This passive approach lags far behind how customers choose to manage their data privacy on social media - half (51%) of people say they always check the privacy settings when sharing information on their social media accounts.

The findings highlight the need to build customer understanding of how their data is used at a time when regulatory and legislative changes are set to transform their options for allowing their personal information to be shared. A range of new payment services are being developed to take advantage of this data revolution that will deliver real benefits for customers, ranging from smarter money management products to faster cheque clearing.

The research has been undertaken to coincide with the publication of a new report by Payments UK - entitled Changing Payments Landscape - A focus on payments data that looks at key developments in data usage and storage, and the implications for the payment services of the future.

Maurice Cleaves, Chief Executive of Payments UK, said:

“Data is one of the hottest topics in financial services. The debate on its potential, the consequences of its use and ethics of how we deal with it is just getting going. It is also a debate that stretches far beyond the banking industry.

“New ways of storing, sharing and manipulating data have the potential to revolutionise payment services in the UK - offering greater control, convenience and new ways to pay for customers. But it is vital that developments in this area put the customer first - the risks around holding and sharing data do not stand still, so customer confidence and trust will be key. There is also work to be done to ensure changes don’t exclude customers who are unwilling or unable to share their data from these new products and services.”

The new survey also found broad agreement that the way data is used is changing - almost seven out of ten (68%) people surveyed agree that ‘providing personal information is an increasing part of modern life’, while a similar number (60%) feel ‘there is no alternative than to provide personal information… for services’. However, this is matched by concern about how data is used - eight out of ten (83%) expressed concern that some companies share their personal data with other companies.

In the report Payments UK also highlights the need to make sure customer requirements shape these changes - and the importance of educating customers on what the changes will mean to them. It is clear that this is not just a challenge for the financial industry but for government, regulators and all commercial entities that use and store customer data.

Maurice Cleaves, Chief Executive of Payments UK, continued:

“This next couple of years will fundamentally alter the way that data is used in financial transactions. Decisions will be made about how payment account data is accessed and shared securely, the impact of the new data protection laws, and the delivery of open data. New financial services will be developed and new financial service providers will emerge.”