On 31 March 2020, the FCA updated its web page on strong customer authentication (SCA) under the Payment Services Regulations 2017 (PSRs 2017).

In particular the FCA states:

• the current challenges arising from COVID-19 are likely to affect the planned implementation of SCA for e-commerce. The FCA welcomes the progress so far and industry’s continuing effort to meet milestones ahead of 14 March 2021. The FCA will work closely with the industry to agree any changes to the milestones and timelines that may be needed;
• the SCA requirements for online banking have applied since 14 September 2019 (with an adjustment period until 14 March 2020). For firms that haven’t met the requirements, and are facing further delays due to coronavirus, the FCA will consider on a case-by-case basis the appropriate further measures. In doing so, it will in particular consider: (i) firms’ security around authentication to access their online banking and when making payments (ii) their controls and processes to reduce fraud; (iii) whether that impact is likely to be exacerbated given the current circumstances.

The FCA will continue to monitor the situation and is keeping its decisions under review.