"Dedicated to providing members with expertise and assistance to ensure their growing, competitive and secure participation in payment systems."
NWCHA Seminars
NWCHA is proud to offer multiple training options in addition to our regular seminar series including several Tele-seminars. We also offer our members Webcast in partnership with Wespay.
Each workshop is rated to help determine which seminars will best meet your needs. Beginner seminars are for individuals new to ACH. Intermediate seminars are for individuals who have previously taken beginner courses or have a good working knowledge of ACH. Advanced seminars have been developed for individuals preparing for the AAP exam.
Dates and locations may be subject to change. This Web-page, Newsletters and registration brochures will publish final dates and locations. Additional seminars will be added to our calendar throughout the year.
If you would like to schedule in-house-training, or you have any suggestions for seminars that you would like NWCHA to offer, please give us a call.
Click on a category below for a complete listing and discription of available courses.
Cost:
Members: $100 (single attendee) $90 (multiple attendees)
Non-Member: $190
Intermediate Seminar
Thursday, February 18 – Everett
Friday, February 19 – Tacoma
Tuesday, February 23 – Centralia
Wednesday, February 24 – Spokane
Friday, February 26 – Yakima
Tuesday, March 2 – Seattle
Friday, March 5 – Bellingham
Five new Rules become effective in the next 6 months; these seminars will prepare you for compliance. NWCHA’s New Rules Recap Seminars are scheduled at a location near you.
All Seminars are from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Except Spokane 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
On January 1, 2010 one new ACH Rule became effective:
Rules Audit Enhancements
The ACH Rules demand every financial institution and third-party processor perform an annual audit by December 1st. This change will alter how your 2010 audit is to be preformed. A good audit ultimately leads to lower risk and higher quality in the processing of ACH payments.
On March 19, 2010 two new ACH Rules become effective:
Authorizations & Returns
Revises the Rules to clarify the requirements of consumer authorizations to align with Regulation E and changes the current Written Statement Under Penalty of Perjury (WSUPP).
Stop Payments & Regulation E
Revises the Rules regarding the application and expiration of stop payment orders to align the Rules with the Federal Reserve Board’s interpretation of Regulation E.
On June 18, 2010 two additional ACH Rules become effective:
Direct Access Registration
All ODFIs will be required to register with NACHA whether they allow Originators to access the Network directly.
Risk Management & Assessment
Additional risk management practices will be codified, which will require additional tasks on the part of all ODFIs.
The sessions will also update the current status of the ACH Rules Simplification process, Rules Work Groups and other Rules initiatives now in the pipeline.
Sign up for one of the sessions below by linking to the NWCHA website at: http://www.nwcha.org/content/registration-form
New Rules Recap sessions dates, times & locations:
Thursday April 29 - Seattle
Intermediate Seminar
Cost:
Members: $100 (single attendee) $90 (multiple attendees)
Non-Member: $190
Friday May 14th - SeaTac
Call NWCHA for Costs:
The AAP Forum is a full day seminar just for AAPs. This 6 hour seminar will earn each attendee 7 credits and is only open to existing AAP members of NWCHA.
Tuesday, July 13 - Seattle
Wednesday, July 14 - Everett
Thursday, July 15 - Tacoma
Friday, July 16 - Yakima
Wednesday, September 1 - Spokane
Intermediate Seminar
Cost:
Members: $100 (single attendee) $90 (multiple attendees)
Non-Member: $190
Every year the business of banking changes, products become available and new issues immerge. How you handle payments effects the way you do business. Hot Topics in Payments covers the latest developments in ACH and the entire payments process. See what's new and what's on the horizon at this 1/2 day session.
Thursday September 9 - SeaTac
Advanced Seminar
Cost:
Members: $160 (single attendee) $150 (multiple attendees)
Non-Member: $290
The Accredited ACH Professional Review is designed to assist participants in preparing for the Accredited ACH Professional (AAP) exam. Exam topics will be reviewed in-depth and guidelines for taking the test will be discussed.
The cost of this Seminar also includes a series of 6 Tele-seminars that will further enhance the topics covered during the in-person seminar.
Thursday September 10 - SeaTac
Intermediate Seminar
Cost:
Members: $100 (single attendee) $90 (multiple attendees)
Non-Member: $190
So you know the basics of ACH but want to learn more? Bits & Bytes will take you to the next level of technical understanding and cover topics such as:
- file layout
- field definitions and requirements
- data acceptance specifications
When participants complete this seminar they will feel comfortable supporting any new or existing ACH application from a technical standpoint and be able to use the NACHA Rule Book technical chapters with ease.
