September 12, 2025
Written by: Merchant Connect UK
For years, high-risk businesses — from iGaming and Forex to adult entertainment and crypto — have struggled with payment delays, high fees, and compliance hurdles. Traditional banks often hesitate to work with these industries, leaving merchants with limited options.
But in 2025, Open Banking powered by PSD2 compliance is changing the game. By creating faster, more secure, and transparent payment rails, Open Banking is helping high-risk merchants reduce costs, improve settlement times, and stay fully compliant with regulatory frameworks.
Open Banking allows third-party providers (TPPs) to access banking data and initiate payments securely, with customer consent, through APIs.
For high-risk merchants, this means:
Direct bank-to-bank payments (no middlemen like card networks).
Lower processing fees compared to traditional card payments.
Faster settlement times, often near-instant.
Stronger security thanks to two-factor authentication and PSD2 protocols.
Traditional high-risk transactions often face 3–7 day settlement delays due to additional fraud checks. Open Banking cuts this down to same-day or instant payouts, improving cash flow.
By eliminating card networks and other intermediaries, Open Banking transactions can be processed at a fraction of the cost — a major advantage for industries with already high processing fees.
Since Open Banking payments require strong customer authentication (SCA), fraud rates drop significantly. And because transactions are push-based (initiated by the customer), chargebacks are virtually eliminated.
High-risk merchants often face strict scrutiny around AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and KYC (Know Your Customer). PSD2 ensures that every transaction is backed by:
Verified customer identity.
Clear consent.
Encrypted data flows.
This makes Open Banking both secure and regulator-friendly.
iGaming & Gambling – Instant deposits and withdrawals keep players engaged.
Forex & Trading – Fast settlements are essential in volatile markets.
Adult Industry – More reliable payment channels without constant account freezes.
Crypto Platforms – Better fiat on/off ramps through PSD2-compliant bank rails.
As regulators in the UK and Europe continue to push for greater transparency and consumer protection, Open Banking is quickly becoming the preferred solution for high-risk industries.
Looking ahead, we can expect:
Wider bank adoption across Europe and the UK.
Lower barriers for merchants previously denied accounts.
Enhanced global expansion opportunities for high-risk businesses.
Open Banking isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a revolution in payment processing, especially for high-risk merchants. With PSD2 compliance, businesses can finally enjoy fast, secure, and cost-effective transactions while meeting regulatory requirements.
At Merchant Connect UK, we specialise in high-risk payment solutions, including Open Banking integration for PSD2 compliance.
👉 Ready to streamline your high-risk transactions? Contact Merchant Connect today to explore your options.