The UK’s Payments Vision Delivery Committee has introduced a new model for the design and delivery of the next generation of retail payments infrastructure. It assigns strategic leadership to the committee, design to the Bank of England-chaired Retail Payments Infrastructure board, and delivery to a new industry-led company. Pay.UK will continue operating current systems, with efforts also underway to enhance the Faster Payments system. The committee will publish its full strategy this autumn, along with a Payments Forward plan by year-end.

In a joint effort to support the UK charity sector, allpay and PAYA Group have launched a suite of cash-handling solutions to simplify donations and improve operational efficiency. The collaboration will help charities access convenient, secure, and auditable ways to manage cash donations, ensuring funds are processed and settled with minimal overhead. This move is particularly important as charities balance increasing demand with limited resources.

The UK Government is fast-tracking new regulations aimed at reining in the rapidly expanding Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) market. Following years of debate, ministers have pledged to introduce rules that will bring BNPL under formal regulatory oversight, requiring credit checks and clearer disclosures for consumers.

thankyü, a UK startup, has introduced an app that lets customers tip hospitality workers by tapping their phones against wearable tipping bands. Tips can be left via Apple Pay, Google Pay, or direct from a bank account using open banking. The startup says the service is designed to be low-cost for venues, with funds reaching workers directly and immediately. Early adopters include small hospitality businesses and food trucks. The model has proved particularly attractive where traditional tipping is awkward or impractical.

In response to evolving consumer behaviour and inflationary pressures, the Financial Conduct Authority is contemplating adjustments to the current contactless payment limits. Possible changes include raising the cap or eliminating limits altogether to boost transaction efficiency and user convenience.

Earlier this month, Polar Moment published an article on cashless payment systems. Here, we explore how cashless payment systems work, their benefits, and regulatory considerations. We then discuss how gaming machine operators can successfully implement a cashless system with Game Payment Technology (GPT).

Game Payment Technology (GPT) has developed a cashless solution for coin-operated multi-hopper capsule vending machines. This solution was showcased earlier this month on the All Things Nice Vending stand at the EAG exhibition in partnership with Miura and Shift4. The Polar Moment-developed payment controller works alongside a Miura payment terminal, coordinating transactions across all connected vending hoppers.

Polar Moment has recently partnered with All Things Nice Vending, a leading vending machine operator in the UK. Together, we’re developing a state-of-the-art payment solution for their machines, which will be placed in retailers and other outlets throughout the UK.