Navigating the transformation with shifting consumer behaviour, rising payment costs, and new payment types, which heighten competition and regulatory complexities.
Our industry is in transformation; consumer behaviour is shifting towards a digital economy, and the cost of handling payments and providing credit is escalating, meaning profits are under increasing threat. New payment types are being developed, increasing competition in the market and potential benefits for retailers, but also bringing new regulations and complexities.
Through the Finance Community, BRC members can understand these dynamics and maintain pressure on Government to reduce the cost of doing business.
For examples of recent policy wins on behalf of members from this and other communities, check out our Member Value Statement 2026.
Objectives
Securing increased competition and lower fees for merchants in the payments market.
Developing a minimal-risk model for merchants when processing offline payments.
Developing initiatives to tackle the rising prevalence of first-party fraud and erroneous chargebacks.
Working Groups
Within the Finance Community are the following Working Groups:
Payments Group
We look at payments issues and concerns, with a focus on card fees, access to cash, and open banking.
Consumer Credit Group
We look at any issues arising within the consumer credit world, including buy-now pay-later.
Members
The following key roles and the teams that report into them:
Finance Directors
Payment Architects
Treasury/Payments/Compliance Managers
Senior Commercial Finance Managers
Insights/CX/UX specialists
Associate Members
Latest Content
- Member Access
BriefingCommercial Payments Bill - Retail Issues
04 Jun 2026 - Member Access
ArticleBRC Energy Costs Working Group – June Meeting Summary
03 Jun 2026 - Member Access
ArticleMay Finance Community Meeting summary
28 May 2026
ArticlePSR launches consultation on draft direction for regulatory reporting remedy on card scheme and processing fees
22 May 2026
ArticleFCA launches competition investigation into PayPal, Visa and Mastercard
22 May 2026
ArticleGovernment announces details of Phase 2 of reform to the Consumer Credit Act
22 May 2026
ArticleBRC attends the Home Office Fraud Against Business Summit
20 May 2026- Member Access
BriefingLate Payments Bill out - quick update
20 May 2026
Associate InsightPSD3, agentic commerce, and the new frontier of payment risk
19 May 2026
ArticleBRC response to the consultation on the delivery of the BICS scheme for eligible energy intensive industries
14 May 2026
Upcoming Events
EventLeadership ProgrammeBRC Leaders Summer School 2026
Mon 1 Jun - Fri 31 JulThe Form Rooms, London
EventConferenceCommunity MeetingIn PersonBRC Finance Community Horizon Scan
Wed 10 June12:00 - 17:00The Form Rooms, Covent Garden
EventRoundtableBRC - Bank of England Directors' Round Table
Wed 30 September12:30 - 14:00Bank of England, Threadneedle Street, London EC2R 8AH
What our members say


The BRC is invaluable in bringing retailers together to discuss crucial topics and then lobby the retailer message to government on our behalf. The BRC’s media presence and focus on promoting the interests of retailers allows us to align on issues impacting the sector.


A very effective business network that provides insight and coordinates industry opinion.


The BRC continues to do an excellent job of supporting the retail sector and its individual members on a wide variety of issues.


Adds a lot to our business, great sounding board, very well connected and able to influence.


A positive and considered voice for our industry, useful learning/ business-focused communities that help our team in their roles, and data insights that help us benchmark our performance.
Community Manager

Chris Owen
Policy Adviser - Finance
Chris manages the BRC’s Finance Community and has recently joined the organisation after working in public policy roles for a range of companies and organisations, including TikTok, Which? and Ofcom. He has extensive knowledge of current digital policy matters and online advertising regulations and has extensive experience in engaging with government and regulators, advocating for better consumer outcomes in markets and in shaping legislation.
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