2026 is already being called a landmark year for open banking and after speaking with leaders across the ecosystem, we can see why. From CVRP scaling, to the foundations of open finance taking shape, to the UK’s smart data economy finally coming into view, the momentum is undeniable. We’ve brought those perspectives together in one short compilation, giving a clear, joined‑up view of what the industry expects to see next. 🎥 Watch the video to hear every insight in one place 👉lnkd.in/e78W9tWn 💡Which shift do you think will have the biggest impact this year - smarter payments, smarter data, or the arrival of open finance? #OpenBanking #CVRP #Payments #SmartData #FintechInnovation #OpenFinance

📢 Designing the future of Open Banking Today, the FCA published KPMG’s assessment of approaches to the Future Entity (FE) design - an important milestone in the next chapter of Open Banking. The report comes to a clear conclusion: OBL is the most suitable organisation to facilitate an industry-led design process for the FE, scoring highest in every category. This recognises the strength of OBL's expertise and proposed approach to delivering transparent, independent governance of the design process, in partnership with the ecosystem. We want to thank the many industry representatives who contributed to the assessment, and to the wide range of organisations who have already shared their support for OBL. Your insights, challenge and collaboration continue to shape the future of open banking. We're ready to move forward, together with industry, on this important work. More information on next steps, and how to get involved, will follow soon. Read the report here 👉 fca.org.uk/publications/exte…

💡Every payment is a choice. It is a moment where someone decides how they want to move their money in a way that feels simple, secure and right for them. Behind each decision there is a real person or a business taking care of something that matters, including the tasks that demand attention in January. The latest open banking monthly data shows how many people and businesses are choosing open banking to make those moments easier. ✅In January, there were 36.04 million open banking payments, up 4.3% month on month. Single Domestic Payments grew 6.1%, showing strong momentum in everyday use cases. ✅User connections reached 17.51 million, an increase of 6.2%. This reflects growing confidence in giving secure, consent-driven access when it helps deliver a better experience. ✅PIS connections rose 11.0%, supported by the annual tax-season peak when people look for financial tasks that work quickly and reliably. ✅AIS connections grew 1.9%, showing steady demand for data-enabled services that help people understand and manage their finances. ✅Availability remained high at 99.99%, with an average response time of 325 milliseconds, providing a solid foundation that supports these choices. These numbers represent more than just activity. They show people seeking clarity and control. They show businesses adopting technology that removes friction. And they show thousands of teams across the ecosystem building experiences that quietly help someone get something important done. Progress is made through everyday decisions. January showed just how many of those decisions are now leaning towards open banking. 👉 See all this month’s data here 👉 openbanking.org.uk/api-perfo… #OpenBanking #MiData #UserConnections #Innovation #Fintech #OpenFinance #Data #Payments #API

🌟Thank you for helping shape the next phase of UK open banking🌟 A huge thank you to everyone across the ecosystem who took the time to review our proposal, engage with the detail, and signal support. Your input continues to play a critical role in ensuring open banking remains a UK success story built on strong standards, trust and collaboration. As we move into the next stage, OBL will continue to work closely with industry, the FCA and KPMG to support the process set out in the FCA’s letter to trade associations. Together, we will help ensure the Future Entity is designed with - and for - the ecosystem it serves. We look forward to keeping you updated as the work progresses. Henk Van Hulle commented “Over the past eight years, working in conjunction with industry and regulators, Open Banking Limited (OBL) have helped create a thriving ecosystem of over 16.5 million user connections, while setting and maintaining the UK’s Open Banking Standard. Open banking is one of the UK’s most important achievements within financial services and we’ve seen first-hand the benefit it can bring.” Read more 👉 openbanking.org.uk/news/supp… #OpenBanking #Innovation #Fintech #OpenFinance #Data #FutureEntity #FinancialInnovation #EcosystemCollaboration

