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Changing of the (safe)guard: the FCA’s proposals for payments and e-money firms

2 March 2025 / Author(s): Simon Lafferty , John Budd
Issue: March 2025 / Categories: Feature

Payments and e-money firms are subject to a safeguarding regime designed to protect client funds. However, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) does not believe the regime is working. The proposals in CP24/20 are intended to address this problem. Interim-state rules will reinforce existing requirements, including by monthly regulatory returns and annual audits. End-state rules will move to a trust arrangement modelled on the regime for investment business, among other changes. As consulted on, the FCA’s proposals will place a greater compliance burden on payments and e-money firms. This may lead to increased enforcement action and consolidation within the sector.

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