FIN.

FSM Bill progresses through Parliament

The Financial Services and Markets Bill had its second reading in Parliament on 7 September.  There appears to be broad support for the Bill, and many MPs focussed on the importance of access to cash.  On 8 September, the Public Bill Committee opened for comments on the Bill, asking for comments as soon as possible as it is possible that the first sitting of the Committee (the next stage of the Bill) will be on 20 September. It is scheduled to report by 25 October. On 9 September, an amendment was scheduled for debate by Stella Creasy MP.  The amendment would require that regulations be made within 28 days of the Act being passed to make provision for “buy-now-pay-later credit services; and other lending services that have non-interest-bearing elements to be regulated by the FCA” – the idea being to bring non-interest bearing elements of BNPL and similar services within FCA’s regulatory remit.  The amendment also proposes that the regulations should specifically include measures to ensure all individuals using the services would have access to FOS, would be subject to credit checks and would be protected by s75 CCA.

Emma Radmore