This Seminar is a MUST for anyone supporting ACH services or desiring to bring their ACH knowledge closer to the expert level. It is also recommended for anyone who will take the NACHA AAP exam.
Wednesday, September 1 - Spokane (PM)
Tuesday, September 28 - Seattle
Wednesday September 29- Everett
Thursday September 30 - Tacoma
Tuesday, October 5 - Bellingham
Wednesday, October 6 - Centralia
Intermediate Seminar
Cost:
Members: $100 (single attendee) $90 (multiple attendees)
Non-Member: $190
Earn 3 AAP Credits
Thursday September 2 - Spokane
Friday October 15 - Seattle
Advanced Seminar
Cost:
Members: $160 (single attendee) $150 (multiple attendees)
Non-Member: $290
Advanced ACH Rules is an in-depth program for ACH professionals that have a basic understanding of electronic payments and ACH. This workshop provides detailed coverage of the NACHA operating rules (including the new 2008 rules) and their relationship to FRB Circular 4, UCC4A the New Government Green Book and Regulation E.
We’ll stress Article One, Two, Four, Six and Eight. There will be plenty of time for questions, so if you can only attend one seminar this year make sure it is Advanced ACH Rules.
Friday, November 5 - SeaTac
An unfortunate bi-product of a bad economy is an increase in fraud. Protecting your clients, customers and financial institution is always a priority. NWCHA is hosting our first annual Fraud Conference on October 23rd. Make certain someone from your financial institution attends this important conference to hear the latest industry issues and how to keep from being a victim of these scams.
Bill Bley, President and CEO Northwest Clearing House Association, will discuss fraud issues and prevention techniques in electronic banking, including the keylogging frauds that have plagued the banking industry recently.
Tuesday, April 6
Tuesday, July 27
Tuesday, November 30
Cost:
Members: $100 (per line) $90 (multiple tele-seminars)
Non-Member: $190 (per line)
Beginner Seminar
Can your staff answer electronic payment questions? Do they know where to get help? Can your staff protect your organization from risk or loss? ACH Basics has been designed to introduce the process and benefits of ACH to operations staff and frontline customer & member support staff (tellers, platform, and branch employees).
Wednesday April 7
Wednesday July 28
Wednesday December 1
Cost:
Members: $100 (per line) $90 (multiple tele-seminars)
Non-Member: $190 (per line)
Intermediate Seminar
ACH Exception Item Processing will cover issues such as reclamations, return items and NOCs. We'll share tips and ideas other members have used to make their Operations more successful. Limit your liability and increase your knowledge by attending this Tele-Seminar
Thursday, April 8
Thursday, July 29
Thursday, December 2
Cost:
Members: $100 (per line) $90 (multiple tele-seminars)
Non-Member: $190 (per line)
Intermediate Seminar
This Tele-seminar will take a look at the processing requirements for RDFI's receiving government ACH entries. Find out what rules are different for Federal Government ACH transactions and what your liability is for returns, NOC's and reclamations.
Tuesday, April 13
Tuesday, August 3
Tuesday, December 7
Cost:
Members: $100 (per line) $90 (multiple tele-seminars)
Non-Member: $190 (per line)
Intermediate Seminar
NACHA recently released the results of its ODFI Best Practices Survey. During each session we’ll review the survey results and the implications to ODFIs. Each session will also cover:
•Protecting the ODFI with good ACH Agreements
•Protecting the ODFI and Originator from fraud and keylogging scams
There will time for questions, have yours ready for these informative sessions.
Wednesday, April 14
Wednesday, August 4
Wednesday, December 8
Cost:
Members: $100 (per line) $90 (multiple tele-seminars)
Non-Member: $190 (per line)
Intermediate Seminar
Risk management is the responsibilities of every DFI in the ACH Network. Community banks and credit unions face unique challenges in meeting these requirements because they may lack the same infrastructure and support staff of a large, national institution. This tele-seminar is designed to equip community banks and credit unions with the knowledge and tools to improve communications and documentation related to risk management.
