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A leading payments industry news source for more than 17 years. Glenbrook curates the news and keeps you abreast of the important daily headlines in payments.
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December 19, 2025
Top Post
Federal Reserve Board Publishes Its Biennial Report on Debit Card Transactions, Which Summarizes Information Collected From Large Debit Card Issuers and Payment Card Networks
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
"The Board published its biennial report on debit card transactions, which summarizes information collected from large debit card issuers and payment card networks. The report, required by law, provides data on interchange fees, issuer costs, and fraud losses related to debit card transactions performed in 2023. [Click for Report]"
On the web
Federal Reserve Board Requests Public Input on “Payment Account,” Which Eligible Financial Institutions Could Use for the Limited Purpose of Clearing and Settling Their Payments
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
"The Federal Reserve Board requested public input on a "payment account," which eligible financial institutions could use for the limited purpose of clearing and settling their payments. A payment account would be distinct from a master account, which is what financial institutions currently use to access payments services from the Fed. A payment account would not pay interest, not have access to Fed credit, and would be subject to balance caps, among other features that separate it from a master account."
December 17, 2025
On the web
Infographic: FedNow® Service Year In Review
FedNow
"The FedNow Service network has expanded to nearly 1,600 participants and is poised for continued growth. Momentum of the network is strong. Participating financial institutions are leveraging the service to meet demands, improve customer experience and gain a competitive edge. Check out our new infographic to see highlights from 2025."
December 16, 2025
On the web
Announcing 2026 Federal Reserve Financial Services Fees and Payment System Enhancements
Federal Reserve
"Federal Reserve Financial Services (FRFS) customers can expect in 2026 ongoing enhancements to the services, including, helping combat payments fraud: Payee Name Verification an addition to the FedDetect Notification Services; A FedNow pilot program is underway for an upcoming network intelligence tool that will allow financial institutions sending transactions over the FedNow Service to do a “pre-check” on receiver accounts before making an instant payment & support of expanding APIs. To continue providing a level of service, some prices are being adjusted, and some are unchanged."
December 15, 2025
On the web
Stablecoins and Financial Stability
Richmond Federal Reserve
"The United States has introduced a new stablecoin regulatory framework, but concerns over the cryptocurrency’s place in the global economy remain. Skeptics and supporters alike agree that stablecoin adoption is likely to increase in the coming years. An important question, however, is whether it will attract new users looking for a new form of payment."
December 10, 2025
On the web
U.S. Faster Payments Council Study Highlights Instant Payment Adoption Drivers and Opportunities
FedPayments Improvement
"A study of U.S.-based third-party enablers to financial institutions signals that instant payments are continuing to reach new heights due to interest in a widening and diversifying set of use cases for these types of transactions, according to the U.S. Instant Payments Adoption Quantitative Study published by the U.S. Faster Payments Council (FPC). In addition, the study shows that instant payment growth is being shaped by a combination of perceived benefits, access to the correct technology and emerging standards."
December 8, 2025
On the web
Big Firms Bet on Agentic Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Payments
Atlanta Fed
"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. So, is this technology a significant improvement for the US payment system, or is it accelerating an already complex system of payments innovation?"
December 5, 2025
Top Post
Federal Reserve Board Requests Public Input on the Impact of Potential Strategic Changes to Check Services Provided by the Fed
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
"The Federal Reserve Board requested public input on the impact of potential strategic changes to check services provided by the Fed, as well as check usage and preferences. Over time, check use has steadily declined, digital payment methods have grown in availability and use, and check fraud has risen. Also, the Reserve Banks will need to make substantial investments in their check infrastructure to continue providing the same level of check services going forward."
November 24, 2025
On the web
Pioneering the Future: Highlights from Fall 2025 Payments Conferences
FedPayments Improvement
"Federal Reserve Financial Services remains steadfast in its commitment to payments modernization, instant payments adoption and fraud mitigation through education, evolving innovative tools and industry collaboration. Reflecting on the fall 2025 conference season, several key insights and takeaways stand out from discussions about the future of payments and the industry’s changing landscape."
November 18, 2025
On the web
Digital Defenders: Leveraging Risk Signals to Help Combat Fraud and Scams
The Federal Reserve
"The payments industry is beginning to leverage broader digital risk signals to better detect and mitigate fraud and scams. Legacy fraud detection traditionally has relied heavily on rules-based systems that are less able to detect evolving threats, such as fraud caused by generative artificial intelligence (AI), deepfakes and other relatively new technologies. In comparison, a multi-layered approach that combines more advanced risk signals and verification methods allows for more effective customer security than any single solution. This approach may include one or more of the “digital defenders.”"
