The Know Daily - Wednesday 11 February 2026

_{Read in 4m 24s ∙ Listening to Lily Allen ∙}

Today is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science and UNESCO is marking it by holding a one-day event dedicated to showcasing existing solutions for building more inclusive Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) ecosystems. More of this please! 👏 Plus, they’ve rounded up some of the amazing women who’ve contributed to science past and present – check them out here!

💸 Buy-now-pay-later changes

The UK’s buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) market had 23 million users in 2025, but from July new rules will reshape how these services operate for consumers.

What is BNPL?
We’ve probably all seen this option when we’re checking out online, with firms like Klarna, Clearpay and PayPal offering us the chance to spread the cost of purchases over time, often in interest-free installments. It’s become especially popular for everyday spending, from clothes and electronics to travel and takeaways. The main appeal lies in convenience: quick approval, no obvious interest charges and minimal friction compared with traditional credit. 

What are the changes coming in 2026?
BNPL providers will come under formal regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority, which means:

• Lenders will be required to carry out affordability checks before offering credit, ensuring borrowers can realistically repay what they owe. 

• Consumers will gain stronger rights, including clearer information about terms, access to the Financial Ombudsman Service for disputes, and faster refund processes when purchases go wrong.

• Advertising rules will tighten, aiming to prevent promotions that encourage impulsive borrowing. 

In short, BNPL will begin to resemble mainstream credit, with similar responsibilities for both lenders and users.

Why now?
Regulation has lagged behind huge growth of the sector, which was worth £28 billion last year. BNPL use has increased amid rises in the cost of living, with households looking for flexible ways to manage spending. However, policymakers have warned that some borrowers, especially younger users, have accumulated debt without sufficient safeguards. The government argues the new framework balances innovation with consumer protection, while bringing BNPL into line with other regulated financial products.

What does this mean for consumers?
Approval for BNPL could take slightly longer and some people (especially those with weaker credit profiles) may be declined. But the trade-off is greater protection and transparency. Shoppers should see clearer breakdowns of what they owe and when, making it easier to budget and avoid stacking multiple repayment plans. The changes may also encourage more deliberate spending, shifting BNPL from an impulse-buy tool to a more considered form of short-term credit.

What has the reaction been?
Consumer groups and debt charities have broadly welcomed the reforms, saying they close a long-standing regulatory gap and reduce the risk of people slipping into unmanageable debt. The industry has offered cautious support too, arguing regulation could boost trust and long-term growth. Yet, certain consumer advocates warn that stricter checks could push some borrowers towards higher-cost alternatives if they lose access to BNPL.

The takeaway.
As the July rollout approaches, the key question is whether regulation can strike the right balance: preserving the convenience that has made BNPL popular while ensuring users fully understand and can afford the costs behind the promise to pay later.

Final call 📣 We’re launching a new series to get a real look at our community’s finances and we need your takes. No judgment, just a 5-minute peek into a week in your life. (And don't worry, we'll only ever use first names). If you want to throw your name in the hat, fill out this form to help us get to know you a bit better – it should only take you 2 minutes. Also, there’s a free sweatshirt in the mix if you’re picked 👀

🤝 Political groups in the European Parliament have agreed to support a new trade deal between the EU and US.

• The bigger story: The agreement follows a period of strain after the US moved to impose tariffs – taxes on imports – on certain European goods, but this new deal is designed to provide more stability for businesses on both sides. Although the Parliament’s main political groups have signalled their support, the agreement will still need to pass a formal vote before it can officially take effect.

👣 A group of Buddhist monks who have been taking part in the viral “Walk of Peace” have completed their 2k mile walk in Washington DC.

🥛 A milk delivery service is set to begin picking up unwanted electronics and toys for recycling whilst dropping off their products. 

📲 Apple and Google have committed to not giving preferential treatment to their own apps following an intervention from the UK markets regulator. 

🚂 A £1.2bn scheme to redevelop this UK railway station has received the green light.

🐭 A tiny mammal has been discovered by scientists in Ethiopia – it weighs less than a sugar cube! 🥹 

👙 Knickers in a twist? It turns out there are health pros and cons when it comes to going commando. (Who knew!?) 

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Trivia answer: A) Over 700k visitors have passed through the gallery’s doors during this autumn-winter period – check out their extended opening hours here.

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