The UK statutory instrument (The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities etc.) (Amendment) Order 2025) implementing the necessary legislative changes for progressing buy-now, pay-later (BNPL) regulation was made, accompanied by an explanatory memorandum. The draft secondary legislation was originally laid in May alongside HM Treasury's (HMT) response to its 2024 consultation. The instrument brings interest-free BNPL agreements within the regulatory perimeter by amending the scope of agreements which are capable of being "exempt agreements" under article 60F of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) Order 2001. In addition, it provides a carve-out from the regulated activity of credit broking for merchants offering BNPL agreements except in the case of domestic premises suppliers.
The instrument came into force on 15 July for certain limited purposes, including to enable the UK Financial Conduct Authority and the UK Financial Ombudsman to make rules and give guidance in relation to the changes. For other purposes, the instrument comes into force on 15 July 2026 which is in line with the expected timetable for BNPL regulation. You may also like to read our client bulletin, Buy-Now, Pay Later – The Journey Continues (and the end is nearly in sight) for further detail on HMT's response to the 2024 consultation on BNPL products.
[View source.]
