Contents - Merchant regulation roadmap H2

Nineteen developments across four themes. Each identifies whether the principal obligation applies directly to merchants, sits with a provider or remains under development, before explaining what is changing and when.

Timeline

An interactive timeline, detailing key policy deadlines and engagement opportunities. Dates are indicative where specific deadlines have not been provided by the regulator

Payments regulation and infrastructure

Acceptance costs, payment services reform, VRP and changes affecting providers.

Cryptoassets and stablecoins

UK crypto regulation, stablecoins, MiCA and CBDCs.

AI, data and digital innovation

AI regulation, agentic commerce, automated decisions and open finance.

Consumer protection, conduct and governance

Pricing, APP fraud, mobile payments, subscriptions and Consumer Duty.

TPA Policy and advocacy

Renuka Rawlins, Director of Policy and Government Relations, The Payments Association gives her impact assessment for H2 of 2026.