Research is funded, never directed.

1. We set the agenda

Research topics are determined solely by The Payments Brief, based on market relevance. We publish a forward research agenda. Sponsors may fund work from that agenda; they cannot add to it and cannot commission topics onto it.

2. Funded, not directed

Funding a report confers no control over its content. Sponsors do not determine the research questions or methodology; do not see raw data, the participant list, or findings that affect their interests before publication; do not receive editorial approval or veto; and cannot alter, soften or suppress any finding — including findings about themselves or their competitors.

3. What sponsors do receive

Association and branding, early access under embargo, a private briefing on findings, distribution rights, and launch co-promotion. Any sponsor foreword is clearly attributed as the sponsor's own voice and kept separate from our research.

4. Advisory and research are separated

Where we provide advisory services to a client, that relationship grants no influence over any research product, and no preferential treatment in our research. Relevant relationships are disclosed.

5. Methodology is transparent

Every research product is published with its methodology, its sources, and an honest statement of its limitations and confidence levels. We label directional findings as directional.

6. Participation is confidential

Survey and interview participation is confidential and reported only in aggregate. We do not attribute data to any individual or single institution, and we do not share participant data with sponsors or other participants.

7. Disclosure

Every sponsor and material relationship relevant to a piece of research is disclosed within it.

8. Corrections

We correct errors promptly and visibly. A correction is never subject to sponsor approval.

9. The right to decline

We reserve the right to decline or return funding, or to withdraw a sponsor's association, where continuing would compromise our independence.

10. Author independence

Editorial judgement rests with The Payments Brief and its author. It is not delegated, sold, or shared.

If you believe we have fallen short of this policy, tell us. Holding us to it is how it stays real.