Regulatory Developments in the UK Payment Card Market

STANDARD DESCRIPTION:

Introduction

This brief provides in depth coverage of both national and international regulatory activity that has impacted on the UK card market. This briefing also forms part of the UK Plastic Cards 2008 report

Scope

• The report covers all regulation in 2007 and the first half of 2008 that has affected the card market in the UK.
• Both national and international regulatory issues are considered.
• In the UK, issues such as default fees on payment cards, payment protection insurance and domestic interchange are discussed.

Highlights

The UK Office of Fair Trading concluded its investigation into default fees in 2006 but the investigation into overdraft fees applicable to current accounts may still have an impact on the outcome of its ruling regarding credit and store card default fees.

In December 2007, the EC ruled that MasterCard's MIFs for cross-border payment card transactions with MasterCard and Maestro consumer debit and credit cards in the European Economic Area violate the EC Treaty rules on restrictive business practices. MasterCard has since filed an appeal with the European Court of First Instance to annul the ruling.

The investigations into payment protection insurance (PPI) and domestic interchange are continuing into 2008. However, the final report of the findings by the Competition Commission into the sale of PPI is expected to be published in December 2008.

Reasons to Purchase

• Gain a clear understanding of the regulatory developments in the UK market.
• Understand the impact of changes in regulation in the rest of Europe on UK issuers.
• Find out how issuers are adapting to changing market conditions.

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