Polar Moment’s Payments Perspective: January 2026

January 28, 2026

Welcome to Polar Moment’s Payments Perspective, January 2026. Here’s what’s shaping the payments landscape this month:

Ingenico and Toshiba Partner to Modernise Retail Checkouts

The partnership focuses on mobile payment technology that lets staff take payments anywhere on the shop floor, helping retailers reduce queues, support assisted selling, and offer more flexible in-store experiences.

Find out more here: Ingenico partners with Toshiba.

Mastercard, Visa, and Revolut Lose Challenge Against UK Fee Cap

Mastercard, Visa, and Revolut have failed to overturn the UK regulator’s proposed cap on cross-border card fees. This marks a significant development in the ongoing scrutiny of card scheme pricing.

While the payments firms argued the cap could limit investment and innovation, the ruling supports the regulator’s view that fee increases following Brexit risk harming UK merchants.

Find out more here: Mastercard, Visa, Revolut fail to win proposed fee cap UK case.

The Payments Association Publishes Policy Recommendations for the UK

The Payments Association has released its ‘Payments Manifesto’, outlining policy recommendations aimed at strengthening the UK payments ecosystem.

Key proposals include calls for greater responsibility from social media platforms in tackling fraud, clearer regulatory coordination, and sustained investment in payments infrastructure to support growth and innovation.

Find out more here: The Payments Association makes policy recommendations for the UK.

FCA to Introduce Greater Flexibility on Contactless Limits

The Financial Conduct Authority has confirmed plans to allow banks and payment providers more flexibility in setting contactless payment limits from March 2026.

Rather than enforcing a single, universal cap, firms will be able to tailor limits based on customer preferences, risk controls, and fraud prevention capabilities. The FCA believes advances in payment technology and real-time monitoring now allow for a more nuanced approach than before.

Find out more here: FCA to scale flexibility for contactless limits as of March 2026.

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