Electronic money and payment services

Read the key publications relating to the Payment Services Directive, Electronic Money Regulations and Payment Services Regulations.

Payment Services and Electronic money – Our Approach Document

The Payment Services and Electronic Money Approach Document[1] contains our guidance on payment services and electronic money. It is designed to help businesses navigate the Payment Services Regulations 2017 and the Electronic Money Regulations 2011, and understand our approach in this area.

The May 2026 version of the Approach Document reflects rules and guidance on safeguarding and resolution packs in CASS 10A and 15, safeguarding audits and monthly returns in SUP, and account termination updates.

Type

Publication

FCA documents

Payment Services and Electronic Money – Our Approach – May 2026[1]

Payment Services and Electronic Money – Our Approach – May 2026 – draft[2]

Payment Services and Electronic Money – Our Approach – March 2026[3]

Handbook Notice 136 – Contactless payments guidance (tracked changes on pages 31-34) – December 2025[4]

Contactless Payment Limits – Engagement Paper – March 2025[5]

Payment Services and Electronic Money – Our Approach – November 2024[6]

Payment Services and Electronic Money – Our Approach – November 2024 (tracked changes[7])

Payment Services and Electronic Money – Our Approach – November 2021[8]

Payment Services and Electronic Money – Our Approach – June 2019 (tracked changes)[9]

Payment Services and Electronic Money – Our Approach – December 2018[10]

Payment Services and Electronic Money – Our Approach – December 2018 (tracked changes)[11]

Payment Services and Electronic Money – Our Approach – July 2018[12]

Payment Services and Electronic Money – Our Approach – July 2018 (tracked changes)[13]

Payment Services and Electronic Money – Our Approach – September 2017[14]

PS 17/19 Implementation of the revised Payment Services Directive (PSD2): Approach Document and final Handbook changes – September 2017[15]

CP 17/22 Revised Payment Services Directive (PSD2) implementation: draft authorisation and reporting forms – July 2017[16]

CP17/11 Implementation of the revised Payment Services Directive (PSD2): draft Approach Document and draft Handbook changes – April 2017[17]

Feedback Statement Call for Input: the FCA’s approach to the current payment services regime – November 2016[18]

Call for Input: the FCA’s approach to the current payment services regime – February 2016[19]

Type	Payment Services	Electronic Money
FCA documents	The FCA's role under the Payment Services Regulations 2009 Our approach[20] [PDF] – June 2013 Tracked changes version of the June 2013 version of the Approach Document[21] [PDF]	The FCA’s role under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011: Our approach[22] [PDF] – June 2013 Tracked changes version of ‘The FCA’s role under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011: Our approach[23]' [PDF] – June 2013
FSA documents	The FSA's role under the Payment Services Regulations 2009 Our approach [PDF] – October 2012[24] CP12/3 Regulated fees and levies: Rates proposals 2012/2013 – February 2012[25] Perimeter Guidance (Payment Services Scope) Instrument 2009 (PERG 15) - March 2009[25] PS09/4 – March 2009[26] Implementation of the Payment Services Directive – changes to the FSA Handbook Feedback on CP08/14 and final rules[28] Industry briefing slides [PDF] – March/April 2009[29]	The FSA’s role under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011: Our approach[20] [PDF] – March 2011 Consultation Paper 12/3 - February 2012 ‘Regulated fees and levies: Rates proposals 2012/2013[21] Guidance on the scope of the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (PERG 3A)[22] Policy Statement 11/02 - February 2011[23] Implementation of the second Electronic Money Directive – supplement to HM Treasury’s consultation – feedback on CP10/25 and part of CP10/24, and final rules[34] Consultation Paper 10/25 – October 2010 Implementation of the second Electronic Money Directive – supplement to HM Treasury’s consultation[24]
External documents	The Payment Systems and Services and Electronic Money (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2017[25] Payment Services Regulations 2017[26] Payment Services Regulations 2009[27] Payment Services (Amendment) Regulations 2009[28] Payment Services Regulations 2012[29] Payment Services Directive[30] Revised Payment Services Directive[31] European Banking Authority Publications[32] European Commission page on payment services[33]	Electronic Money Regulations 2011[34] The second Electronic Money Directive[35] HM Treasury’s consultation on implementing the second Electronic Money Directive and the summary of responses[36] HM Treasury’s summary of responses to the Electronic Money Directive Consultation[37]

10/02/2023 : Editorial amendment page update as part of the website refresh

15/11/2021 : Link changed FSA urls linking to National Archives

First published: 05/08/2015 Last updated: 16/07/2026 See all updates

Electronic money and payment services – key publications

Payment Services and Electronic money – Our Approach Document

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