Merchant Risk Council CEO Julie Fergerson to retire by end of 2026

The Merchant Risk Council said Co-Founder and CEO Julie Fergerson will step down by the end of 2026 after more than six years leading the global payments and fraud trade group. The transition comes after record membership growth, expanded programming and a stronger role with regulators and card networks. Why it matters: - Julie Fergerson’s departure closes a leadership era that helped the Merchant Risk Council expand its global reach and deepen its influence in payments and fraud prevention. - The organization said it is entering the transition from a position of strength, with record membership growth and its strongest fiscal year on track. - MRC’s next CEO will inherit a larger member base, broader programming and a more established policy voice. What happened: - The Merchant Risk Council said Co-Founder and CEO Julie Fergerson will transition out of her role by the end of 2026. - Fergerson has led MRC for more than six years. - The announcement was made June 15, 2026. - MRC is based in Redmond, Washington. The details: - Under Fergerson’s leadership, MRC said membership reached record levels. - MRC expanded its event strategy into a year-round engagement model. - The organization said it strengthened its standing with regulators and card networks worldwide. - Sam Anson, co-chair of the MRC Global Board, said Fergerson doubled membership and expanded MRC’s global reach. - Lex Ledger, co-chair of the MRC Global Board, said the organization is more resilient because of Fergerson’s leadership. - The MRC Global Board has formed a transition committee. - The board is working with Fergerson on a search for the next chief executive. - Fergerson will remain in place during the transition with the board’s full confidence. - MRC said it is a nonprofit 501(c)(6) global membership organization for payments and fraud prevention professionals. - The group connects members through educational programs, online community groups, conferences and networking events. - MRC said its network includes 780+ companies, including merchants and solution providers. - The organization provides education on fraud prevention, payment optimization and risk management. - MRC’s social media page is available on LinkedIn . Between the lines: - This is a planned succession, not a sudden leadership change. - The board’s messaging suggests continuity is the priority, with no sign of operational disruption. - The emphasis on membership growth and global reach signals that the next CEO will be expected to protect momentum while expanding MRC’s policy and industry role. What’s next: - The transition committee will continue the search for MRC’s next chief executive. - Fergerson is expected to stay involved through the end-of-2026 transition period. - MRC will move forward under its current leadership while the board finalizes succession planning. - The organization said the search will focus on finding a leader to take MRC to the next level.