ICBA: Proposed expansion of Fedwire/NSS operating hours not necessary

ICBA said the Federal Reserve’s proposed expansion of Fedwire Funds Service and National Settlement Service hours to 22 hours per day, seven days a week would place significant burdens on community banks for what is likely to be a low volume of transactions.

Background: Both Fedwire and NSS currently operate Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Under the proposal, both services would operate every day of the year.

Details: In a comment letter to the Federal Reserve, ICBA said:

  • It strongly opposes the proposed expansion of the Fedwire/NSS operating hours, which would amount to a 47% increase.

  • There is minimal consumer demand for extended Fedwire and NSS availability, and the proposed expansion would place significant burdens on community banks.

  • Expanding Fedwire and NSS could enable ACH and check-clearing services to extend their hours.

More: ICBA said that expanded Fedwire and NSS would slow the adoption of FedNow, which provides 24/7 real-time gross settlement payments 365 days a year.