Washington Update

The Fintech Regulation Cage Match

Send us a text. (email us if you need a response) [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2162103/fan_mail/new] Understanding the Future of Fintech Regulation: The Cage Match BeginsIn this episode of Wrestling Payments, Joe Casali dives into the recent executive order that aims to overhaul fintech regulation. As the landscape shifts, understanding how regulation affects fintech firms, banking partnerships, and consumer protections becomes critical for industry participants and observers alike. In this episode: * The core aspects of the May 19th executive order titled "Integrating Financial Technology Innovation into Regulatory Frameworks" * The current fragmented regulatory environment and the gaps fintechs face * How executive orders influence regulatory change and the potential scenarios that could unfold * The implications of direct access to Federal Reserve accounts for non-banks * The disparities across states in regulating fintechs and their consumer protections * The potential impacts of the new framework on bank partnerships and the overall payment infrastructure * Key questions for the industry moving forward: participant categories, due diligence, dispute resolution, and failure protocols Resources & Links: * Federal Reserve, Executive Order on Financial Technology [https://www.federalreserve.gov/] * NACHA Operating Rules [https://www.nacha.org/rules] * The Geniuses Act [https://www.congress.gov/] * OCC Fintech Charter Initiatives [https://www.occ.gov/] * PACE Act Overview [https://www.congress.gov/] * White House Executive Order [https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/05/integrating-financial-technology-innovation-into-regulatory-frameworks/] Connect with Joe Casali: * LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/in/joecasali] Stay tuned for future episodes as the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, shaping the future of fintech and payments.

FedNow Goes Global: How Proposed Reg J Changes Could Enable Cross-Border Instant Payments

Send us a text. (email us if you need a response) [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2162103/fan_mail/new] Episode Description The Federal Reserve just proposed changes to Regulation J that would allow FedNow participants to designate intermediary banks — opening the door for cross-border payments over FedNow for the first time. Joe Casali breaks down what the rule actually changes, how the domestic and international legs of a cross-border FedNow payment would work, and why this might be the moment ISO 20022 finally proves its value. He covers the competitive implications for Fedwire, the BSA/AML screening challenges of real-time international transactions within a 20-second timeout window, and what community banks and credit unions on FedNow should be thinking about right now. The 60-day comment period begins April 10, 2026. If your institution has a perspective on this proposed rulemaking, now is the time to make your voice heard. References: Federal Reserve Proposed Rulemaking — Docket No. R-1891, RIN 7100-AH23 | Regulation J, Subpart C — 12 CFR Part 210 | Submit comments at federalreserve.gov/apps/proposals | FedNow Operating Procedures v3.5 (February 2026) [https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/10/2026-06996/collection-of-checks-and-other-items-by-federal-reserve-banks-and-funds-transfers-through-the]

Conversations from The Clearing House Conference

Send us a text. (email us if you need a response) [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2162103/fan_mail/new] Episode Summary In this episode of Wrestling Payments, host Joe Casali sits down with Phil Robin, SVP of Strategy at The Clearing House. They explore how financial institutions are approaching the challenges of modernizing payment operations, with a focus on risk, governance, and the rapid pace of change in new technologies. Phil shares his perspective on the importance of building strong governance around artificial intelligence, noting that a clear framework helps institutions manage both cultural and operational risks as they introduce new tools. He highlights the varied approaches that banks take, shaped by their unique priorities and use cases, and stresses that inaction is often the greater risk as AI becomes more integrated into payment processes. The conversation moves to emerging topics like stablecoin, tokenized deposits, and the steady growth of real-time payments (RTP). Phil explains how shifting regulatory clarity and evolving customer needs are driving experimentation, especially in areas like business-to-business and consumer-to-business payments. He points to the ongoing expansion of RTP and the need for broad acceptance to reach true scale, encouraging payment leaders to keep their eyes on both innovation and fundamentals. GUEST-AT-A-GLANCE 💡 Name: Phil Robin 💡 What he does: SVP, Strategy 💡 Company: The Clearing House 💡 Noteworthy: Guides strategy projects focused on payments innovation, governance, and risk, with deep expertise in real-time payments and industry modernization. 💡 Where to find him:https://www.linkedin.com/in/philrobin1/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/philrobin1/] Key Insights Focus on Governance First When Adopting AI Strong governance is the foundation of responsible AI adoption in payments. Before diving into the promise of artificial intelligence, organizations must set clear rules and accountability. This means building frameworks around data security, transparency, and risk appetite to ensure any AI use aligns with institutional priorities. When banks and payment providers define the “rules of the road” early, they give staff and leadership confidence to experiment and scale new tools. Governance also helps ease cultural resistance by making the organization’s approach to AI visible and consistent. With guardrails in place, teams can better focus on the practical benefits of AI—like automating manual tasks or unlocking growth opportunities—without losing sight of the risks. The key takeaway: don’t treat governance as an afterthought or a compliance hurdle. Make it the starting point for any serious AI strategy in payments. Instant Payments Will Scale Through Use Case Diversity Real-time payments (RTP) have moved from concept to reality, but true growth hinges on solving a wide range of business needs. Volume keeps hitting new records, yet the next wave of adoption will depend on how RTP addresses complex problems, especially in areas like business-to-business and healthcare payments. Each segment brings unique challenges around data, timing, and control. For example, B2B payments often involve detailed invoices and reconciliation, while brokerage transfers demand speed and confirmation. As more financial institutions explore RTP for these distinct cases, the network’s value and reach will expand. Building for use case diversity ensures that RTP is not just a faster way to pay, but a flexible tool that adapts to industry-specific workflows. Payment professionals should keep looking for unmet needs—these are where RTP can deliver the most impact and drive long-term adoption. Stablecoin and Tokenization: Navigating Fast-Moving Terrain The landscape for stablecoin and tokenized deposits is evolving quickly, creating both urgency and uncertainty for banks. Regulatory changes, like recent national trust charter approvals, h

