Finance

UK to establish independent firm to boost open banking payments

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on January 23, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 27, 2026

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(Reuters) - British regulators are setting out the next steps towards using open banking payments for e-commerce by establishing a new independent company to drive forward variable recurring payments.

UK Launches Independent Firm to Enhance Open Banking Payments

(Reuters) -British regulators are setting up an independent company that will advance variable recurring payments, allowing third-party financial service providers to access banking information and initiate payments on behalf of consumers or businesses.

This move is part of a broader plan for 2025, which includes the launch of live services for consumers to make recurring payments to utility companies, government entities and financial services firms.

The new company, Open Banking Limited, will play a key role in establishing an independent central operator to coordinate how variable recurring payments are made, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Payment Systems Regulator said.

Variable recurring payments will allow consumers to minimize unexpected expenses and potentially lower processing fees for businesses, the FCA added.

(Reporting by DhanushVignesh Babu in Bengaluru; Editing by Shreya Biswas)

Key Takeaways

  • UK regulators establish Open Banking Limited for payment advancements.
  • Focus on variable recurring payments for financial services.
  • New company to coordinate payment processes by 2025.
  • Aims to reduce unexpected expenses and processing fees.
  • Involves FCA and Payment Systems Regulator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the new independent company?
The new company, Open Banking Limited, will establish an independent central operator to coordinate variable recurring payments.
What are variable recurring payments?
Variable recurring payments allow consumers to minimize unexpected expenses and potentially lower processing fees for businesses.
When are live services for recurring payments expected to launch?
The live services for consumers to make recurring payments are part of a broader plan set for launch in 2025.

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