Payments Watchdog Investigates Tech Failures Plaguing Retail Giants

The Payments Systems Regulator (PSR) is currently scrutinising a string of technological disruptions that have disrupted operations for several major retail chains, including Greggs, McDonald’s, Tesco, and Sainsbury’s.

Tasked with overseeing payment systems’ functionality, the PSR is investigating these incidents to ascertain if further action is warranted. Any identified vulnerabilities in payment infrastructure could trigger escalation to the Bank of England for intervention.

These disruptions, which left customers unable to complete transactions, have underscored the critical importance of payment systems in retail operations. For instance, Sainsbury’s encountered difficulties in fulfilling online grocery orders due to software update issues, affecting contactless payments in stores. Similarly, Tesco had to cancel a limited number of orders, while McDonald’s experienced a global technology system outage, halting orders worldwide.

Alan Stephenson-Brown, CEO of IT firm Evolve, highlighted the vulnerability of even large corporations to IT issues, estimating significant financial losses for affected retailers. He stressed the importance of robust contingency planning in mitigating such risks, emphasising digital disruption as a principal threat to retailers.

Jamil Ahmed, an engineer at transaction firm Solace, emphasised the growing risks associated with digital transactions’ reliance, warning of increased disruptions and vulnerabilities. As consumers demand seamless digital experiences, retailers are under pressure to ensure the same level of reliability in physical stores as on online platforms.

The PSR’s examination of these incidents reflects the regulator’s commitment to upholding the integrity and functionality of payment systems, which are vital for facilitating transactions in the retail sector. By investigating the root causes of these disruptions, the PSR aims to identify any weaknesses in the payment infrastructure and take appropriate measures to address them.

The incidents also serve as a reminder of the growing risks associated with digital transactions. As retailers increasingly rely on digital payment systems to process transactions, they must be vigilant about cybersecurity threats and ensure that their systems are adequately protected against potential attacks.

Overall, the PSR’s investigation into the recent disruptions underscores the need for continued vigilance and investment in payment infrastructure to ensure the smooth functioning of retail operations. By addressing any vulnerabilities and implementing robust contingency plans, retailers can mitigate the risk of future disruptions and maintain the trust and confidence of their customers.