How to Conduct an ACH Risk Assessment and Develop an Effective ACH Ris 2026

Overview

As a Financial Institution, a Third-Party Service Provider (TPSP) or a Third-Party Sender (TPS), processing ACH transactions, you can encounter a variety of risks. Risk DOES exist in the ACH Payment System, as it does in all payment systems. The risks that need to be examined are Operational, Credit, Compliance, Fraud, Return, and Reputational Risk. According to the Nacha Operating Rules, financial institutions are required to assess and manage all ACH risks, which includes developing a Risk Management program. Most ACH risk can be mitigated through proper due diligence for all originating customers and strict adherence to ACH origination and credit policies, which includes monitoring ACH ac...tivity. A recent Nacha Operating Rules amendment addresses TPS and “nested” TPS (effective Sept 2022), identifying the existence of TPS (and nested TPS) that requires an ACH Risk Assessment be performed for ALL Third-Party Senders (nested or not). In addition, the Rules amendment includes the ODFI’s obligation with agreements with TPS and their “nested” TPS. Details on the responsibility for the ODFI regarding the TPS registration requirement to include the “nested” TPS and how to get this done to remain compliant with this change. Why Should You Attend: This virtual 2-day seminar/workshop will identify the areas of ACH Risk that ODFI's and RDFI's are exposed to when originating, receiving, or processing ACH transactions. ACH Risk awareness and responsibility still falls on the ODFI even when outsourcing these activities to a third party. Discussion on ODFI Risk Management Requirements from the Nacha Operating Rules Book (Articles 1 and 2) such as due diligence, exposure limits, auditing, and monitoring (to name a few), plus how the SEC Code being used by the Originator or TPSP or TPS determines specific risk management requirements and warranties. This virtual seminar/workshop (via webinar over two days) will be an adventure for all who attend as we assess the risk based on individual companies and the business they are in and then develop an ACH Risk Management Program during a fictitious scenario (this will help outline the key elements of managing ACH Risk). Learning Objectives: Discover how the ACH Network functions (overview of ACH, how it works, with SDA (Same Day ACH functionality included)) Identify the Nacha Operating Rules to utilize when conducting an ACH Risk Assessment Developing an effective ACH Risk Management Program using information provided (during a fictitious hands-on activity) List the different types of ACH Risk and ways to help mitigate Define what’s needed for a successful ACH Risk Management Program Importance of monitoring the entire ACH program on a consistent basis Importance of Reporting details surrounding your ACH Program to the Board Determine the registration requirements for the ODFI with Nacha Direct Access Registration TPS (nested or not) Registration Contact Information for the ACH Contact Registry Summarize details of NEW Nacha Operating Rules amendment for ACH Risk Assessments and the TPS (including the “nested” TPS) Who will Benefit: Any payments professional working in the ACH Network will benefit from this course; these individuals could include operations, compliance, AR/AP, payroll, risk management, audit, legal counsel, management, risk officers, and AAP’s.Read more