If you're an appointed representative (AR) or a principal firm hosting ARs, you'll want to pay attention to HM Treasury's consultation published on 12 February 2026. The proposals set out targeted reforms to strengthen consumer protection while preserving the AR model's flexibility — but they'll change how the regime operates for everyone involved.

Securing the right regulatory permissions is crucial for your business's credibility and future growth. Applying for permissions you don't need or failing to explain how the permissions align with your business model, will immediately raise red flags. It's one of the most common stumbling blocks in the authorisation process, and one of the most avoidable.

The FCA recently consulted on proposals to reset how firms distinguish between retail and professional clients: the process for opting up clients to elective professional status. While we're supportive of the direction of travel, we have a few concerns about how the detail of these proposals will work in practice.

Payments and fintech are entering 2026 with a different mood. After years of rapid growth, regulatory shake-ups, and market correction, the focus has shifted from novelty to integration, maturity, and trust. 

Adempi is delighted to announce that Lorraine Mouat has joined Adempi as Partner, leading our payment services and e-money practice. This isn't just a new hire announcement. It's a response to what we're seeing in the market, and a signal of our commitment to supporting payment firms through an increasingly demanding regulatory landscape.

The consumer credit market is evolving rapidly. From digital-first lenders and AI-driven underwriting to buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) products and open banking-enabled affordability checks, innovation is reshaping how consumers access credit—and how firms assess, manage, and recover lending. 

8 December 2025, the FCA published Consultation Paper CP25/36, setting out one of the biggest shake ups to client categorisation we have seen in years. The regulator wants to strengthen consumer protection and give wholesale firms a clearer and more practical way to decide when a client can be treated as an elective professional.

Consumer credit firms operate in one of the most heavily regulated corners of financial services—and for good reason. The products you offer can have a profound impact on customers' financial wellbeing, and the FCA's supervisory approach reflects that reality. 

The payment services sector continues to grow, supported by the government’s broader economic growth and innovation strategy. Ministers have been clear: payments, fintech and digital finance are central to the UK’s competitiveness — and reducing unnecessary regulatory burden is a strategic priority. 

Rising living costs are placing unprecedented pressure on UK households. From soaring grocery bills to climbing energy prices, consumers are feeling the squeeze—and for many, this means struggling to keep up with existing credit commitments. 

Think Operational Resilience is just for Banks? If you are a Payments Service Provider, think again! The FCA is turning its focus to PSPs, and they’re ready to test how well your resilience framework really works.

Stablecoins: From Speculation to Payment Instrument? What the FCA’s New Regime Means for PSPs & EMoney Firms