HM Treasury publishes ‘Phase 1’ consultation on consumer credit reform, and response to feedback on plans to regulate BNPL

Earlier today, on 19 May 2025, HM Treasury published:

– a press release and a ‘Phase 1’ consultation paper on reform to the Consumer Credit Act 1974;

– an update to its consultation and its response to the feedback to its consultation on regulating buy-now, pay-later products (BNPL); and

– a news story on its proposals to regulate buy-now, pay-later.

The ‘Phase 1’ consultation on reform seeks views on information requirements, sanctions and criminal offences. The deadline for responding is 21 July 2025.

On BNPL, HM Treasury “intends to lay the [statutory instrument] before Parliament shortly after this responsible is published”. Once the SI is made, the FCA will then have 12 months to draft, consult on, and finalise its rules for BNPL Lending. BNPL products will then be regulated from mid-2026. The FCA will shortly publish a consultation on its rules.

HM Treasury publishes policy statement on changes the Government proposes to make to the process of cancelling an authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority

Earlier this week, on 20 July 2020, HM Treasury published a policy statement setting out the changes the Government proposes to make on the process for cancelling an authorisation from the UK Financial Conduct Authority.

The Government plans to take forward these measures when Parliamentary time allows.

These changes will only impact firms regulated by the FCA (and not dual regulated firms).