In a significant move to enhance the UK’s financial infrastructure, the Bank of England has released its response to a February 2024 discussion paper on reviewing access to Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) accounts for settlement.
The response outlines the Bank’s commitment to expanding RTGS access, a decision poised to deliver far-reaching benefits for financial stability, competition, and innovation in the payments sector.
RTGS is the backbone of the UK’s high-value payment system, enabling instantaneous, secure, and final settlement of transactions in central bank money—the safest and most trusted form of money.
By settling transactions individually in real time, RTGS eliminates settlement and counterparty risks, fostering trust among market participants.
Historically, access to RTGS accounts has been restricted primarily to banks and a limited number of financial institutions.
However, the Bank’s recent response signals a shift toward broader access, including to non-bank payment service providers (NBPSPs), to reflect the evolving financial landscape.
The decision to expand access stems from the recognition that wider participation in RTGS can strengthen financial stability.
Central bank money, unlike commercial bank money, carries no default risk, making it a critical anchor for secure transactions.
By allowing more firms to settle directly in RTGS, the Bank aims to reduce reliance on intermediaries, minimize systemic risks, and enhance trust in payment systems.
This is particularly important as digital payments grow and new players, such as fintechs and NBPSPs, reshape the market.
Beyond stability, expanding RTGS access is expected to drive competition and innovation in the payments sector.
The discussion paper highlighted how restricted access can create barriers for new entrants, limiting diversity in payment services.
By opening RTGS to a broader range of firms, including NBPSPs, the Bank seeks to level the playing field.
This move will enable smaller or newer firms to offer innovative payment solutions without needing to partner with incumbent banks for settlement, reducing costs and operational complexity.
Increased competition is likely to result in better services, lower costs for consumers, and more resilient payment ecosystems.
The Bank’s response also emphasizes the importance of fostering diverse payment arrangements.
NBPSPs, for example, often cater to niche markets or offer specialized services that traditional banks may not prioritize.
Allowing these providers to access RTGS directly supports their growth and encourages the development of tailored, efficient payment solutions.
This aligns with the Bank’s broader goal of ensuring the UK’s payment infrastructure remains adaptable to technological advancements and consumer needs.
To implement these changes, the Bank is exploring practical steps to ensure expanded access is safe and efficient.
This includes assessing the eligibility criteria for RTGS accounts, enhancing operational frameworks, and ensuring robust risk management.
While the response does not provide a definitive timeline, it underscores the Bank’s commitment to a phased, consultative approach, balancing innovation with the need to maintain system integrity.
The decision to expand RTGS access marks a pivotal moment for the UK’s financial system.
By promoting stability, competition, and innovation, the Bank of England is laying the groundwork for a more inclusive payments landscape, ensuring it remains fit for the future.