Welcome to the Top 3 Innovating Payments News Headlines for the Week of December 8, 2025.
The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve is requesting public input on the potential strategic changes to check services provided by the Fed, including check usage and preferences. To help the Board understand stakeholder needs and weigh tradeoffs as it considers the future of the Reserve Banks' check services, the Board is seeking feedback on possible future changes to check services that could affect the level of services offered and their costs.
According to a December 8 post from "Take On Payments," a blog sponsored by the Payments Forum of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, "Agentic AI has the potential to reshape the payments landscape." It learns to make decisions that trigger actions and adapt to situations based on its programming and data gathering. The Fed questions whether this is an improvement or if it accelerates an already complex payments system.
Finally, digital payments are surging nationwide as CHIPS®, EPN®, and RTP® networks all posted record-breaking results in November. These new records highlight the rapid growth of digital payments in the U.S. and the accelerating shift toward efficient, resilient, and modern electronic payment rails across the U.S. banking sector.
Read on to learn more.
1. Federal Reserve Board Requests Public Input on the Impact of Potential Strategic Changes to Check Services Provided by the Fed, as Well as Check Usage and Preferences (Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve)
The Federal Reserve Board on Thursday requested public input on the impact of potential strategic changes to check services provided by the Fed, as well as check usage and preferences. The Reserve Banks offer check collection and processing services at a fee to banks and credit unions. Over time, check use has steadily declined, digital payment methods have grown in availability and use, and check fraud has risen…To help the Board understand stakeholder needs and balance tradeoffs as it considers the future of the Reserve Banks' check services, the Board is seeking input on potential future changes to check services with varying effects on the level of check services offered and their costs. (Read more.)
2. Big Firms Bet on Agentic Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Payments (Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta)
Agentic AI has the potential to reshape the payments landscape. It refers to autonomous systems that can work together toward a goal. They learn to make decisions that spark actions and adapt to situations based on their programming and data gathering. This is different from generative AI, which pulls in content based on prompts but may not execute workflows independently. Some of the biggest payment firms have already rolled out agentic AI payment solutions. So, is this technology a significant improvement for the US payment system, or is it accelerating an already complex system of payments innovation? (Read more.)
3. The Clearing House Networks Shatter Records as Digital Payments Surge Nationwide (CU Insight)
The CHIPS®, EPN®, and RTP® networks all posted record-breaking results in November, underscoring the advantages banks gain from utilizing the payment systems operated by The Clearing House – from CHIPS' unmatched intraday liquidity savings, to instant settlement and 24/7 availability through the RTP network, to EPN's capacity for high-volume, recurring payments. Together, these new records highlight the rapid growth of digital payments in the U.S. and the accelerating shift toward efficient, resilient, and modern electronic payment rails across the U.S. banking sector. (Read more.)
What do you think will happen with further transitions from checks to digital means? Could instant payments be the future of payments?
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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