FCA findings on international payment pricing transparency

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published examples of good and poor practices following its review into international payment pricing transparency. Under the consumer duty, in line with the FCA's Handbook (PRIN 2A.5.3R), firms are required to communicate information to retail customers in a way which is clear, fair and not misleading. The FCA reviewed the websites of a sample of firms offering UK customers international money remittance and cross-border payments and found that only some firms clearly displayed the amount recipients would receive, along with detailed fees and charges. Many firms did not, making it difficult for customers to compare prices and make informed decisions. Transaction fees, additional intermediary bank fees and variable fees were also not usually clearly displayed. As a result of these findings, the FCA sets out examples of good and bad practices to help firms improve their communication practices with consumers and deliver better outcomes for retail customers. The FCA expects firms to comply with their obligations under the consumer duty by regularly monitoring the effectiveness of their communications, to assist consumers in understanding costs and making informed decisions. The FCA is likely to undertake future work in the area to understand what improvements have been made.

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