State of Iowa Recognizes SHAZAM with Payments Innovation Day Proclamation

The State of Iowa has designated July 29, 2026, as SHAZAM, Inc. Payments Innovation Day, recognizing SHAZAM^® for its longstanding role in advancing electronic payments and strengthening financial institutions in Iowa across the country.

By building the nation’s first EFT infrastructure, SHAZAM helped accelerate the adoption of ATMs and debit card payments, contributing to the foundation of modern debit transactions.

The proclamation, issued in conjunction with SHAZAM’s 50th anniversary, recognizes the company’s Iowa roots, its public sector partnership with the State of Iowa and its continued service to community financial institutions nationwide.

Founded in 1976, SHAZAM developed the nation’s first shared electronic funds transfer network, helping shape the modern electronic payments system. The company pioneered single-message processing and freely shared its specifications with industry partners, where it remains the industry standard today.

SHAZAM also demonstrated early leadership in secure payment access through integrated point-of-sale programs and fuel pump card terminals. In 1989, SHAZAM partnered with the State of Iowa to pilot the nation’s first Electronic Benefit Transfer program integrated with a public sector electronic funds transfer system.

Today, SHAZAM operates as a member-owned, independent, not-for-profit organization committed to serving community financial institutions. Its model allows the company to reinvest in technology and long-term success for the banks and credit unions it serves.

For five decades, SHAZAM has remained rooted in Iowa while expanding its network nationwide, advancing innovation, strengthening financial infrastructure and improving access to secure, cost-effective financial services for Iowans and communities across the country.

“This recognition is a meaningful moment for SHAZAM because it honors where we started, what we have built and the people and financial institutions we continue to serve,” said Paul Waltz, President and CEO of SHAZAM. “Our 50th anniversary is not only a celebration of our history, but also a commitment to keep delivering practical payments innovation that helps community financial institutions thrive.”

“This proclamation reflects the impact SHAZAM has had by staying focused on trusted relationships and the needs of community financial institutions,” said Terry Dooley, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of SHAZAM. “As payments continue to evolve, our mission is to make sure the institutions we serve have dependable, forward-looking technology that helps them compete and serve their communities with confidence.”

As SHAZAM celebrates 50 years, the proclamation underscores the company’s continued focus on supporting community financial institutions, investing in secure payments technology and helping ensure Iowa remains part of the national conversation on payments innovation.

Learn more about SHAZAM’s history, Iowa roots and 50-year story of payments innovation.

SHAZAM, Inc. is an innovator in debit card processing, core and digital banking solutions, and a trusted leader in the U.S. payments space. The independent, member-owned organization supports banks, credit unions, fintechs and other businesses by enabling the secure and efficient movement of funds across U.S. payment rail systems. For more than 50 years, SHAZAM has reinvested profits into products and services used daily by its clients. As real-time payments continue to evolve, SHAZAM remains focused on advancing the technology that powers fast, secure money movement.

Media contact: PR@shazam.net