The Payment Systems Regulator (PSR), the economic regulator for the £75 trillion UK payment systems industry, announced the start of a concerted and coordinated industry-wide effort to tackle payment scams back in December 2016.
Following its consultation into the potential role of payment system operators (PSOs) in minimising the consumer harm caused by authorised push payment (APP) scams, the regulator has now published the final Terms of Reference.
The objectives of this project will be:
- To consider whether it would be effective and proportionate for operators of push payment systems to play a greater role in preventing and responding to APP scams
- If PSR concludes that new measures are appropriate, the regulator will consider whether how to best introduce them, either through regulatory action or through other approaches (for example, industry-led).
The complete announcement reads as follows:
These final Terms of Reference confirm how will consider the role payment system operators (PSOs) could play in minimising consumer harm caused by authorised push payment (APP) scams in the UK.
APP scams occur when someone is tricked into instructing their bank to transfer money to a fraudster.
Why are we publishing this?
In December 2016 we committed to a package of measures aimed at reducing this type of fraud and making it harder to commit.
These final Terms of Reference outline one part of this work, specifically the work that the PSR will be doing.
In February 2017 we published draft Terms of Reference and asked stakeholders to provide us with feedback.
We received a total of 15 responses to the consultation. The majority of respondents either supported or broadly supported our proposed work.
These final Terms of Reference reflect our consideration of, and response to, the feedback we received and set out our confirmed approach.
What are PSOs?
Payment system operators (PSOs) manage the systems, such as Faster Payments Service (FPS) or CHAPS, which allow us to make payments – either by moving money from our own account to another, or by using debit and credit cards to complete a transaction.
What are the objectives of this project?
We are going to explore whether operators of push payment systems should play a greater role in preventing and responding to APP scams.
If we conclude that new measures are appropriate, we will consider whether it would be best to introduce them through regulatory action or through other approaches (for example, industry-led).
If we decide on a regulatory approach, we will develop proposals for consultation.
Which payments will the project focus on?
The two payment systems that consumers may use when making push payments are CHAPS and FPS, so our work will centre around these systems.
Who should read this document?
This document is relevant to participants in regulated payment systems under the Financial Services (Banking Reform) Act 2013 (FSBRA), (including any payment service providers which operate in the UK), consumers and consumer groups and anyone interested in our work following the Which? super-complaint.
Next steps?
Following this publication we will begin gathering information to inform our work. As well as examining existing research and analysing information that we already hold, we plan to collect additional information from market participants.
We will engage with operators, PSPs, service-users and other interested parties over the coming months. We will use a variety of methods for this engagement, which may include interviews, roundtables and site visits. We may also gather evidence through the use of specific surveys and requests for detailed information from some participants.
Indicative timetable
| Date | Action |
| Q2 2017 | Information collection, including bilateral meetings with key stakeholders and issuance of any information requests |
| Q3 2017 | Analysis of information and identification and development of any initial proposals. |
| Q3/Q4 2017 | Publication of our report setting out our findings on the role of PSOs in APP scams. This report may include proposals for consultation |
In the event that we need to alter these timings, we will provide a revised timetable on the PSR website.
We welcome stakeholders’ views and evidence that will help us inform our assessment of the key questions outlined in the Terms of Reference.
Please send any comments to [email protected].
Or in writing to:
APP scams project team
Payment Systems Regulator
25 The North Colonnade
Canary Wharf
London
E14 5HS