[News](https://www.payments.ca/insights/news-research?field_article_type=24) # Modernizing access to Canada’s retail batch payments system August 5, 2020 Today Payments Canada announced that *By-law No. 3 - Payment Items and the Automated Clearing Settlement System* is amended, removing the 0.5 per cent volume requirement for direct participation in the retail payments system - the [Automated Clearing Settlement System (ACSS)](https://www.payments.ca/systems-services/payment-systems/retail-batch-payment-system) - by member financial institutions. This change allows for a wider range of member financial institutions to be eligible to become direct clearers/group clearers and exchange payment items and make payment entries directly into the ACSS. The associated rule amendments to [ACSS Rule D1 – Direct Clearer/Group Clearer Requirements](/sites/default/files/d1eng.pdf) came into effect on August 5, 2020. Enhancements such as these ensure Canada’s retail payments system reflects market evolution and facilitates innovation while ensuring the system’s safety and soundness is maintained. These changes also mark an important step in fulfilling the [Vision](https://www.payments.ca/sites/default/files/vision-canadian-payments-ecosystem_edited.pdf) for payments Modernization, specifically the need for open, risk-based access to foster competition and innovation in the ecosystem. The amended bylaw is in follow-up to these proposals in the [Modernizing Automated Clearing Settlement System (ACSS) Access](https://gallery.mailchimp.com/77cd7d981de9d6ce4f7040501/files/b46db732-9ac6-40bc-9db6-6bdd62b7f8a0/Final_English_Consultation_Enhancing_ACSS_Access.pdf) consultation paper, signifying a key outcome of our efforts to enhance ACSS rules and bylaws. [Return to newsroom](https://www.payments.ca/insights/news-research) ## Keep reading [ ![placeholder.png](/sites/default/files/styles/article/public/placeholder.png?h=5dafd208&itok=qKDbzxAp) News October 1, 2026 ### Payments Canada welcomes six new members as expanded membership... Twenty-two new members have joined since 2025 regulatory changes — a necessary step for those seeking access to critical national payment infrastructure, including the forthcoming Real-Time Rail... ](https://www.payments.ca/payments-canada-welcomes-six-new-members-expanded-membership-eligibility-reaches-one-year-milestone)[Learn more](https://www.payments.ca/payments-canada-welcomes-six-new-members-expanded-membership-eligibility-reaches-one-year-milestone) [ ![placeholder.png](/sites/default/files/styles/article/public/placeholder.png?h=5dafd208&itok=qKDbzxAp) News September 25, 2026 ### Payments Canada names Stephan Orzechowski as Vice President... Payments Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephan Orzechowski as Vice President, Strategic Partnerships and Business Transformation. Stephan will lead strategic vendor partnerships... ](https://www.payments.ca/payments-canada-names-stephan-orzechowski-vice-president-strategic-partnerships-and-business)[Learn more](https://www.payments.ca/payments-canada-names-stephan-orzechowski-vice-president-strategic-partnerships-and-business) [ ![placeholder.png](/sites/default/files/styles/article/public/placeholder.png?h=5dafd208&itok=qKDbzxAp) News July 27, 2026 ### ACSS rule changes enhance payment system processes Updates provide expanded definitions and process efficiency Payments Canada has implemented a series of administrative and operational amendments to the Automated Clearing Settlement System (ACSS)... ](https://www.payments.ca/acss-rule-changes-enhance-payment-system-processes)[Learn more](https://www.payments.ca/acss-rule-changes-enhance-payment-system-processes)