The Bank of England announced in its Financial Stability Report published on 9 July 2025, that the RTGS (Real-Time Gross Settlement) and CHAPS (Clearing House Automated Payment System) platforms will incrementally extend their operating hours towards near 24×7 settlement. The initial phase, set to begin as early as 2027, will see daily opening times moved forward to 01:30, aiming to reduce payment lags and accelerate withdrawals for both businesses and consumers.
The move follows extensive industry consultation and is expected to address growing demands from fintech firms and gambling operators for faster settlement cycles. According to the Bank of England, these changes will also improve the competitiveness of UK payment flows and help mitigate risks associated with cross-border transactions.
Key points from the report include:
- Earlier opening hours: First stage in 2027, with RTGS/CHAPS live from 01:30 each day.
- Quicker settlements: Aimed at reducing liquidity delays and speeding up withdrawals.
- Enhanced security: Longer operational hours are designed to reduce risks, especially for international payments.
Jon Cunliffe, Deputy Governor for Financial Stability, commented: “Extending settlement windows is an important step in making the UK’s payment infrastructure more resilient and adaptable to user needs.” The Bank also noted that ongoing developments respond directly to feedback from financial institutions and regulated sectors including online gambling.
This initiative could have notable implications for UK casino players, potentially allowing for faster payouts and improved reliability when withdrawing winnings. For further reading on fast withdrawals and payment solutions, see our guides on withdrawal methods, fast payouts, and specific payment platforms including Trustly, Apple Pay, and PayPal. Updates related to regulatory changes can also be found in our coverage of UK payment regulations.
