The Green Sheet Online Edition
February 23, 2026 • 26:02:02
Letter from the editor
Here is a question that once might have seemed unthinkable: What should the Federal Reserve’s future role be in the nation’s check system? Despite years of decline in check usage, billions of checks still clear annually, representing trillions of dollars in value. Now, as volumes fall and infrastructure ages, the Fed is weighing whether to maintain, scale back, wind down or reinvest in its check services. This issue's lead article digs into what comes next. Public comments suggest strong resistance to any significant retreat, particularly from community financial institutions, small businesses and consumers who continue to rely on checks. At stake is more than legacy infrastructure; it is the balance between modernization, access, cost recovery and the realities of how Americans still pay their bills.
Beyond check usage, one industry expert featured herein delves into why B2B payments are becoming a strategic liquidity engine as interoperability, embedded workflows, data intelligence and working capital optimization reshape enterprise finance. Other contributors provide a practical look at working capital options for ISOs and MLSs, from residual sales to alternative lending, and how investors value portfolios; discuss why ISVs regret processor contracts, and how a Day 365 perspective, deeper due diligence and honest self-assessment can prevent costly, hard-to-unwind payments decisions. Experts also explain why international expansion fails when payments are an afterthought; and celebrate NEAA’s 41st annual conference, which focused on fintech innovation, leadership and friendly competition, from a tech showdown to insights shared on career growth and resilience.
Our news stories show how quickly the payments landscape continues to evolve. Ransomware gangs are becoming more organized, and brazen, by recruiting insiders, while cryptocurrency is edging closer to the mainstream at checkout counters. Government agencies are turning to new digital identity tools to combat increasingly sophisticated fraud. At the same time, the ACH posted record numbers, highlighting the steady march toward electronic payments even as checks stubbornly hang on. And in the broader economy, a January deep freeze reminded us that weather, seasonality and consumer behavior still have a powerful impact on small businesses.
Be sure not to miss updates on recent research, partnerships, acquisitions, appointments and other milestones in the payments and fintech sphere; product and spotlight profiles; Resource guide listings and other features designed to help you advance in your career. We will welcome your questions and suggestions at greensheet@greensheet.com, as well as your press releases at press@greensheet.com. 
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