EPayResources Admin / Friday, February 27, 2026 / Categories: Products Who Is a Direct Access Participant? Who Is a Direct Access Participant? focuses on how ODFIs determine whether an Originator, Third-Party Sender, or Third-Party Service Provider qualifies as a Direct Access participant. Correct identification matters because Direct Access changes transmission paths without changing the ODFI’s warranties, settlement responsibility, or liability. This course explains what defines Direct Access, including the use of the ODFI’s routing number and settlement account to transmit entries directly to the ACH Operator. Learners examine common scenarios that cause confusion, such as the role of Sending Points, Third-Party Service Providers, and technology platforms that build or submit Files on behalf of others. Through applied sorting activities and knowledge checks, the course reinforces how to distinguish Direct Access participants from non-Direct Access arrangements and why misclassification can lead to approval, oversight, and reporting failures. The emphasis is on recognition and classification, not policy drafting or monitoring mechanics. Estimated learner time: 15•20 minutes, depending on pace and interaction with the activities. This course is designed for ACH operations staff, risk and compliance professionals, and others responsible for evaluating origination structures and identifying when Direct Access obligations apply. This course is available exclusively to members of ePayResources. Item Number - LMSM2610 Previous Article Using the Risk Management Portal in ACH Origination Print 12 Member Price$0.00Nonmember Price$0.00Image Import URL/Portals/0/Images/Default-Placeholders/Products.jpgiMIS Detail URLhttps://myepay.epayresources.org/itemdetail?iProductCode=LMSM2610