Welcome to the Top 3 Innovating News Headlines for the Week of April 28, 2025. The financial landscape continues to evolve, as The Clearing House (TCH) reaches a significant milestone-seven and a half years after launching its RTP® network, the real-time payments system has officially surpassed the 1 billion payment mark.
Meanwhile, U.S. businesses are increasingly adopting instant payments to address ongoing financial challenges. A new Federal Reserve Financial Services survey reveals how companies utilize these tools to streamline operations, enhance customer transactions, and improve employee experiences.
In regulatory news, the Federal Reserve Board has announced the withdrawal of its guidance for banks concerning crypto-asset and dollar token activities. Alongside this shift, it has introduced changes to its expectations for financial institutions engaged in these sectors, potentially signaling new approaches to digital currency oversight.
Read on to learn more.
1. Banks rush to promote instant as RTP crosses billion-transaction mark (PYMNTS)
Roughly seven and a half years after The Clearing House (TCH) launched its RTP® network - the first new U.S. payments infrastructure in four decades - 24/7 instant transactions are finding wide embrace. Joint research from PYMNTS Intelligence and TCH found that nearly all banks plan to adopt real-time payment capabilities within two years, and 62% of financial institutions (FIs) are already connected. In February, the RTP network crossed its 1 billion payment milestone. (Read more.)
2. New research shows U.S. businesses resolve pain points, find solutions with instant payments (FedNow Explorer)
U.S. businesses are using instant payments to solve common payment pain points and improve customer and employee experiences, according to a new survey released by Federal Reserve Financial Services (PDF, Off-site). Most businesses (66%) said they were likely to use instant payments if offered by their primary financial institution, and businesses using instant payments reported 10% greater satisfaction with their primary financial institution than businesses that do not. (Read more.)
3. Federal Reserve Board announces the withdrawal of guidance for banks related to their crypto-asset and dollar token activities (Federal Reserve Board)
The Federal Reserve Board on Thursday (May 24) announced the withdrawal of guidance for banks related to their crypto-asset and dollar token activities and related changes to its expectations for these activities. These actions ensure the Board's expectations remain aligned with evolving risks and further support innovation in the banking system. The Board is rescinding its 2022 supervisory letter establishing an expectation that state member banks provide advance notification of planned or current crypto-asset activities. (Read more.)
The Clearing House found that nearly all financial institutions plan to adopt real-time payment capabilities within two years. Where does your financial institution stand on this continuum? Have you noticed an increase in business customers using instant payments to address pain points? What impact might the Fed's decision to withdraw guidance for banks related to crypto-asset and dollar token activities have on financial institutions and their customers and members?
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.
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AUTHOR: Joe Casali, AAP, AFPP, APRP
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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