The PRA has welcomed the European Commission’s intention to cap ’interchange’ fees for credit and debit card transactions.

PRA chairman Brian Madderson commented: "The PRA has lobbied the European Commission, Office of Fair Trading and most recently HM Treasury for a reduction in the punitive Merchant Service Charges and for greater transparency of the costs associated with cards, therefore today’s announcement is extremely positive for our members.

However, he said the PRA was disappointed about the length of time before the changes would take effect, adding: "As a result, the PRA will continue to press for the creation of a specific regulator for the payment services industry in the UK, one that could take quicker action to identify anti-competitive practices."

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