On 22 October 2018, the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) published Specific Direction 8 requiring the adoption of appropriate policies and measures and reporting obligations regarding protected ATMs (LINK) (the Direction).

The Direction offers clarity and guidance to operators of LINK on:

  • the identification of protected ATMs;
  • the requirement to develop and adopt appropriate policies and measures;
  • the minimum requirements in relation to the LINK commitment (summarised in paragraphs 1.3-1.5 of the Direction);
  • the timeline for and reporting on the development and implementation of the policies and measures;
  • the ATM replacement procedure;
  • the variation or revoking of measures; and
  • the LINK operator’s monitoring and reporting requirements.

The Direction came into force on 19 October 2018 and will continue until 2 January 2022 unless varied or revoked by the PSR. It is subject to review in October 2019.