We’re delighted to welcome The Rt Hon @JohnGlenUK MP as an Independent Non-Executive Director to the OBL Board. John brings deep experience in shaping UK financial services policy, including his time as Economic Secretary to the Treasury, and joins at a pivotal moment as open banking enters its next phase of growth and innovation. Glen commented; “Open Banking is one of the UK’s most important achievements within financial services… As adoption grows the focus must now shift to scale an impact, ensuring that the framework can continue deliver meaningful economic value and retain long-term competitiveness for the UK.” We look forward to drawing on John’s experience as we continue building a resilient, future ready open banking ecosystem for consumers and businesses across the UK. openbanking.org.uk/news/obl-… #OpenBanking #Innovation #Fintech #OpenFinance #Data #FinancialInnovation

🌟 Help shape the Future Entity for UK open banking 🌟 Open banking has grown into a true UK success story; 16M+ user connections and billions of monthly API calls driving innovation across the ecosystem. The FCA has asked the industry to come together to decide who should facilitate the design of the Future Entity, the next phase in strengthening standards, interoperability and long-term governance. To learn more, view our proposal, and find out how to signal support, details are available via the link below. Deadline: 30 January. 👉 openbanking.org.uk/news/supp… #OpenBanking #Innovation #Fintech #OpenFinance #Data #FutureEntity #FinancialInnovation #EcosystemCollaboration

🔍 Financial Crime in Open Banking: Insights from the Latest OBL Report Transparency and trust are at the heart of the open banking ecosystem. Today, OBL publishes its December 2025 Financial Crime Report. This is an in-depth analysis of fraud trends, emerging threats, and the resilience of our community. 📊 This is not just another industry update. The report draws on data from leading banks and payment providers, representing over 60% of open banking transactions. It offers clear-eyed insights into the challenges we face, including the evolving nature of Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud and the impact of new technologies. Why does this matter? 💡Financial crime affects everyone - consumers, businesses, and innovators alike. By sharing our findings openly, we aim to foster collaboration, inform strategy, and strengthen the security of digital payments for all. We invite you to read the full report, reflect on its implications, and join the conversation about how we can collectively advance fraud prevention and open banking payment industry best practice. 👉 Read the 2025 OBL Fraud report 👉 openbanking.org.uk/insights/… #OpenBanking #FinancialCrime #FraudPrevention #OpenFinance #Payments #Transparency #Security #UKFinance @WhichMoney @CitizensAdvice

Open banking was covered widely at this week's @UKLabour Party Conference, with widespread recognition of its critical role in powering UK economic growth and innovation. A standout moment was our Policy Director, Luke Ryder joining a fintech panel alongside Luke Charters MP, @TrueLayer's Megan Coulson, @TheFCA Sacha Sadan, and Startup Coalition’s Charlie Mercer. The discussion explored: ✅ The journey OBL is supporting with industry and regulators to secure a long-term framework for open banking; ✅ How we can accelerate progress towards Open Finance to unlock benefits for consumers, businesses and the wider economy; ✅ The growing collaboration across the ecosystem to make this vision a reality. We were also pleased to participate in Innovate Finance and EY’s roundtable on Tech’s Plan for Change, where open banking was highlighted as a prime example of UK-led innovation. Attendees welcomed the move towards a sustainable, long-term model that supports the full ecosystem and enables continued growth. OBL remains committed to working with industry, policymakers, regulators, and consumer and business representatives to support this flourishing UK sector and ensure open banking continues to play a pivotal role in driving inclusive economic growth. #OpenBanking #OpenFinance #Innovation #FinTech #FutureOfFinance #Innovation #DigitalInnovation #TechInnovation

In August, open banking hit a new record: 30 million payment initiations. That’s 30 million times people and businesses chose a simpler, safer, smarter way to pay. Through sustained growth, open banking has become a real alternative in payments - and it’s here to stay. See full monthly data here >> openbanking.org.uk/api-perfo… #OpenBanking #SmartData #OpenFinance #FinancialInnovation #Milestone #FutureOfFinance #PaymentsInnovation #MiData #API #Data

