UK Competition and Markets Authority’s Markets Regime Guidance 2026

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has been established to promote competition and protect consumers to drive economic growth and improve household prosperity. To achieve this the CMA can undertake market reviews, studies and investigations (together referred to as the “markets regime”).

In February 2026, the CMA published its revised guidance to markets regime. To provide greater predictability and business certainty, the guidance indicates that the CMA will:

• Publish a project roadmap at the outset of each market regime to provide a more predictable, transparent and open approach
• Utilize external sector expertise and experience
• Offer enhanced and earlier engagement with parties to provide greater predictability on next steps and greater visibility on possible concerns at an earlier stage
• Use ‘sunset’ clauses as a default, meaning that the remedies the CMA impose after a market investigation will fall away after a set period. This can significantly reduce burdens on business.

The CMA markets regime will have a significant impact, particularly for large U.S. companies operating in the UK and their future plans for the market. This latest guidance should be welcome news, reflecting a more pragmatic approach and providing greater clarity and certainty than the previous status quo.

For more information contact Claudia.Colombo@trade.gov.