With New Nacha Rules Effective This Year, a 2026 Rulebook is a Must

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Last year's car is undoubtedly just fine, as is the last iteration of your smartphone. But one thing that's got to be replaced is an old version of the "Nacha Operating Rules and Guidelines." Whether you have a paper book or online access, newer is more than just better.

"It is critical," said Cari Conahan, Associate Managing Director, ACH Network Rules & Enforcement.

The Nacha Rules are always changing, and this year is no exception.

"In 2026 we have a whole new focus on risk management," with a particular focus on credit-push fraud monitoring, Conahan told Nacha's Payments SmartCast podcast. "Having the latest edition of the rulebook entitles you to having additional educational materials and new guidance that we put out to help folks comply."

And as important as the Rules are, the Guidelines are also essential. The new risk management Rules are a great example of why.

"With these new Rules in particular, they're a risk-based approach, so it's not a one-size-fits-all," said Conahan. "One of the things that we've been really struggling and striving to provide is guidance that will help you to discern what your own risk profiles are, and how to manage that risk while incorporating these new Rules." In the Guidelines, ACH Network participants will find "a lot of recommendations and best practices," Conahan said.

"That's where our Guidelines can be of a lot of help."

West Coast Community Bank makes both hard copy rulebooks and online access to the Nacha Rules available to staff. Lawrence Lau, Senior Vice President, Director of Payments, Digital & Product Management, said there are many reasons why having the latest copy of the Rules is vital.

"I think really the key point is staying current is critical, making sure that everything is in compliance," said Lau. "It's part of managing the risk and ensuring our ACH operations are handling the Rules accurately, seamlessly, making sure that we don't violate any ACH Rules."

The "2026 Nacha Operating Rules and Guidelines" is available through the Nacha Store as well as from Payments Associations.

Much more was discussed, and you can listen to the complete podcast below.