What is a responsibility of financial institutions in the FedNow network?

Maintaining a Federal Reserve Master Account is a crucial responsibility of financial institutions participating in the FedNow network. This account is essential for facilitating real-time payment processing within the network, allowing financial institutions to conduct transactions securely and efficiently. The presence of a Master Account enables the institution to access various Federal Reserve services, including providing liquidity to support payment processing.

In the context of the FedNow network, a Master Account serves as the operational backbone that enables instant settlements, underlining the critical role of these accounts in supporting the broader framework of faster payments. The smooth operation of the FedNow system relies on financial institutions being able to maintain and manage these accounts effectively, ensuring the reliability and efficiency of real-time payments for their customers.

While the other options encompass important activities within financial institutions, they do not specifically relate to the core operational responsibilities outlined for participants in the FedNow network.