the organisation tripled its headcount and expanded its events portfolio, including growth of PAY360, which it describes as the UK’s largest payments focused event.

The appointment signals a broader push beyond the UK market for the 18-year-old association, which has built much of its influence through policy work, member networking and large-scale events.

The investment by Nineteen Group in 2025 also reflects the continued appetite among exhibition and media businesses for specialist industry communities with strong events brands. Nineteen has been steadily expanding its portfolio across business events and trade media in recent years.

Alison Jackson, CEO of Nineteen Group, said: “We’re so excited to see how Emma leads the group in its next chapter of international growth. We’re confident she can further enhance this strong and highly respected platform, and create a robust foundation for future growth.”

Before joining the association, Banymandhub spent more than 17 years working on commercial growth strategies for events and industry organisations. The association said her focus will now be on building its international presence while maintaining its policy and member activity in the UK.

Founder Tony Craddock said: “Emma’s promotion is exactly what our community needs. She brings an enthusiasm for the unbeatable combination of community and events that makes us different.”

Alongside its events business, the association has also become a recognised industry voice on payments regulation, including campaigning around Authorised Push Payment fraud reimbursement rules.