Thursday, April 15
Thursday, August 5
Thursday, December 9
Cost:
Members: $100 (per line) $90 (multiple tele-seminars)
Non-Member: $190 (per line)
Intermediate Seminar
The stories are numerous and scary. What type of fraud is perpetuated in the ACH Network? What losses are being taken by Originators and ODFIs? What do RDFIs need to be aware of? This Tele-seminar will discuss prevention of ACH fraud, checks being converted into ACH items and the warranties of Originators along with how to secure your ACH Origination procedures and policies.
Tuesday, April 20
Tuesday, August 10
Tuesday, December 14
Cost:
Members: $100 (per line) $90 (multiple tele-seminars)
Non-Member: $190 (per line)
Intermediate Seminar
ACH Compliance covers the regulations that govern the ACH network. We will discuss topics such as Regulation E and UCC4A, we will also discuss the responsibilities of each participant in the network and all the requirements of the DFIs. Please do not miss this important Tele-Seminar
Wednesday, April 21
Wednesday, August 11
Wednesday, December 15
Cost:
Members: $100 (per line) $90 (multiple tele-seminars)
Non-Member: $190 (per line)
Intermediate Seminar
This Tele-Seminar discusses the differences between Regulation E and the ACH Rules. Both detail procedures for resolving situations “unauthorized” consumer transactions, but the procedures, time frames, and financial institution obligations are significantly different. We will also discuss differences between Stop Payment time frames and retention requirements. The topics covered may have an impact to your daily operations, do not miss this important Tele-Seminar.
Thursday, April 22
Thursday, August 12
Thursday, December 16
Cost:
Members: $100 (per line) $90 (multiple tele-seminars)
Non-Member: $190 (per line)
Intermediate Seminar
Beginner Seminar
Cost:
Members: $95 (single viewing) $195 (5 viewings)
Non-Member: $195 (single viewing) $395 (5 viewings)
Is your Frontline staff prepared with the knowledge they need to answer your customer’s ACH questions? Don’t miss this opportunity to educate the most vital people in your branch, the ones who represent your organization to your customers! We'll provide an overview of the ACH network, including defining the participants and explaining the transaction flow. We'll explain consumer’s rights and how their transactions differ from corporate & government transactions, and conclude with an examination of all the electronic check applications.
Running time approx. 90 minutes
Beginner Seminar
Cost:
Members: $95 (single viewing) $195 (5 viewings)
Non-Member: $195 (single viewing) $395 (5 viewings)
To those new to the ACH process, and even for "ACH veterans," the contents of the ACH Operating Rules Book can be intimidating. This session is designed to familiarize the viewer with the organization and structure of the book, explaining the various sections and contents of both the Operating Rules and Guidelines. Also addressed are the many additional resources contained within this annual publication. This session is especially helpful for anyone new to the ACH process, and can serve as a valuable "refresher" for seasoned ACH professionals.
Running time approx. 50 minutes
Beginner Seminar
Cost:
Members: $95 (single viewing) $195 (5 viewings)
Non-Member: $195 (single viewing) $395 (5 viewings)
Become familiar with the different check products that are being converted to ACH debits. Learn about the latest issues relating to electronic checks including the conversion of business checks at the Point of Purchase and A/R Truncation. Understand the differences in check regulations versus ACH regulations. Understand how TEL and WEB fit into the e-Check environment.
Although we have become more comfortable with Re-presented Checks (RCK) through the ACH system, we are now seeing other ways that checks are being “electronified.” Our webcast will look at Point of Purchase, which will include a discussion of its uses and misuses, and Lockbox Conversion (ARC), where the ACH system is also being used to eliminate checks or the need for check processing. We will describe specific requirements related to processes for WEB & TEL transactions.
What are the RDFI’s rights and responsibilities when the Originator processes both the ACH debit AND the converted check? Is there recourse back to the ODFI and Originator? Come and learn how to respond!
Running time approx. 80 minutes
Beginner Seminar
Cost:
Members: $95 (single viewing) $195 (5 viewings)
Non-Member: $195 (single viewing) $395 (5 viewings)
Federal government ACH payments are subject to the same rules as private industry ACH payments, but with exceptions. The Federal Government’s rules are found in the Code of Federal Regulations (31CFR 210), known as the “Green Book”, although it’s not green, and it’s no longer a book! Knowing these exceptions and how they affect correct processing in such areas as reclamations, enrollments, and return entries has an impact in both the efficiency of a financial institution’s ACH operations and in preventing unnecessary losses.
