“The ACH Network opened 2020 with a strong first quarter, as the number of payments rose 7.1% from a year earlier. The results were driven primarily through robust growth occurring prior to the slowdown of economic activity due to COVID-19. ‘While ACH results for the entire first quarter are positive, the current coronavirus national emergency is already impacting payment system volumes, including the ACH,’ said Jane Larimer, Nacha President and CEO.  For the second half of March, there was a slowdown in payments volume. That includes ACH, where the slowdown in economic activity has affected the volume of payroll payments, bill payments, and supply chain payments. This situation is likely to continue through the second quarter.”