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The Wholesale Distribution Steering Group have the objective of overseeing the design of a new end-state model for wholesale cash distribution. This is to support the UK in an environment of declining cash volumes.
Date of meeting: 3 November 2021
Location: This meeting took place via video/audio link
6 October 2021 minutes The group agreed the 6 October minutes, and approved their publication. Sharing information on stakeholder management The Bank noted that there was a Westminster Hall debate regarding access to cash which took place on 20 October. A transcript of the debate is available online in case of interest. The Bank thanked members for reviewing the industry developed business case for a utility model and for taking it through their individual governance processes for decision. There had been considerable senior engagement on the issue, and all firms had recognised the importance of the issue and finding a sustainable solution which meets the WDSG success criteria of being effective, resilient, sustainable and deliverable. However, during the recent feedback process it became clear that for some members the potential gains from a utility model were smaller than originally envisaged, and the scope for improvements in efficiency, resilience and sustainability via alternative firm-led rationalisation and consolidation programmes could be larger. For some the potential gains from the utility were smaller than originally envisaged, and the scope for improvements in efficiency, sustainability and resilience via individual member-led industry consolidation were potentially larger. As a result, for more than one institution the revised business case meant that the success criteria could best be delivered outside of the utility. The WDSG members acknowledged that the key driver behind the review – the need for action to ensure an effective, sustainable and resilient cash infrastructure in the face of declining cash volumes - still remained. Whilst a utility no longer appeared the best way to achieve this, the success criteria for the future that WDSG had agreed as part of the review process and ensuring industry is put on a sustainable footing remained relevant, and should guide future action. Accordingly, the Bank proposed that WDSG members should commit to delivering: A publication would be produced by the end of the year to update the public on progress made and set out these outputs in detail. The Bank confirmed that a communications review group had been established to help facilitate this. WDSG members agreed that the minutes of this WDSG and subsequent meetings will be published following the release of the aforementioned publication. Eversheds summarised next steps following the decision point. They will meet with members bilaterally to develop a proposal for the industry wide commitments which will be presented back to WDSG for agreement. Importantly, it was noted that any further work by members should continue to be in compliance with applicable competition laws. The Bank provided an update on the WDSG Communications Review Group, and thanked all institutions for having representation at the first of these meetings, which was held on 27 October. The Bank explained that the main focus of the group is to review and agree the public update document. This sets out the work which has been undertaken since the public consultation last year, the outcome of the decision, continued commitment from industry to support wholesale cash distribution and next steps. None. Bank of England: Sarah John (Chair), Nick Butt, Elisabeth Bertalanffy-Fournier, Ronan McClintock, James Best, Molly Galligan Eversheds: Ros Kellaway, Trystan Richards, Russell Saunders, Mark McLintock KPMG: Simon Walker, Chris Barnes Barclays: Tim Allen HSBC: Sue Yarham Lloyds Banking Group: Martin Barrett Natwest: Richard Talbot Santander UK: Robert White Post Office: Russell Hancock HM Treasury: Azin Roussos, Derek Dunne, Abigail White, Kaelan Bhate Virgin Money: Derek Walker G4S: Paul Van Der Knapp TRM: Andrew Mills Vaultex: Mark Trevor Kevin McMullan (Danske), Phil Vaughan (Vaultex), Anne Jessopp (TRM), Julie Fitzgibbon (BOI), John Garrett (AIB)Minutes
Item 1 – Standing agenda items
Item 2 – Business Case Assessment
Level of support
Next steps
Item 3 – WDSG Communications Review Group Update
Item 4 – AOB
Committee attendees
Apologies