This webcast consists of the fundamentals of processing Federal Government ACH payments such as automated (ENR), paper and paperless enrollments, notifications of change (NOC), death notification entries (DNE), and return items, and will include: Who is liable when a payment is posted to an incorrect account, when does the name of the payee not need to appear on the title of the account, what to do when payments are returned in error, & what constitutes "commercially reasonable business practices"?
THINGS YOU WILL LEARN:
The 3 types of government enrollments
- What is constructive knowledge of death
- What are the posting rules for Federal Government payments?
- How to limit your liability for payments made after date of death
- How to correctly respond to a reclamation
Running time approx. 75 minutes
Beginner Seminar
Cost:
Members: $95 (single viewing) $195 (5 viewings)
Non-Member: $195 (single viewing) $395 (5 viewings)
This webcast provides an overview examination of ACH Origination processes. It is designed to appeal to a broad section of WesPay membership, from smaller Financial Institutions not currently originating to larger financial institutions with significant origination business.
We will provide participants with a broad understanding of the ACH Origination business, with a focus on corporate Originator support. Topics covered will include critical considerations for creating effective ACH Origination policies, agreements and risk management safeguards (including establishment of exposure limits for each origination application), analyzing ACH Origination processing alternatives, and establishing effective and secure procedures for day-to-day operations and customer service.
Running time approx. 80 minutes
Beginner Seminar
Cost:
Members: $95 (single viewing) $195 (5 viewings)
Non-Member: $195 (single viewing) $395 (5 viewings)
This webcast focuses on the responsibilities and warranties of each ACH participant, with an emphasis on the ACH Operating Rules, Federal Regulations, UCC4A, OFAC and Exception Processes. Procedures for handling Federal Government ACH payments, NACHA’s Rules Enforcement procedure, as well as the fundamental types of risk associated with processing ACH transactions are also discussed.
Running time approx. 75 minutes
Beginner Seminar
Cost:
Members: $95 (single viewing) $195 (5 viewings)
Non-Member: $195 (single viewing) $395 (5 viewings)
With more than 18 billion transactions processed annually, the ACH provides complete, accurate and speedy processing in an automated environment. However, when an ACH payment is unable to be processed, the result is an “exception item”, & if not appropriately handled, the institution could experience a financial loss. Register for this webcast and find out both the most effective ways to handle exceptions and how to effectively minimize the risk of loss.
3 Things you’ll learn from this webcast:
- The difference between “unauthorized entries”, “authorization revoked entries” and “stop payments”
- How to handle NOCs (Notification of Change) and what your liability may be
- Special return codes for echeck applications
Running time approx. 85 minutes
Intermediate Seminar
Cost:
Members: $95 (single viewing) $195 (5 viewings)
Non-Member: $195 (single viewing) $395 (5 viewings)
This session provides an overview of ACH risk for ODFIs. Topics to be covered will include risk management safeguards (including establishment of exposure limits for each origination application), analyzing ACH Origination processing alternatives, and establishing effective and secure procedures for day-to-day operations and customer service. It will also go into detail in regards to the specific warranties of the ODFI. Financial institutions of all sizes need to be aware of ACH risk factors. Each financial institution needs to manage their risk to minimize potential losses.
Running time approx. 75 minutes
Intermediate Seminar
Cost:
Members: $95 (single viewing) $195 (5 viewings)
Non-Member: $195 (single viewing) $395 (5 viewings)
Do your Cash or Product Management personnel know all they need to know about the ACH services they are selling? Are they aware of the rule changes affecting corporate originators? With the selling of ACH services and the many types of applications comes the challenge of being able to educate your originators. Arm your Cash Management staff with the proper knowledge of the ACH to both protect your institution, while giving them more products and services to offer clients.
Running time approx. 90 minutes
Intermediate Seminar
Cost:
Members: $95 (single viewing) $195 (5 viewings)
Non-Member: $195 (single viewing) $395 (5 viewings)
Financial institutions of all sizes need to be aware of ACH risk factors. Each financial institution needs to manage their risk to minimize potential losses. Rapid growth, change, and new and evolving participant responsibilities are prevalent ACH trends representing increased risk. In addition, ACH volume growth has been primarily fueled by higher-risk consumer debit applications. Accordingly, regulatory agencies have called for risk management enhancements, with plans to target ACH compliance, risk management policies, and procedures in future financial institution examination reviews. Is your financial institution prepared to demonstrate enhanced risk management for ACH Network activities? This session will cover the risks associated with processing transactions from the RDFI side as well as how to mitigate these risks.
