Regulatory News:
1 April 2026

Published 01 April 2026

The FCA has published its long-awaited motor finance redress scheme along with a raft of other announcements and publications. The Bank of England and Money Charity have both released their latest set of monthly statistics.

Back to basics: What do the unfair relationship provisions actually say?

Published 31 March 2026

So it’s the middle of March 2026. Were we expecting the policy statement from the Financial Conduct Authority (the FCA) on a motor finance consumer redress scheme by now? Yes. Do we have it? No. The FCA’s latest murmurings are that it will publish the scheme by the end of March 2026. So, for now, we wait. But given the proposed scheme is entirely based on the unfair relationship provisions in Sections 140A to 140C of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 (the CCA) (the unfair relationship provisions), what do they actually say?

Motor finance DCA redress: What ‘ready’ really looks like

Published 30 March 2026

The debate around discretionary commission arrangements (DCAs) in motor finance has developed rapidly over the past year, with regulatory scrutiny, legal developments and the FCA’s ongoing work on a potential redress scheme bringing increased focus to the sector. Final decisions on any compensation scheme have not yet been made. However, the regulator has begun outlining how a redress scheme could operate if it goes ahead. For many firms, the question now is simple: what does it mean to be “ready”?

Mind the (data) gap: Are motor finance firms prepared for the challenge ahead

Published 30 March 2026

The regulatory landscape for motor finance is shifting rapidly. Following the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) latest update on 4 March 2026, the industry now has a much clearer view of the road ahead. With final rules expected in late March, the focus has shifted from hypothetical planning to urgent operational implementation.

Challenging terrain: Motor finance redress and the appointed representatives consultation

Published 27 March 2026

As we approach the end of the first quarter of 2026, the regulatory landscape remains characteristically demanding. Members are navigating a range of initiatives relevant to their sectors, but I would like to highlight two particularly significant matters that the CCTA is actively addressing.

Regulatory News:
25 March 2026

Published 25 March 2026

The FCA has outlined several updates across key areas of financial services. It will confirm its approach to motor finance redress shortly after markets close on 30 March, following consultation on a compensation scheme. The FCA has also published practical examples to help firms design effective consumer segments, supporting better targeted outcomes. In addition, firms are being urged to prepare for new rules on non-financial misconduct, coming into force on 1 September, aimed at improving standards of behaviour across the sector.

AI, access and accountability: What the Mills Review means for consumer credit

Published 19 March 2026

Artificial intelligence is moving rapidly from experimentation to infrastructure in retail financial services. The FCA’s Mills Review provides a timely opportunity to consider what that shift means in practice – for consumers, firms, and the future shape of the credit market.

Regulatory News:
18 March 2026

Published 18 March 2026

The FCA has published its annual Regulatory Priorities for consumer finance, replacing portfolio letters. Key focuses include ensuring consumers can access fair-value credit, receive appropriate support when in debt, and benefit from effective complaints and redress. The FCA and FOS are also consulting on proposals to modernise the redress system, aiming to better support consumers while giving firms greater certainty to innovate. Additionally, the FCA has highlighted good and poor practice under the Consumer Duty, showing how firms are improving communications to help customers make informed decisions. HM Treasury has proposed reforms to the Financial Ombudsman Service to reinforce its role as an impartial dispute resolution body.

Lantern Group announces the acquisition of Ascent

Published 11 March 2026

Lantern Group today announced that it has agreed to acquire Ascent, one of the UK’s largest specialist debt recovery law firms, from Irwin Mitchell, subject to regulatory approval. The acquisition expands Lantern Gorup’s portfolio, with Ascent joining Lantern and Sonex. Irwin Mitchell’s strategy is to focus on growing its core legal services for individuals and businesses such as complex personal injury, medical negligence, private client, family, real estate, corporate and employment law.

The Credit Information Governance Body (CIGB): Why it matters for lenders

Published 11 March 2026

The Credit Information Governance Body (CIGB) is one of the most significant structural changes to the UK’s credit information system in many years. While it may sound technical, its impact could be far-reaching for lenders, regulators and consumers. At its core, the CIGB is intended to provide a new governance framework for how credit information is shared across the industry. That may seem like a narrow objective, but credit information underpins almost every lending decision made in the UK. For lenders, the question is not simply how the new body will operate – but whether it will deliver a system that works for a diverse credit market.

Regulatory News:
11 March 2026

Published 11 March 2026

The FCA has reiterated its commitment to supporting innovation and economic growth while maintaining strong consumer protection. In a speech at the MoneyLIVE Summit 2026, David Geale emphasised that the FCA is working to simplify rules and step back where appropriate, while ensuring safeguards remain in place. The FCA has also launched a quarterly consultation on miscellaneous amendments to its Handbook. In addition, new senior leadership appointments have been announced.

Jason Wassell announced as MALG Ambassador

Published 09 March 2026

Few organisations play as important a role in bringing together creditors, debt advisers, regulators and others across the sector as the Money Advice Liaison Group (MALG). That is why I am particularly pleased to have been appointed as a MALG Ambassador. Its purpose – to ‘work together to improve the lives of people with problem debt’ – continues to make a real difference across the debt advice and creditor communities.