The Payments Association has released the Payments Manifesto 2026, advocating for policy measures that include urging social media platforms to increase their responsibility in combating fraud.

This document, titled “Making Britain a Payments Powerhouse,” outlines 77 policies proposed by 150 payments experts from various sectors including regulation, financial crime, digital currencies, financial inclusion, ESG, Open Banking, merchant payments, and cross-border payments. The report highlights the significance of stablecoins and digital currencies, supporting the government’s initiative to establish a secure framework for digital assets.

Addressing Regulatory Challenges

The Payments Association also calls for changes in current regulatory frameworks that they believe impede progress. Specifically, it urges the Bank of England to lift holding limits on systemic stablecoins and enhance the backing asset ratio while removing the wholesale ban. These actions are expected to promote growth within the digital economy and maintain competitiveness on a global scale.

Supporting Financial Inclusion

The association supports financial inclusion by working with the government to develop policies that foster development and product promotion, alongside efforts to combat financial crime. This initiative aims to boost innovation, enhance inclusivity, and provide customers with higher-quality payment solutions.

In addition, the manifesto focuses on supporting UK merchants, particularly SMEs facing regulatory challenges. The aim is to ensure these businesses have a voice in decision-making processes that enable them to embrace modern payment methods, mitigate risks effectively, and scale their operations more efficiently.

Fostering Growth and Resilience

The Payments Association’s manifesto underscores the need for clarity, collaboration, and trust. The document is centered on driving growth and resilience in the UK through a robust payments infrastructure and regulations that promote fair access and keep pace with international standards.

Government representatives highlighted two major priorities: unlocking digital payment potential to enhance inclusion and encouraging big techs and telecom companies to aid in the fight against fraud. There is also a commitment to ongoing dialogue on how these entities can collaborate more effectively.

The UK’s approach involves leveraging digital currency regimes, especially for stablecoins, to reinforce its standing in the global payments sector at the intersection of technical innovation.