
How AI-powered payments tools are failing vulnerable customers – and how to fix them
New research explores how AI is reshaping banking for vulnerable customers and what payments firms can do to build more inclusive digital experiences.

New research explores how AI is reshaping banking for vulnerable customers and what payments firms can do to build more inclusive digital experiences.

The Payments Association welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the FCA CP 25/34“ESG ratings: Proposed approach to regulation”. As The Payments Association’s membership includes a wide range of companies fromacross

This report focuses on informing financial decisions by utilising high-quality data and physical risk assessments to turn risk into opportunity through the integration of data into financial decision making. It

This benchmarking study, undertaken by the Global Association of Risk Professionals(GARP), examines the extent to which third party data vendors differ in their property-level riskassessments and projections. As far as

This publication is the second handbook from the CFRF Nature-Related Risk Working Group, focusing on nature-related financial risks and its implications for financial services. It provides practical guidance for banks,

Interactive tool generating a summary of climate-related risks and opportunities for firms based on business activities models, products, risks of the firm. Uses data from scenarios by the Central Banks

Despite the duty to prevent sexual harassment no longer being new law, according to research by WorkNest, which surveyed over 400 HR professionals, four in ten businesses have not yet

ISO 17298 marks a major milestone in biodiversity integration for business. Discover how this new international standard helps organisations assess nature-related risks and embed biodiversity into strategy – with expert

This Financial Inclusion Strategy has been developed with the support of a Financial Inclusion Committee of consumer and industry representatives. This strategy sets out an ambitious programme of action to

Unlocking inclusive financial solutions for sustainable growth

While attitudes toward ESG vary across regions, our 2025 survey indicates that sustainability remains high on the UK CEOs’ agenda. ‘Climate impacts’ comes in at number 3 in terms of

A new report calls on financial services to embed accessibility at its core, ensuring people with learning disabilities are not excluded.

Copecto GmbH was recently nominated for The Payments Association’s Best ESG Initiative at the PAY360 Awards against well-established firms such as Worldline and Crown Agents Bank, and rising ESG stars

On 23 July 2025, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a landmark advisory opinion on the obligations of states in relation to climate change. This blog is a collaboration between Lorraine Johnston, Partner, Tom Cummins, Senior Counsel – Dispute Resolution and Miran Bahra, Associate – Dispute Resolution at Ashurst LLP.

The payments sector continues to navigate evolving diversity and inclusion (D&I) expectations as organisations balance regulatory requirements, stakeholder demands, and operational considerations. This report presents findings from a comprehensive survey of 23 payments sector leaders, examining current D&I practices, data collection methods, and strategic priorities for 2025.

More and more consumers value products that reflect their sustainability values. However, the payments industry is falling behind, especially regarding card portfolios, which are still far from aligning with a sustainable lifestyle. Traditional payment cards, often made from plastic, fail to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions and do not reflect the sustainability values consumers increasingly prioritise.

Information on the UK government’s framework to create UK Sustainability Reporting Standards (UK SRS) by assessing and endorsing the global corporate reporting baseline of IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards.

To make sure the UK is well-positioned to capture this growth, the government is delivering a world-leading sustainable finance framework. The government has concluded that a UK Taxonomy would not

Consumer behaviour has always been a massive force for change, and the payments industry is no exception. The trend towards sustainability and especially the movement of consumers towards a sustainable

As sustainability gains ground, card issuers and payment providers are exploring practical strategies to meet ESG goals and shifting consumer expectations.

Sustainability is a competitive differentiator Recent discussions between The Payments Association’s ESG Working Group have frequently highlighted how firms are experiencing an uptick in clients, investors and potential customers enquiring

The FCA have prepared this report following an invitation by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to report on climate change adaptation challenges faced by the financial services firms they regulate. This is part of the 4th round of reporting under the climate adaptation power.

The PRA has produced this report in response to an invitation by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to participate under the fourth round of the climate change adaptation reporting power.

The urgency to mitigate climate change means an increasing demand for accountability from companies, including those in the digital payments sector. As this sector expands, so too does its carbon footprint,

The urgency to mitigate climate change means an increasing demand for accountability from companies, including those in the digital payments sector. As this sector expands, so too does its carbon footprint,

Top CEOs see through global turbulence by betting big on AI – Navigating a decade of disruption: Ten years of the KPMG CEO Outlook research shows CEO confidence in their organization’s future, despite geopolitical and economic volatility.

Crif joined December’s ESG Working Group meeting to present the importance of sourcing accurate carbon calculation data for financial institutions. Their findings revealed that a significant percentage of consumers are willing to switch providers if their current financial institution does not demonstrate strong ESG commitments and that transparency in operations and a proactive approach to environmental and social governance are crucial for building consumer trust and loyalty.

