Welcome to the Top 3 Innovating Payments Headlines for the Week of April 13, 2026.
In this issue, a new study from PYMNTS Intelligence and Velera reveals that digital services, including artificial intelligence (AI), are becoming central to whether institutions retain existing members, attract new ones, and compete for the small-business relationships that matter for long-term growth.
Additionally, the FedNow® Services is laying the groundwork to expand beyond its domestic-only framework to include global payments experiences. Participants would be permitted to process instant payments on the network even when the ultimate sender or receiver is located outside of the United States.
Finally, the FDIC today rescinded a 2023 financial institution letter that had stated that banks' charging representment nonsufficient funds fees may be a deceptive or unfair practice under section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act. Currently, the bank may return the item to the merchant and charge an NSF fee.
Read on to learn more.
1. New Study Finds AI Critical to Credit Union Member Retention (PYMNTS.com)
"Built to Lead or Losing Ground? AI, Mobile and the Member Retention Imperative for Credit Unions in 2026" is a collaboration between PYMNTS Intelligence and Velera that examines a growing reality for credit unions: Digital services are no longer just a support function. They are becoming central to whether institutions retain existing members, attract younger ones and compete for the small-business relationships that matter for long-term growth. The report shows that the credit unions making the strongest gains are not simply the biggest institutions. (Read more.)
2. Innovation Across Borders: FedNow® Service Plans Future Support for Global Payment Experiences (FedNow Explorer)
In response to industry feedback, the FedNow Service-the Federal Reserve's instant payments network-is laying the groundwork to expand beyond its original domestic-only framework in the future. Leveraging enhanced ISO® 20022 message formats, along with changes to Operating Circular 8 and Regulation J, FedNow participants would be permitted to process instant payments on the network even when the ultimate sender or receiver is located outside of the United States. (Read more.)
3. FDIC Rescinds Guidance on Representment NSF Fees (ABA Banking Journal)
The FDIC today rescinded a 2023 financial institution letter that had stated that banks charging representment nonsufficient funds fees may be a deceptive or unfair practice under section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act. When a merchant submits a check or an Automated Clearing House transaction initiated by a customer, and the customer's account does not have sufficient funds to cover the payment, the bank may return the item to the merchant and charge an NSF fee. The fee covers the cost to process the return and serves as a penalty to encourage responsible deposit account management. (Read more.)
Would you agree that digital services, including AI, are becoming central to member retention? How does your financial institution plan to integrate AI into its operations over the next 12 months?
Check back soon for our next issue, which will highlight the industry's most pressing and essential developments. In the meantime, visit us online at Innovating Payments.
NEACH - New England Automated Clearing House Association is a neutral, member-focused advocate. Our role is to give you the intelligence, context, and connections you need to make informed strategic decisions. We bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators so you can evaluate innovation through the lens of your institution’s mission and market strategy. For more information, visit neach.org.
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AUTHOR: Joe Casali, AAP, NCP
Executive Vice President
As the EVP of Payments Innovation for NEACH, Joe focuses on exploring innovative solutions and technologies that will help position members for success, both now and in the future. Connect with Joe to read more of his blogs, articles, and posts.
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