Yesterday we shared our first film, showing how open banking helps people in their everyday lives, from paying bills to shopping with confidence. But what makes this possible behind the scenes? ✨It all comes down to APIs. They’re the invisible infrastructure that powered more than 2 billion interactions in July alone. Our latest article explains what an API is, why it matters, and how it’s driving open banking’s rapid growth. 👉 Read OBL Data Scientist Anton Joachim's short explainer here: openbanking.org.uk/insights/… Curious to hear: did this shift how you think about the role of APIs? #OpenBanking #SmartData #OpenFinance #API #DigitalLeadership #TechInnovation #FinancialInnovation

This is a first for us: a short film that puts open banking into everyday moments. Because today, we’re celebrating two significant monthly milestones: ✨2 billion API calls ✨15 million users. These are the real ways open banking helps people. Paying bills. Booking travel. Shopping with confidence. Open banking is no longer just infrastructure. It’s part of daily life. ▶️ Watch the film and tell us: where do you see open banking making the biggest difference? (P.S. Wondering what an API call actually is? Tomorrow we’ll share a simple explainer.) 👉openbanking.org.uk/news/open… #OpenBanking #FinancialInnovation #Milestone #FutureOfFinance #DigitalInnovation #TechInnovation #Payments #OpenFinance

"Don’t just build smart data – build trust." In our last short-take in the series, Leon Ifayemi, CFIT Director Coalitions & Research, sets out the next steps for smart data. Two enablers will make smart data a reality in the UK: 🔹Digital ID – a single, shareable source of truth for individuals and organisations 🔹Secure data sharing – between both institutions and providers – along with vital safeguards But tech and policy alone aren’t enough. What’s really going to unlock smart data? Behavioural adoption. We must: ✅ Build trust in data sharing ✅ Help people understand its value ✅ Educate and connect with everyday users Because if it doesn’t resonate with consumers, it won’t be adopted – no matter how good the tech is. 🎥 Watch the clip and join the conversation: What's the key behavioural shift we need to make to deliver smart data for everyone? #OpenBanking #SmartData #OpenFinance #APPG #DigitalLeadership #Interoperability #FinancialInnovation

🎥 "This hasn’t run out of steam - it’s just taking off." In our latest short-take, Tony Craddock, Director General of the Payments Association, shares his optimism about the next phase of open banking. 💡His key message? Interoperability - the unglamorous but essential enabler. It’s about building systems that plug into each other across sectors - finance, utilities, transport - to deliver: ✅Seamless consumer experiences ✅Lower costs ✅Greater trust 💬 "Do that, and suddenly the whole thing glues together." 🔗 Watch the clip and join the conversation: What’s the most important enabler for open finance? #OpenBanking #SmartData #OpenFinance #DigitalLeadership #Interoperability #FinancialInnovation

🔔 Future Entity update from the FCA The FCA has today shared a welcome update on the Future Entity - marking a pivotal moment in the UK’s open banking journey. Henk Van Hulle, CEO, Open Banking Limited, commented: "We welcome this update on the Future Entity as a pivotal step toward delivering a world-class open banking ecosystem in the UK. Clarity on its design and direction marks a critical moment, not just for our sector, but for the millions of consumers and businesses who stand to benefit from this innovation through greater financial empowerment, and for UK Plc. through greater economic growth. As stewards of the UK’s open banking infrastructure, Open Banking Limited stands ready to support a smooth transition into this next phase. We look forward to working in close partnership with HM Treasury, FCA, PSR, CMA, and the wider industry to help deliver a Future Entity underpinned by robust governance, a sustainable commercial model, and a commitment to user outcomes." 👉Read the response feedback from the FCA here👉 fca.org.uk/publications/feed… #OpenBanking #FutureEntity #FinancialInnovation #UKFinance #RegTech Read the response feedback from the FCA here

🎥"The conversation on digital ID is shifting from 'if' to 'how fast.'" In our latest short-take, @OneID_UK Market Development Director Adrian Field explains the importance of developing digital identity in the UK. Pace isn’t just about speed. It’s about clarity. Clarity on roles, responsibilities, and how we collaborate across the ecosystem. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel. ✅The Data Act gives us a foundation. ✅We now have a UK-certified digital ID framework embedded in law. ✅Let’s point real-world use cases at it and show what trusted, reusable ID can do. We’ve seen this before. Open banking gave us the model: APIs, certified access, and government recognition. Now it’s time to apply that same thinking to identity. “Let’s use what's already there, build on it, and move with purpose.” 🔗 Watch the clip and join the conversation: What’s one thing we should reuse from open banking to accelerate digital identity? #OpenBanking #SmartData #OpenFinance #APPG #DigitalLeadership #DigitalID

