Merchant-facing regulation: What merchants need to know in 2025
Ten key regulatory developments merchants must track in 2025–26, from fraud liability to fee reform, stablecoins, and accessibility.
May 16, 2025
Ten key regulatory developments merchants must track in 2025–26, from fraud liability to fee reform, stablecoins, and accessibility.
Cross-border payments are being reshaped by new tech, regulation, and partnerships—but legacy risks still demand smarter compliance.
This report presents data-driven insights from a major industry survey, highlighting the key trends, risks, and priorities shaping payments in 2025.
Your quarterly overview of the key regulatory changes impacting payments—what’s happening, what’s coming, and what actions to take
AI is reshaping the fight against payment fraud, prompting financial leaders to adapt with smarter tools, better data, and cross-sector collaboration.
The PSR’s upcoming consultation on the Reimbursement Claims Management System (RCMS) explores if and when its adoption should be mandated for payment firms.
AI is reshaping the fight against payment fraud, prompting financial leaders to adapt with smarter tools, better data, and cross-sector collaboration.
The Federal Reserve’s shift on crypto banking access raises new questions for payments, stablecoins, and the role of digital assets in finance.
Open finance is expanding data-sharing beyond banking, reshaping payments, lending, and financial services worldwide.
How UK payments regulation can adapt to support innovation, investment, and growth while managing emerging risks.
The EBA’s redefinition of e-money challenges traditional models, raising regulatory uncertainties and requiring compliance reassessment.
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 holds businesses accountable for fraud unless they prove strong prevention measures.
Virtual IBANs streamline payments but pose AML risks, demanding stricter oversight from PSPs.
Discover how AI-driven innovation, blockchain advancements, and evolving consumer behaviours are reshaping the payments industry.
APP scams cost UK victims over £340 million in 2023, exposing systemic vulnerabilities and the urgent need for stronger fraud prevention and collaboration.
Open banking faces rising fraud risks, demanding industry-wide collaboration and smarter security solutions to build trust and resilience.
The FCA’s safeguarding reforms introduce stricter compliance requirements for payments and e-money firms, aiming to enhance consumer protection and operational resilience.
The Digital Assets Bill introduces opportunities and challenges for PSPs, from stablecoin clarity to operational overhauls, as firms navigate legal uncertainty and evolving compliance standards.
Merchants gathered in London to tackle evolving fraud challenges, highlighting technology and collaboration as key to staying ahead.
Do the FCA’s safeguarding plans need alignment with the National Payments Vision to ensure strategic, cost-effective, and consumer-focused reforms?
AI-driven fraud is rising, pushing firms to adopt advanced tools, partnerships, and training to stay ahead.
UK crypto regulations will reshape compliance for payment firms, with implementation by 2026.
Generative AI boosts fraud detection but heightens data privacy risks, urging firms to balance innovation with strong compliance.
Operational resilience is crucial as FCA and EU regulations push firms to guard against disruptions and cyber threats.
The Payments Association’s consumer behaviour survey uncovers shifting payment preferences in the UK, with digital methods on the rise while cash remains vital for certain demographics.
Fintechs are rapidly reshaping the merchant services sector, challenging traditional banks to innovate or face declining market dominance.
Explore how decentralised finance is transforming the payment industry by offering transparency, efficiency, and access, amid regulatory challenges.
Choosing between building and buying systems is key as financial institutions face escalating financial crime challenges.
New fraud data highlights growing threats and the need for stronger defences ahead of regulatory changes.
Learn how payments firms are tackling the challenges of the Consumer Duty, from compliance gaps to improving customer outcomes and governance.
The FCA’s new safeguarding reforms strengthen consumer protection in payments and e-money sectors. This article outlines key changes and steps firms must take to comply.
The PSR’s new refund rules strengthen fraud protection, but concerns remain over the reduced compensation cap and evolving scam tactics.
New rules mandate automatic reimbursement for APP fraud victims, raising concerns about industry costs and fraud exploitation.
The PSR has lowered the APP fraud reimbursement cap to £85,000, raising concerns over fraud prevention
A surge in current account switching is being driven by cash incentives, economic pressures, and the rise of digital banking.
Flawed assumptions in CBDC designs around accounts, wallet control, and privacy call for a more innovative, privacy-focused approach.
Merchants face new challenges as payment innovations like open banking and tokenisation reshape the industry.
The new Reimbursement Claims Management System (RCMS) aims to simplify APP fraud claim processing, enhance PSP cooperation, and ensure adherence to updated compliance standards
Central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) could transform cross-border payments by reducing costs, improving efficiency, and enhancing transparency.
The FCA’s latest guidance proposes a risk-based approach allowing payment service providers to delay outgoing payments to combat APP fraud, balancing fraud prevention with consumer protection.
The PAY360 State of the Industry 2024 survey reveals key trends, challenges, and opportunities in the payments sector, emphasising the need for technological investment, enhanced security, and regulatory adaptation.
Regulatory changes in BNPL, cVRPs, and digital wallets aim to boost e-commerce innovation and competition while safeguarding consumer protection and market stability.
The Bank of England’s exploration of a digital pound and its integration with existing payment systems could modernise the UK’s financial landscape, enhancing efficiency, security, and inclusivity.
AI-driven solutions are transforming dispute management in the payments industry, enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving customer satisfaction in an increasingly digital landscape.
A deep dive into the Financial Crime 360 survey, highlighting key challenges, prevalent fraud types, and strategic responses across various financial sectors
CEOs discuss top challenges and priorities in a Payments Lab roundtable, focusing on technology, fraud prevention, and regulatory compliance.
The financial struggles of UK adults highlight the vital role and challenges of community finance institutions in promoting financial inclusion.
Enhancing the FCA’s complaints reporting process aims to swiftly identify consumer harm, improve regulatory compliance, and streamline operations for financial firms.
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