Wire · regulatory
Taking Stock Of The First 18 Months Of The CMA's New Direct Consumer Enforcement Regime
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Fusion42 · 19 October 2026 · Fusion42 review
The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has enforced new consumer protection powers since April 2025, focusing on drip pricing and other unfair practices. It has initiated multiple investigations, issued substantial fines with obligations for consumer refunds, and banned certain unfair commercial practices outright to enhance compliance.
This Wire brief sits within Fusion42's coverage of Generalist, and 1 source has reported it between 15 Oct 2026 and 19 Oct 2026.
◆ ◆ The Wire takeaway
You face stricter rules and penalties on pricing transparency and unfair fees in UK consumer markets. Firms ignoring hidden charges or poor online sales practices risk costly fines and mandatory refunds, making compliance the cheapest option.
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1 source · first reported 15 Oct 2026 · latest 19 Oct 2026
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