Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans he has to enforce cross border payments price transparency in line with the Cross Border Payments Regulation 2; and if he will make a statement.

The Government recognises the importance of transparency of fees and charges in ensuring effective competition between payment service providers.

The Payment Services Regulations 2017 make several requirements on UK payment service providers regarding disclosure of fees and charges to the payer, for example, the exchange rate used for a currency conversion transaction. Provisions under the Cross Border Payments Regulation, which continue to apply in the UK as part of retained EU law, also contribute to price transparency, with further requirements regarding how foreign exchange costs are communicated before a payment is made.

These regulations, amongst other things, are intended to enable consumers to make informed decisions when making use of payment services including where currency conversion is offered. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is the relevant regulatory authority with responsibility for monitoring and enforcing these requirements. Should the FCA have concerns regarding firms’ compliance with the requirements, it will take appropriate action as necessary.