Strategic Review of Market Remedies by the CMA in 2026
The CMA evaluates 33 market remedies to determine their suitability after changes in conditions, focusing on reducing burdens for companies.
The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is conducting a strategic review of 33 market remedies to assess whether, due to changes in circumstances, these are no longer suitable and need to be amended or removed. This process is part of its guidance on market reviews, market studies, and market investigations.
Consultation on the Provisional Decision
Since August 12, 2026, the CMA has opened its provisional decision on the strategic review for consultation, inviting comments until September 11, 2026. This step follows a preliminary consultation in January of the same year.
Composition of Review Groups
On March 2, 2026, the members of the review group were appointed: Kirstin Baker, Frances McLeman, Jo Armstrong, and Juliette Enser. Each has a specific role under the Fair Trading Act 1973 and the Enterprise Act 2002.
Start of the Review in January 2026
On January 19, 2026, the CMA initiated this strategic review, focusing its analysis on changes in circumstances regarding established market remedies. The consultation on these changes sought responses until March 2, 2026.
The remedies under review include commitments and orders that were established following market investigations. The CMA aims to ensure that these remedies are still effective and do not impose unnecessary burdens on companies.
"The CMA's regulatory review seeks to alleviate the burden on businesses," according to a press release dated January 19, 2026.
Case Timeline and Next Steps
The timeline for this case has been updated several times: on April 27, 2026, the review groups were published and appointed, and the timeline was updated on June 29, 2026. The CMA will continue to publish updates to this timeline on its website.
The consultations aim to assess whether existing remedies should be adjusted to reflect changes in the market environment. The CMA has also published the responses to the initial consultation on its platform.
For more information, the CMA has provided a press inquiry channel and ensures the responsible handling of personal data under data protection laws in its role as data controller during this process.
The final decision is scheduled for October 2026, at which point a resolution on each evaluated remedy is expected.
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Miguel Sandoval
Regulatory Affairs Correspondent
Miguel Sandoval tracks gambling legislation, licensing, and regulator enforcement — from Spain's DGOJ and the Latin American authorities to the UKGC, the MGA, and the state-by-state map in North America. The reports answer three questions precisely — what changed, where, and who it affects — with jurisdictions, dates, and penalties cited exactly as published. Operators and compliance officers read Miguel Sandoval to know which rulebook moved before their next meeting.
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