Washington Update

Send us a text. (email us if you need a response) [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2162103/fan_mail/new] Episode Summary Wrestling Payments kicks off 2026 with a trip to the Hill. Host Joe Casali sits down with William Sullivan, Associate Managing Director of Government and Industry Relations at Nacha, for a wide-ranging Washington update on the policies shaping the future of payments. William breaks down the latest twists in open banking rulemaking—including a potential reversal on whether financial institutions can charge for data access—and explains why stablecoin legislation remains gridlocked between banking and crypto interests. He offers a candid look at the political dynamics slowing progress on the Clarity Act, cannabis banking, and check reduction efforts, showing how competing priorities and election-year pressures keep even common-sense reforms stuck in neutral. Throughout the conversation, William emphasizes that advocacy and engagement aren't optional—payment professionals need to understand these shifts and make their voices heard before the rules are written. Guest-at-a-Glance William Sullivan Associate Managing Director, Government & Industry Relations, Nacha Leads Nacha's advocacy and industry relations efforts, delivering actionable insights on ACH network policy, payment regulation, and legislative developments affecting financial institutions. www.nacha.org [http://www.nacha.org/]  To hear this episode and many more like it, listen here or subscribe to Wrestling Payments on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere else you listen to podcasts. For show notes, transcripts, and other resources visit www.wrestlingpayments.com [http://www.wrestlingpayments.com]. Host: Joe Casali, EVP, NEACH #wrestlingpayments #wrestlingpaymentspodcast #paymentspodcast

The OCC Charter Loophole: An Illegal Hold on Community Banking?

Send us a text. (email us if you need a response) [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2162103/fan_mail/new] Episode Summary Wrestling Payments kicks off 2026 with a critical conversation. Host Joe Casali is joined by Brian Laverdure and Mickey Marshall from the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) to unpack the growing regulatory gap between fintechs and traditional banking. As non-banks rapidly expand into mortgage lending and payments, community institutions face an uneven playing field—and the stakes are rising fast. Mickey breaks down how the OCC's National Trust Bank charter has become a backdoor for crypto companies to issue stablecoins without standard bank supervision, FDIC insurance, or community reinvestment obligations. Brian walks through the legislative landscape and explains why the current rulemaking race will define the future competitive environment for community banks. Together, they paint a sobering picture: if deposits migrate from local banks to stablecoin wallets, the capital that funds small business loans, mortgages, and local economic growth disappears with them. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in community banking or payments. The message is clear—education and advocacy aren't optional anymore. Guests-at-a-Glance Brian Laverdure Vice President, Payments and Technology Policy, ICBA Specializes in digital asset policy and cross-border payment frameworks for community institutions. LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-laverdure-aap-7365708a/]  Mickey Marshall Vice President and Regulatory Counsel, ICBA Legal expert navigating payments regulation, novel bank charters, and cryptocurrency regulatory challenges. LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickey-marshall-5b0460109]  To hear this episode and many more like it, listen here or subscribe to Wrestling Payments on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere else you listen to podcasts. For show notes, transcripts, and other resources visit www.wrestlingpayments.com [http://www.wrestlingpayments.com]. Host: Joe Casali, EVP, NEACH #wrestlingpayments #wrestlingpaymentspodcast #paymentspodcast