Supporting consumers and businesses 

We published our latest monthly economic insight looking at the key trends and events shaping the UK economy, as well as growth in the US and eurozone, and tariffs.  

Following the final Accessible Banking Outcomes Forum meeting this month, we have published a report with EY that outlines the key takeaways and understandings from the conversations held between industry experts and charities to improve services. 

Delivering a high growth economy   

This month we submitted views to HM Treasury on what we think should be among the government's priorities in its upcoming Spending Review. Building on proposals we set out in our responses to the Industrial Strategy Green Paper and Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy, we urged the government to allocate funding to a range of initiatives that will further unlock the growth-driving role of UK financial services. Our proposals are intended to: 

• Kickstart growth and raise living standards in every part of the UK.
• Rebuild Britain by supporting the housing market.
• Secure home-grown, clean energy and accelerate to Net Zero. 

Additionally, we responded to the Business and Trade Committee’s Call for Evidence on the Industrial Strategy.

This month we also responded on behalf of members to a number of consultations. These included;   

• The Payment Systems Regulator (PSR)’s Stage 1 Remedy consultation, where we provide some overarching commentary on CP24/14, address our acquirer members’ commentary and our card issuer members’ commentary.
• The Bank of England’s Discussion Paper on Transitioning to a repo-led operating framework. In our response, we highlight that our members are fully supportive of the Bank of England’s proposal to move to a more demand-led approach to the supply of central bank reserves.
• The Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) draft Annual Plan 2025/26 consultation. In our submission, we believe that there is still more that the CMA could do to hone its support of the government’s growth mission, and we provide feedback on each of the three themes on which the consultation invites comment.
• The FCA’s discussion paper on improving the UK transaction reporting regime. Improving this regime by streamlining and simplifying regulatory requirements will be a crucial facilitator in the ongoing modernisation of the UK’s capital markets ecosystem.
• Alongside the Association for Financial Markets in Europe (AFME), we responded to the FCA’s Private Intermittent Securities and Capital Exchange System (PISCES) consultation. Private markets are an important part of the UK’s capital markets eco-system and, as such, we welcome any innovations that aim to give private companies access to a broader range of investors and, ultimately, transition towards the public markets.

Preventing economic crime 

Throughout this month, our Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit has been carrying out enforcement and protect activity, as part of Operation Henhouse which is being co-ordinated by The National Economic Crime Centre and The City of London Police. 

As part of activity for Safer Internet Day on 11 February, our Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign published new data showing that over two thirds (68 per cent) of people in the UK are concerned about being a victim of fraud online. The campaign also ran social media ads throughout February, directing people to its new online scams advice webpage. 

On the legislative front, we are heavily involved in the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill. In part this covers the issue of fraud and error in the benefits systems and looks to involve the banking sector in addressing that challenge. Our Director of Economic Crime Policy and Strategy Daniel Cichocki and Managing Director of Personal Finance and Prudential, Reporting and Taxation Eric Leenders gave evidence on the Bill at the House of Commons on Tuesday 25 February, highlighting what can be done to improve certain elements of it. 

Transitioning to Net Zero 

On regulation, we held two member roundtables with the FCA and HM Treasury to discuss disclosure rules and how to foster a flourishing sustainable finance market. We also responded to consultations including HM Treasury’s Green Taxonomy use cases consultation. 

In preparation for the publication of the government’s Warm Homes Plan later this year, we are developing a policy briefing for ministers and civil servants, reiterating our Net Zero Homes asks and drawing on new data on heat pump uptake from polling we commissioned via YouGov. Our Mortgages and Sustainability working group is helping to lead this work.  

At our Sustainability Committee meeting on 19 February, members discussed how the latest international developments are likely to influence the domestic policy agenda, and we heard from former Climate Special Envoy to the Barbadian Prime Minister, Avinash Persaud, on international financial reform. 

Upcoming events and training 

Our training programme offers a range of flexible options – online, in-person, and hybrid – designed to suit your schedule and learning style. You can view the full programme on our website or contact us if you need help booking your next course.

Digital Innovation Summit – Innovation for a Better Society

The Digital Innovation Summit returns on 24 June with a packed agenda. Held at the Business Design Centre, London, the event will feature thought-provoking keynotes, practical discussions on artificial intelligence (AI), digital identity, and regulation, alongside insights into the UK’s National Payments Vision and strategies to enhance financial inclusion. Early bird tickets are now available. You can view the full programme on our website.