The Bank of England has proposed to open the CHAPS settlement system from as early as 01:30 every banking day starting in 2027. This marks a significant step towards near round-the-clock Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) hours, aiming to improve liquidity management and enable faster withdrawals for consumers and payment service providers alike. The public consultation was published on 25 November 2025. (Source).
Proposed Changes at a Glance:
- Settlement via CHAPS could begin from 01:30 on each banking day from 2027
- Intended to reduce liquidity queues and enable quicker payments and withdrawals
- Supports new account-to-account (A2A) payment solutions, reducing card network dependence
This extension of settlement hours aims to provide multiple operational benefits for both financial institutions and end users, including online casino players seeking faster payouts. By enhancing the CHAPS and RTGS infrastructure, the Bank of England expects to facilitate competition among payment providers and offer more cost-effective options compared to traditional card networks. In its proposal, the Bank stated: “The move to earlier opening is a key first step towards the future model of settlement almost around the clock.”
For casino operators and their customers, these changes could translate into:
| Potential Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Faster Payouts | Earlier settlement times may speed up gambling withdrawals to player accounts. |
| Lower Costs | Reduced reliance on card networks could decrease transaction fees for both operators and players. |
| Support for Innovation | Paves the way for advanced A2A payment methods and alternative withdrawal systems. |
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to modernise UK payments. For more insights on payment methods, casino withdrawals and regulatory updates, see:
- Fast Payouts
- Instant E-wallets vs Slow Card Withdrawals
- Bank Transfer Withdrawals
- Apple Pay Withdrawals
- Trustly Account-to-Account Payments
The Bank of England’s consultation on CHAPS settlement hours is open to feedback. Operators and stakeholders across the gambling and payments sector are encouraged to review the full proposal. Further details are available from the Bank of England.
