Welcome to the Top 3 Innovating Payments Top New Headlines for the Week of January 19, 2026. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has withdrawn his support for the Digital Asset Market CLARITY Act, sparking questions about how his decision will influence the Senate Banking Committee markup.
In other news, PYMNTS Intelligence, in partnership with Block, has published a new report titled the 2025 State of Fraud and Financial Crime in the United States. The research indicates that while fraud losses are increasing, the more significant impact is seen in trust, operations, and long-term strategy, beyond just reimbursements and chargebacks.
Finally, instant payments continue to gain popularity. Studies of U.S. consumers and businesses from Federal Reserve Financial Services found that around 6 in 10 consumers say it's important for their financial institutions to offer instant payments, with 78% of Gen Z especially considering it important-a 15% increase from the previous year.
Read on to learn more.
1. Stablecoin yield fight threatens to sink CLARITY Act as Coinbase and White House Clash (The Block)
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong is defending his decision to withdraw support from the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act after the White House reportedly labeled the move a "rug pull" against the administration and the broader crypto industry. Crypto in America host Eleanor Terrett reported on Saturday that a source close to the Trump administration said the White House is "furious" with Coinbase's "unilateral" decision to walk away from the bill ahead of a key Senate Banking Committee markup. The source told Terrett the administration may fully abandon the legislation unless Coinbase returns to negotiations with a stablecoin yield agreement acceptable to banking interests. (Read more.)
2. 7 in 10 Banks Increase Fraud Spending as Losses and Complexity Grow (PYMNTS)
Fraud is no longer just a cost line item for banks and payment firms. It is increasingly a force that shapes how institutions invest, modernize and compete. That is the central takeaway from the "2025 State of Fraud and Financial Crime in the United States" report from PYMNTS Intelligence, produced in collaboration with Block. The research shows that while fraud losses are rising, the deeper impact is showing up in trust, operations and long-term strategy, not just reimbursements and chargebacks. The report finds that fraud tactics have shifted again, as they pretty much always do. (Read more.)
3. What a Year of FedNow Service Growth Means for Your 2026 Roadmap (The Financial Brand)
As the new year kicks off, it's good to pause and reflect on the year that just wrapped up. When it comes to payments, 2025 was marked by continued and rapid innovation. Instant payments in particular continued to gain ground, with consumers and businesses looking to their financial institutions to offer the fast, efficient payment solutions they've grown to expect. In fact, studies of U.S. consumers and businesses from Federal Reserve Financial Services found that: Around 6 in 10 consumers state it's important for their financial institutions to offer instant payments, with 78% of Gen Z in particular calling it important, a 15% increase year over year. (Read more.)
How might a delay in the approval of the CLARITY Act and its potential impact on the regulatory controls around stablecoins affect your FI's digital asset strategy? How is your FI addressing increased fraud losses and complexity?
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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