MAS Issues Environmental Risk Transition Planning Guidelines

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has issued new Guidelines on Environmental Risk Management - Transition Planning for banks, insurers, and asset managers. These guidelines set supervisory expectations for managing climate-related transition and physical risks, taking effect from September 2027.

Payments Forward Plan Published

The Payments Vision Delivery Committee, comprising HM Treasury, the Bank of England, the FCA, and the PSR, has published the Payments Forward Plan. This plan outlines upcoming initiatives in retail and wholesale payments, including digital assets, to foster a trusted, world-leading payments ecosystem.

Ashley Alder Appointed New PSR Board Chair

Ashley Alder has been appointed as the new Chair of the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) Board, effective January 26, 2026. This appointment coincides with the planned consolidation of the PSR into the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), where Alder also serves as Chair.

PSR Fines Bank of Ireland UK £3.7m for Confirmation of Payee Failure

The Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) has fined Bank of Ireland UK £3.7m for failing to implement the Confirmation of Payee system by the required deadline. This failure left over 1.14 million new payees and approximately £6.9 billion in payments unprotected against fraud.

PSR Consults on Card Fee Transparency and Governance Standards

The UK Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) is consulting on new standards to increase transparency and governance in card scheme and processing fees. These measures aim to provide businesses with clearer pricing information and ensure fee-setting is evidence-based, following a market review that found a lack of competition and clarity.

High Court Upholds PSR Powers to Cap Card Fees

The UK High Court has upheld the Payment Systems Regulator's (PSR) powers to cap cross-border interchange fees, following a legal challenge. This decision allows the PSR to proceed with its analysis and potential implementation of fee caps, aiming to reduce costs for UK businesses.

Public Responses to Insurer Recovery and Resolution Planning Consultation

The Financial Stability Board (FSB) has published public responses to its consultation on the scope of insurers subject to recovery and resolution planning requirements. The consultation period closed on February 6, 2026, and the FSB expects to publish final guidance in Q2-Q3 of 2026.

FSB Report on Repo Market Vulnerabilities

The Financial Stability Board (FSB) has released a report warning of vulnerabilities in government bond-backed repo markets. The report highlights potential contagion channels and emphasizes the need to preserve market functionality during stress periods, offering policy implications for regulators.

FSB 2026 Work Programme: Financial Stability and Systemic Risks

The Financial Stability Board (FSB) has published its work programme for 2026, outlining key priorities to promote global financial stability. The programme focuses on addressing systemic risks through vulnerability assessments, nonbank financial intermediation, cross-border payments, digital innovation, and operational resilience.

FSB Report on Strengthening Global Bank Resolution Frameworks

The Financial Stability Board (FSB) released its 2025 Resolution Report, detailing progress in strengthening global resolution frameworks for banks, insurers, and financial market infrastructures. The report highlights achievements in 2025 and outlines future work to enhance crisis preparedness and operationalize resolution tools.