In this episode of the Insights Podcast, Tom Mason, co-founder of Shoal, and Marten Moller, Impact and Partnerships Manager at Algbra, discuss how fintech and banks can collaborate to create the next generation of sustainable financial products.

The third edition of Deloitte’s 2024 CxO Sustainability Report surveyed over 2,100 executives across 27 countries on their views and strategies related to sustainability and climate change.

In this episode of the Insights Podcast, Tom Mason, co-founder of Shoal, and Marten Moller, Impact and Partnerships Manager at Algbra, discuss how fintech and banks can collaborate to create the next generation of sustainable financial products. They explain Shoal’s sustainable savings app, its partnership with Standard Chartered, and Algbra’s fintech-as-a-service platform. The conversation covers the importance of transparency, user experience, and the balance between profit and environmental impact. Tune in to learn how fintech can drive sustainable finance while maintaining profitability.

Many firms across the payments industry already measure the carbon emissions of their products and services in one way or another. The problem lies in that there is very little

The SEDG is a guide to help your company decide what Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) disclosures to track and report. It covers indicators that can be tracked and disclosed to measure ESG progress. The target users are SMEs that are compelled to track and report on ESG data – usually because they want to, they are being asked to, or they want to qualify for
incentives.

Project Nemo has launched a brand new podcast series – Accessible Finance – Demystifying Disability Inclusion. The limited-edition series will dive into different elements of disability inclusion, from inclusive workspaces and inclusive products and services to legal and regulatory requirements and how we measure progress.

Becoming a B Corp as an early stage fintech has the potential to massively drive growth for your business. As a newly certified B Corp, Griffin are excited to share our journey and encourage other fintechs to consider this path.

In our latest episode, editor Jyoti Rambhai spoke to Charlie Bronks, head of sustainability at Crown Agents Bank and Marten Möller, ESG Manager at Algbra – both recently b-corp certified – about their journeys to become b-corps and why this is important in the payments space

In our newest episode of the Insights Podcast, Charlie Bronks, Crown Agents Bank, and Karine Martinez, Edenred, talk successful ESG policies, greenwashing and what effective green action really means.
They discuss how their companies have successfully tackled implementing ESG strategies and what other payments industry players should be doing to limit their impact on the environment and galvanize their customers.

In our newest episode of the Insights Podcast, Charlie Bronks, Crown Agents Bank, and Karine Martinez, Edenred, talk successful ESG policies, greenwashing and what effective green action really means.
They discuss how their companies have successfully tackled implementing ESG strategies and what other payments industry players should be doing to limit their impact on the environment and galvanize their customers.

We’ve made great strides to broaden access to payments options, including a number of niche products to address specific customer groups. But have we yet considered the accessibility of all

Karine Martinez, member of the The Payment Association’s ESG Working Group, lays out some key insights on the importance of brands prioritising initiatives that help to fight climate change and protect the environment. These ESG initiatives are not only imperative for companies aiming for longevity, but for maintaining and strengthening their relationships with their customers.

Emily Beeby from KAE writes on the top five challenges that payments organisations face when trying to implement green initiatives into their payments processing chains. She emphasises the need for these initiatives in the ever-increasing threat to our environment, and what companies can do to tackle the challenges they face.

As the climate crisis unfolds around us, going green has never been more pertinent, or more prevalent. Industries from fashion to construction are being transformed by a drive towards sustainability,

Discover how The Payments Association’s ESG Working Group is addressing the challenges and solutions for effective environmental, social, and governance initiatives within the payments industry.

In a speech in April 2024, Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework said the next two years are “essential in saving our planet”. Steill laid out a

KAE’s Payments and Sustainability Expert, Chris Holmes, speaks about 3 key roles payment companies can play in sustainability and the ESG space.

Hear from Cosmo Spens from CLOWD9 as he shares his insights and guidance on how organisations can get started on their ESG journey. Cosmo focuses on key points from the

By Rachel Baines, The Payments Association Demand for sustainable products and services has never been higher, and businesses are eager to highlight their green credentials, leading many FCA-authorised organisations to

Join Tony Craddock as he sits down with Steve Round, chair of the Ecology Building Society and co-founder of SaaScada, who delves into how integrating ESG factors can redefine the financial services industry. He discusses the unique challenges and opportunities facing legacy banks and fintechs in making genuinely inclusive financial products that cater to all income levels. Steve advocates for financial inclusivity over mere inclusion, emphasising that true change requires providing first-class banking services to all, irrespective of economic status. This conversation is a deep dive into the practical steps financial institutions can take to not only support sustainability but to foster a banking environment that contributes positively to society and the planet.



