<h1>Federal Reserve 'skinny master account' proposal for fintech and crypto payment access, seeking public comment on approval process</h1> The Federal Reserve has proposed a new category of payment account, sometimes described as a 'skinny master account,' and is soliciting public comment on its design and approval process. The proposal would create a tailored access pathway for fintech and crypto-related enterprises to connect to the central bank's payment systems, distinct from traditional full-service banking relationships. The stated legal-operational consequence is to reduce entry barriers for eligible nontraditional firms while preserving payment-system security through a customized vetting and authorization framework.