November 17, 2025
On the web
Conversations with Hundreds of Depository Institutions
Atlanta Federal Reserve
"In August, my colleague Claire Greene blogged about the effort behind the Federal Reserve Payments Survey, a triennial study analyzing trends in US noncash payments. Nearly 3,800 commercial banks, savings institutions, and credit unions were invited to participate in the survey of depository institutions. I reached out to about 1,000 of those. In one conversation, the chief financial officer of a community bank cited his fraud losses from the past month, quarter, and year without consulting any notes."
November 5, 2025
On the web
Trends, Technologies and Innovations: 2025 Chicago Payments Symposium
Federal Reserve
"The 2025 Chicago Payments Symposium achieved a significant milestone this October, a whopping quarter century as a leading forum for thought leaders from across the payments ecosystem. Here are a few highlights:"
November 4, 2025
On the web
Five FedNow® Service Announcements From This Fall
Federal Reserve
"The FedNow Service has made major announcements recently: Instant federal agency disbursements; Transaction limit increase: The FedNow Service network transaction limit will increase from $1 million to $10 million, effective November 2025. Network intelligence pilot and enhanced reporting: A pilot program allowing financial institutions sending transactions over the FedNow Service to do a “pre-check” on receiver accounts before making a payment. Exception Resolution Service: FedNow participants can directly communicate with one another to ensure exceptions can be resolved swiftly for instant payments and 1,500 participant milestone."
October 30, 2025
On the web
A Deep Dive Into the QR Code Payment Revolution With Matera
Federal Reserve
"Picture this: Instead of waiting days or weeks to receive medical, utility and other bills in the mail, they are sent directly to your email via QR code. The QR code can be used with your bank’s mobile app, and after confirming payment details, your payment is processed and settled within seconds. Matera, a leading provider of QR code and payment technologies, and its banking partner, Payfinia, recently demonstrated the first QR code payment sent over the FedNow® Service."
October 22, 2025
Top Post
Federal Reserve Payment Innovation Conference [Video: Starts at 52:53]
YouTube
"A Federal Reserve conference recorded that focused on the new technologies that have come from the defi and crypto worlds and how they are entering the mainstream payments ecosystem. Includes a vibrant discussion about payments between the traditional payment incumbents and the new entrants from the defi world. Agenda and speakers presented: https://www.federalreserve.gov/conferences/payments-innovation-conference.htm."
On the web
Embracing New Technologies and Players in Payments
Federal Reserve
"Governor Christopher J. Waller announcement: I have asked Federal Reserve staff to explore the idea of what I am calling a "payment account." Today, Federal Reserve Banks provide access to master accounts and financial services to legally eligible entities following our Guidelines for Evaluating Account and Services Requests. The payment account would be available to all institutions that are legally eligible for an account and could be beneficial for those focused primarily on payments innovations. This payment account concept would be targeted to provide basic Federal Reserve payment services to legally eligible institutions that right now conduct payment services primarily through a third-party bank that has a full-fledged master account."
October 20, 2025
On the web
The New World of Machine-to-Machine Payments
Atlanta Federal Reserve
"The traditional model of purchasing goods at the register is being replaced by contactless, automatic payments triggered by the consumer's intent and desire for convenience. The data confirms this shift. The global market for connected car payments is expected to grow from $1.12 billion in 2022 to $6.8 billion in 2030. Similarly, the global voice-based payments market is expected to reach $20.5 billion by 2033, up from $7.1 billion in 2023. Beyond the car, the broader embedded finance market is expected to grow from $146.17 billion in 2025 to $690.38 billion in 2030."
An Analytical Price of Stablecoin “Deposit” Insurance
Kansas City Fed
"With the passage of the GENIUS Act of 2025, stablecoins are poised to play a greater role in the U.S. financial system. Although very similar to bank deposits, stablecoins lack the government guarantees offered for bank deposits in the form of deposit insurance. This paper is the first to analytically derive the price of hypothetical “deposit” insurance for stablecoins."
October 15, 2025
On the web
Using Digital Identity to Support Access to Payments
Atlanta Federal Reserve
"The rapid growth of digital payments, driven by technological advancements and a digitally dependent economy, has significantly enhanced financial access for consumers and businesses. However, some consumer segments may be distrustful initially of the technology and face barriers relating to stringent identity verification requirements. This paper explores possible digital identity technology solutions to support financial access amidst the expansion of digital payments and financial services while aiming to prevent fraud and ensure regulatory adherence."
October 13, 2025
On the web
Elder Fraud Prevention Begins at Home
Atlanta Federal Reserve
"In 2023, Americans over the age of 60 were scammed out of more than $3.4 billion, according to the FBI's most recent Elder Fraud Report. Those reported losses were nearly 11 percent higher than they were in 2022. Investment, tech support, email, and romance scams were the most common among the schemes outlined in the report."
