Unravelling SD20 : Insights for Faster Payments

Specific Direction 20 (SD20), introduced by the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) in December 2023, outlines a reimbursement mandate for victims of Authorised Push Payment (APP) scams in the Faster Payments Scheme. This directive, effective from October 7, 2024, necessitates full reimbursement from all Payment Service Providers (PSPs). While SD20 aligns with the broader goal of combating financial fraud, challenges arise, particularly for Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs) and smaller PSPs. Proactive risk mitigation, robust fraud prevention measures, and strategic planning are imperative for industry players to navigate the regulatory landscape, fortify resilience, and ensure compliance with SD20.