meta_id 3252102

On June 18, 2026, the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) announced it is accepting licence and registration applications under the revised Consumer Credit Directive (CCD2), which enters into force on November 20, 2026. The AFM is processing applications in advance of the directive's implementation to enable timely assessment before the effective date. The CCD2 expands the scope of regulated credit activities in the Netherlands. Previously exempted credit forms, including buy now, pay later (BNPL) services, deferred debit cards and hire or lease agreements with purchase options, now fall within the scope of the Financial Supervision Act (Wft). Credit providers and intermediaries must determine whether they require a licence or registration under the new rules. Providers of deferred payment services, such as BNPL, cards with deferred debiting, and rental or lease agreements with an option to purchase, must determine whether they fall under the licensing requirement of Article 2:60 of the Wft. Large intermediaries in short-term BNPL credit must assess their registration obligations under Article 2:81 Wft, while other intermediaries in newly regulated credit forms must determine whether they require a licence under Article 2:80 Wft. The AFM emphasises that applicants should independently verify their compliance obligations. The AFM has highlighted three key ongoing obligations for credit providers: Responsible lending - the AFM believes that a proportional interpretation is appropriate if a repayment obligation applies per credit drawdown that lasts no longer than three months. Age verification - the Implementation Act introduces an obligation for credit providers to verify consumers' ages using reliable sources. Preventive management - the Implementation Act introduces new standards for the early detection of consumers with financial difficulties and referral to debt counselling services. Applicants should note that licence applications are submitted at their own cost and risk, and assessments may not fully reflect the final regulatory framework. Licences will not take effect until the Dutch Implementation Act enters into force. Further details on registration procedures for large intermediaries, including conditions and costs, will be published later in 2026.