How Do Consumers’ Fraud Experiences Vary with Their Financial Vulnerability?
Federal Reserve
"A sizeable share of U.S. consumers has been exposed to financial fraud. According to the 2024 Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking (SHED), in 2023, 21 percent of U.S. consumers experienced financial fraud involving their credit cards, bank accounts, or other financial products. In this Payments System Research Briefing, we examine how both the share of consumers who experienced financial fraud and the share who ultimately incurred fraud losses varies by consumers’ level of financial vulnerability."
October 10, 2025
Top Post
Federal Reserve Board Announces Expanded Operating Days of Two Large-Value Payments Services, Fedwire® Funds Service and the National Settlement Service (NSS), to Include Sundays and Weekday Holidays
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
"The Federal Reserve Board on Thursday announced expanded operating days of two large-value payments services, Fedwire® Funds Service and the National Settlement Service (NSS), to include Sundays and weekday holidays. The Reserve Banks will implement this expansion in several years, no earlier than 2028 to ensure operational and industry readiness."
October 9, 2025
Top Post
How Do Consumers’ Fraud Experiences Vary with Their Financial Vulnerability?
Federal Reserve
"A sizeable share of U.S. consumers has been exposed to financial fraud. In this Payments System Research Briefing, we examine how both the share of consumers who experienced financial fraud and the share who ultimately incurred fraud losses varies by consumers’ level of financial vulnerability."
October 8, 2025
On the web
Financial Institutions Can Use Instant Payments to Attract Customers, Improve Satisfaction and Lower Risk of Attrition
Federal Reserve
"U.S. consumers want fast, convenient payment methods, and younger generations are adopting nonbank providers to meet their expectations. A new study from Federal Reserve Financial Services found that 78% of consumers chose faster payments as a preferred option — and half held balances at nonbank providers."
October 2, 2025
On the web
Toolkit Module 2: How Synthetic Identities Are Used
FedPayments Improvement
"Unlike other types of fraud, payment behavior does not always indicate synthetic identity fraud. Once a synthetic identity enters a portfolio, its account activity often mimics that of a normal – and even upstanding – customer, with timely and in-full payment history. Once a loss is incurred, there are not any indicators that fraud occurred. Rather, it appears to be a real customer who simply was unable to pay off his or her credit balance."
September 29, 2025
Top Post
Who Will Pay for Tariffs? Businesses’ Expectations about Costs and Prices
Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
"Amid evolving global trade policy and rising tariff uncertainty, understanding how small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) form expectations about future costs and adjust their pricing is critical for assessing how the recently imposed tariffs on US imports could impact consumer prices. To that end, we analyze several waves of a survey of owners and other decision-makers at a nationally representative sample of US SMBs, defined as companies that employ 500 or fewer workers. "
September 25, 2025
Top Post
U.S. Consumers’ Use of Cryptocurrency for Payments
Kansas City Federal Reserve
"Some policymakers and payments industry participants expect consumers to use stablecoins—a type of cryptocurrency intended to maintain a stable value relative to some other asset—for payments. However, the share of U.S. consumers who use cryptocurrency for payments has been very small and recently declined slightly. The most cited reason for using cryptocurrency is that the person or business receiving the money preferred it, suggesting many users passively choose cryptocurrency for payments."
September 23, 2025
On the web
From Gadgets to Gas Pumps: The Evolution of Payment Interfaces
Atlanta Federal Reserve
"As payment functionality spreads across more devices, so do the risks. Privacy and data security become more complex in distributed environments where sensitive information may pass through multiple endpoints. Not everyone is ready to adopt voice-based or ambient payments, particularly when concerns about errors, mischarges, or device misinterpretation persist. Many devices and services are locked into proprietary networks, limiting interoperability and making the user's experience across platforms difficult."
September 19, 2025
On the web
Evolution of Identity Verification and Fraud Detection
Federal Reserve
"Identity verification, the process by which financial institutions confirm your identity, has evolved over the years due to technological advancements, as well as our dependency on and the convenience of digital devices. Traditionally, this verification process depended on in-person interactions with bank staff and the presentation of physical documents, such as passports, driver’s licenses and utility bills. While digital devices are improving the customer experience, they also have introduced new ways for criminals to apply different fraud tactics."
September 17, 2025
On the web
Exception Resolution Service Now Includes FedNow® Service Transactions
Federal Reserve
"FedNow Service participants can now use the Exception Resolution Service to directly communicate with one another to ensure that exceptions — such as disputes, notifications, questions or requests for additional information — can be resolved swiftly and effectively for instant payments. Federal Reserve Financial Services expanded the Exception Resolution Service beyond ACH transactions in response to industry feedback that FedNow participants were looking for a way to efficiently resolve exception management cases."
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