CMA Consulting —

a private advisory commission working with the state authority CMA, which oversees fair competition and consumer protection.

We:

⚫ monitor trading practices between businesses and consumers
⚫ assist in reclaiming funds from unauthorized and fraudulent transactions
⚫ cooperate with banks, payment providers, and merchants to ensure transparent dispute resolution
⚫ inform people about their rights regarding refunds and payment protection

Our mission is to make the market clear and safe for everyone.

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Advantages

Our legal framework includes

  • All activities comply with the "Payment Services Regulations 2017", which govern card and electronic payment services and guarantee consumers the right to reverse unauthorised or disputed transactions.
  • Chargeback is available for card payments when goods or services are not delivered, misrepresented, or the merchant is uncooperative. This process is supported by Visa, Mastercard, and the "Consumer Credit Act 1974".
  • The "Consumer Rights Act 2015" protects individuals in cases of defective services, misleading offers, or breach of contract, allowing them to request refunds, replacements, or compensation.
  • All company operations and partner firms are supervised by the "Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)", which ensures transparency, accountability, and fair client treatment.


These legal safeguards guarantee a secure, regulated environment where client funds are protected, and complaints are resolved fairly.

Features if

CMA Handled Chargebacks

Mandatory participation of all financial institutions

All banks and payment providers would be required to engage in the CMA-controlled refund system, eliminating refusals based on internal bank policies.

State-backed refund guarantee

As a government regulator, CMA would enforce mandatory refunds for disputed transactions, preventing banks from unjustified refusal.

Unified transparent procedure

Implementation of a standardized, clear process for chargeback claims with fixed deadlines, stages, and appeal rights.

Legal consumer support

Providing advice, claim templates, and assistance in disputes with merchants and banks.

Systematic fraud monitoring

Maintaining a national registry of dishonest merchants and automatically launching investigations against offenders.

Collective complaint capability

Allowing group claims for refunds in cases of fraudulent schemes to accelerate fair resolutions.

Legally binding decisions

CMA’s rulings would be enforceable by law with penalties for non-compliance.

Operational Mechanism (if CMA handled chargebacks)

“Below is a hypothetical model of how a chargeback process could operate under CMA if the agency were responsible for consumer protection in payment disputes.”

1. Submission of the claim

The consumer submits a chargeback request via CMA’s online portal or through their bank, attaching:

  • a description of the issue
  • proof of transaction
  • communication with the merchant (if available)
  • and any supporting evidence

💡 Claims must be submitted within 120 days of the transaction date.

2. Initial screening and referral to the bank

CMA reviews the claim and refers it to the relevant issuing bank, marking it as an “official consumer complaint.”
The bank is required to respond within 14 working days with an initial position.

3. CMA arbitration process

If the merchant or bank refuses the refund without sufficient grounds, CMA launches an official investigation.

  • A case officer is assigned
  • Both sides may submit further evidence
  • A decision is made within 30 days

4. Decision and enforcement

CMA issues a legally binding resolution, either:

  • In favor of refunding the consumer
  • Or denying the claim with detailed reasoning

The bank and merchant must comply within 7 working days. Non-compliance leads to regulatory penalties.

5. Right to appeal

If the consumer disagrees with the outcome, they may appeal within 14 days. The appeal is reviewed by CMA’s independent committee.

6. Central tracking and fraud prevention

CMA records all chargeback cases in a national registry. This helps:

  • Track recurring fraud patterns
  • Monitor high-risk merchants
  • Publish consumer protection statistics and reports

“This system would streamline refunds, ensure regulatory fairness, and minimize payment-related fraud across the UK market.”

Get a Consultation on Fund Recovery

Why Choose Chargeback Through CMA?

1

Government oversight ensures fairness

Unlike private banks, CMA is an independent regulatory body that operates solely in the public interest — not for profit.

2

Legally binding decisions

CMA’s rulings must be followed. Merchants or banks cannot simply ignore outcomes without facing consequences.

3

Transparency and fixed timelines

Every step in the process is clear and time-bound. No lost applications, no arbitrary delays — just structure and accountability.

4

Support in complex or disputed cases

CMA reviews cases that banks often decline — including partial services, unclear terms, poor-quality goods, or non-responsive merchants.

5

Guidance and support throughout the process

From templates to legal advice, CMA supports consumers at every step — ideal for individuals unfamiliar with financial complaints.

6

Systemic action against fraud

CMA maintains national databases, monitors fraud patterns, and can launch investigations into repeat offenders or mass violations.

Chargeback through CMA means

Why chargeback through CMA?

Because CMA is not a bank, and not a private business — it’s a government authority that works the consumer, not against them.

  • Legal protection, not just “internal policy” review by a bank
  • Fixed deadlines, transparent process, and a right to appeal
  • Legally binding outcomes — banks and merchants must comply
  • Support in complex cases where banks often say “no”
  • Real action against fraud, tracked and enforced by the state


If your bank says no — CMA gives you a second chance. This time, backed by law.

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Expert people

Our management

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Doug Gurr

Interim Chair
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Sarah Cardell

Chief Executive
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Martin Coleman

Non-Executive Director and Panel Chair

How to contact us

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