🎥 "Let’s pin down what needs to happen - and just get it done." In our latest short-take, Tom Burton, @GoCardless Public Policy Director, comments: "There's real motivation and drive from people to make things happen in the next 12 to 18 months." ✅Focus on the key things for the next 6–12 months ✅Break them down into digestible chunks ✅Deliver commercial VRP - and prove it works ✅Then move forward into open finance and smart data "Some of the good things that happened - like the creation of a central open banking entity to convene people and setting the standards - were world-leading - and it still remains a world-leading initiative" 🔗 Watch the clip and join the conversation: What’s the one thing we should deliver in the next 12 months? #OpenBanking #SmartData #OpenFinance #APPG #DigitalLeadership #cVRP

🎥 "We wanted to make sure the next steps for cVRPs worked for all the end-to-end processes... We wanted to get lots of views involved." Following public consultations on the draft multilateral agreement (MLA) and commercial model (prepared by Frontier Economics), Nick Davey, OBL Head of Strategy, shares a short update on what's next for commercial variable recurring payments (cVRPs) in the UK. The consultations brought together feedback from banks, fintechs, regulators, and user representatives to help shape the future of cVRPs in the UK. The report sets out: ✅Stakeholder feedback ✅Key themes and concerns ✅The all-important next steps These steps are vital to delivering a new generation of cVRPs that offer greater consumer choice, innovation, and economic growth. 👉 Download the full report here: openbanking.org.uk/insights/… 🙏 Thank you to everyone who contributed their expertise and helped move this forward. #OpenBanking #SmartData #OpenFinance #MLA #cVRPs #APPG #DigitalLeadership #ConsumerProtection #IndustryVoices

🎥 “Don’t talk about the tech - deliver the value.” In our latest short-take, Kevin Ludford, CEO, @fumopay , focuses on what open banking can deliver as we move towards open finance and smart data. Most merchants and consumers don’t ask what open banking is. What they do ask is: ✅ How can I improve my cash flow? ✅ How can I reduce debtor days? ✅ How can I make better decisions? It’s not about explaining open banking - it’s about showing how it solves real problems. That way you can focus on the services that matter - enabling smarter, faster, more informed financial decisions - and deliver value. 🔗 Watch the clip and join the conversation: What’s the key customer pain point open banking should solve first? #OpenBanking #SmartData #OpenFinance #DataAct #FinancialInnovation #IndustryVoices

🎥 "Don’t overthink it - just build." In our latest short-take Gavin Starks, Founder of @IcebreakerOne, shares a clear message: the UK is at a tipping point. With the Data (Use and Access) Act now passed, the time for action is now. Gavin urges the ecosystem to move from theory to implementation - to build smart data infrastructure that delivers real customer value. He reflects on lessons from open banking and how we must: ✅Learn from what open banking doesn’t do ✅Avoid repeating past mistakes ✅Define the right roles for government and the private sector The next phase of open banking - and the future of open finance - depends on bold, collaborative delivery. 🔗 Watch the clip and join the conversation: What’s the one lesson from open banking you think we must carry forward? #OpenBanking #SmartData #OpenFinance #APPG #DigitalLeadership #DataAct #FinancialInnovation #IndustryVoices #DataAct

A record 14.17 million people are now using open banking - a 4.5% increase in just one month. Behind the numbers are everyday actions: ✅ Checking balances across accounts ✅ Sharing bank data with trusted companies and apps ✅ Making smarter financial decisions And it’s AIS users increased by 7.0%, outpacing PIS users, which grew by 2.2%. 👉openbanking.org.uk/api-perfo… Open banking isn't just growing - it’s part of daily life. What do you think is driving more people to use open banking products and services? #OpenBanking #SmartData #OpenFinance #Innovation #DigitalInnovation #TechInnovation #Payments #MiData #API #Data