Running time approx. 75 minutes
Intermedite Seminar
Cost:
Members: $95 (single viewing) $195 (5 viewings)
Non-Member: $195 (single viewing) $395 (5 viewings)
Electronic payments continue to thrive and as a result, more legal issues have arisen. We are all working on better ways to manage risk but how are we communicating that to our origination customers? If you don’t put your expectations in writing, they won’t hold up in a court of law. You must take the necessary steps to cover yourself from liability. Register for this webcast and find out how to keep abreast of changes in electronic payment law and apply best practices with your customers.
Running time approx. 60 minutes
Intermediate Seminar
Cost:
Members: $95 (single viewing) $195 (5 viewings)
Non-Member: $195 (single viewing) $395 (5 viewings)
Changes in the ACH process continue at a rapid pace. It is critical that your institution keep pace with processing and regulatory requirements in order to ensure rules compliance and reduce operating risk. This webcast will cover recent ACH Rules amendments. We’ll make sure you are ready by taking an in-depth look at amendments that became effective in late 2007, as well as those changes implementing throughout 2008 and beyond. Among the changes are a complete revamping of the formats and requirements for processing “Cross Border” ACH transactions, and a significant change to the National Systems of Fines process to enhance rules compliance for entities originating “Unauthorized” transactions.
We consider the ACH Rules Implementation webcast to be one of the most important EOD offerings of the year. This webcast will lay the groundwork for compliance through 2008 and beyond. A “basic” level of ACH knowledge is required, and completion of WesPay’s Basics of ACH Receiving Workshop is recommended.
Running time approx. 75 minutes
Intermediate Seminar
Cost:
Members: $95 (single viewing) $195 (5 viewings)
Non-Member: $195 (single viewing) $395 (5 viewings)
This seminar examines in detail the processes and options to enforce the NACHA Operating Rules. The background of the rules enforcement process, the modifications to the classification of rules violations, and the substantial increases in fine amounts are covered. ODFIs suspected of receiving an unacceptable level of "unauthorized" return entries are now required to provide specific information to NACHA, upon request. These requirements, and the on-going monitoring of such suspect Originators, are discussed. Current rules enforcement procedures, as well as an examination of NACHA arbitration procedures as an alternative to the rules violation process, are examined.
Running time approx. 55 minutes
Intermediate Seminar
Cost:
Members: $95 (single viewing) $195 (5 viewings)
Non-Member: $195 (single viewing) $395 (5 viewings)
Are you confused over your obligations to adjust consumer “unauthorized” entries, depending on whether you are operating under NACHA rule provisions or Regulation E? Both detail procedures for resolving situations involving “unauthorized” consumer transactions, but the procedures, time frames, and financial institution obligations are significantly different. Proper procedures for handling account inquiries under both the NACHA adjustment rules and Regulation E Error Resolution Procedures will be thoroughly discussed, with an emphasis on how the account holding institution can limit its liability for loss and still provide excellent customer service. A basic understanding of ACH processes is suggested.
Running time approx. 65 minutes
Advanced Seminar
Cost:
Members: $95 (single viewing) $195 (5 viewings)
Non-Member: $195 (single viewing) $395 (5 viewings)
Developing a structured, fully-integrated ACH risk management strategy is critical for ACH network participants. This session will fully examine the risk reduction suggestions outlined in the Office of Comptroller of the Currency's bulletin 2006-039: Automated Clearing House Activities, Risk Management Guidance. Topics include: risk management systems and controls, reporting to board of directors, audit considerations, high risk activities, elements of a risk strategy, and much more. Also examined is NACHA's Risk Management Strategy, which incorporates many elements of the OCC guidance into its suggested "best practices" in ACH risk management.
Running time approx. 70 minutes
Advanced Seminar
Cost:
Members: $95 (single viewing) $195 (5 viewings)
Non-Member: $195 (single viewing) $395 (5 viewings)
The devil is in the details. This webcast focuses on the intricacies of the ACH Record Formats. We will take you on a comprehensive and detailed review of the field purposes & constructs with discussion of the specific field values, commonly experienced problems, and tips for optimizing ACH Network participation with a command of the bits and bytes of ACH.
Running time approx. 80 minutes