CCTA View

The UK credit system relies heavily on the effective sharing of information. Every lending decision – whether for a credit card, motor finance agreement or small-sum instalment loan – depends on data flowing through a network of credit reference agencies, lenders and technology providers. That system has evolved over decades and, in many ways, it works well. But the governance arrangements behind it have struggled to keep pace with a modern, data-driven credit market. That is the backdrop to the creation of the Credit Information Governance Body (CIGB). For many lenders, the appearance of another new governance structure may feel like just another acronym in an already complex regulatory landscape. However, the CIGB has the potential to shape how credit data is governed, shared and developed across the UK for years to come.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Communication sits at the heart of Consumer Duty, but turning that principle into demonstrable outcomes is proving complex. It can be even more challenging for smaller firms, which may not have the same access to resources as the big banks. Recently we were asked to take part in a conference focusing on the implementation of the Consumer Duty. What became clear during the session is that, while there is broad agreement on the importance of communication, there is still considerable debate about how to deliver it.

On 28 April, the Consumer Credit Trade Association will host the CCTA Catalyst Conference in London – a focused, forward-looking event examining how artificial intelligence, data governance and regulatory reform are reshaping consumer credit in real time. This is not a generic “future of fintech” debate. Catalyst is designed specifically for consumer credit lenders and compliance leaders who are navigating the practical realities of technological change within a highly scrutinised regulatory framework.

The regulatory landscape for consumer credit continues to evolve, with several significant policy and supervisory developments expected through 2026. While not all changes will take effect immediately, the coming year will be important in shaping the future framework for how consumer credit is regulated in the UK. At a recent CCTA event, we highlighted some of the key developments on the horizon and what they may mean for lenders, consumers and the wider market.

The Consumer Credit Trade Association (CCTA) has recently submitted evidence to the Treasury Select Committee as part of its call for views on the Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy. This paper sets out the key points from our submission. We represent smaller, specialist and alternative consumer credit lenders across the UK. Our members serve people who are often shut out of mainstream bank lending – including those with variable or insecure incomes, thin or impaired credit histories, and non-standard or self-employed work patterns.

As 2025 draws to a close, it is worth stepping back to take stock of a year that has tested our sector – but also demonstrated its resilience, purpose, and adaptability. For the Consumer Credit Trade Association, this has been a year defined by intense regulatory scrutiny, a rapidly shifting political landscape, and the continued importance of smaller lenders in supporting financial inclusion across the UK. Despite the challenges, our work together has delivered real impact. Below is a look back at the themes and milestones that shaped the past twelve months, and a sense of what lies ahead.

The CCTA has always been clear that real certainty for motor finance consumers will come from a straightforward, proportionate and well-designed redress scheme. That means rules that are finalised, understood, and operationally deliverable by all firms – including the many smaller, independent lenders that make up our sector. This is why we were surprised by the FCA’s announcement that the pause on handling motor finance complaints will now end on 31 May 2026, two months earlier than was consulted on. The FCA has suggested this will provide customers with greater certainty and finality.

Next year will mark a landmark moment for the UK consumer credit market. Regulators and Government are moving ahead with a package of reforms that will reshape how credit products are designed, marketed, and managed – as well as how lenders communicate with consumers. Many of these changes are already in motion and will reach key implementation stages in 2026.