Fed Proposes 'Skinny' Master Accounts, Opening Payment Rails to Crypto Firms
According to CoinDesk, the U.S. Federal Reserve issued a revised proposal Wednesday establishing a framework for limited payment accounts—commonly called "skinny" master accounts—that would allow non-bank firms, including crypto companies, to clear and settle payments through Fed rails. Payment account holders would not receive intraday credit, discount window access, or interest on balances, and automated controls would prevent overdrafts. The proposal, now open for a 60-day comment period, follows a December 2025 request for information and increases maximum closing balance limits based on expected payment activity. The Fed also asked regional banks to pause consideration of certain applications while finalizing the rule, a day after President Trump's executive order directing a review of crypto firms' access to Fed payment rails.