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For only a small handful of people has 2020 been a good year, Geoff Bezos and Joe Wicks spring to mind. For most other businesses and individuals, it has been lousy. The retail banks have had mixed blessings. On the one hand, they have taken a hit like everyone else, with a deteriorating economy, less personal and business lending and …

The below Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) announcement details that Chris Woolard the FCA Interim CEO, until the recent appointment of Nikhil Rathi as the new CEO, will chair a far-reaching review of the unsecured lending market that will have implications for many CCTA members. Woolard has been instrumental in guiding the harsh regulation that takes little notice of the size …

The latest employment figures from the Office of National Statistics published earlier this week, have reported an unexpected increase in the unemployment rate to 3.9% in the June-to-August period after the number of people in work fell by 56,000. The combined effects of a global slowdown, political uncertainty and Brexit have impacted high street retail jobs and the manufacturing sector …

10.5 million Britons are in the worst financial position of their lives New research commissioned by FairMoney.com has revealed that an astounding 10.5 million Britons are in the worst financial position of their lives. The research, entitled ‘Brexit Broke Me’ has also found that over half of Britons (53%) have disposable incomes of less than £0. This is a dire …

Any belief that the summer holidays and time away would ease the political logjam that is Brexit has floundered before Parliament returns on 3rd September, and with it any reasonable hope that constructive discussions could begin with Government Departments, on the business issues of the day. Suspending Parliament just days after MP’s return to the House, with only a few …

Written for, and published by Credit Strategy – JULY 2019 GO TO WEBSITE + Just when we thought the uncertain environment within which we operate could get no more opaque, we’re met with further changes from FOS and indeed, a question on the competence of the FCA. When the FCA’s Chief Executive Andrew Bailey and Chair, Charles Randell appeared in …

This week, the FCA published a report on the alternatives to high-cost credit (HCC) and set out the actions and recommendations to improve the availability and awareness of those seeking an alternative to HCC. The report also notes that ‘the consideration of access to alternatives to high cost credit will become an integral part of the FCA’s overall work in …

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has come under the cosh of late and this showed no signs of abating on Tuesday when Chief Executive, Andrew Bailey and Chair, Charles Randall appeared in front of the Treasury Select Committee to present a biannual report on the work of the FCA. Chair, Nicky Morgan crushingly asked if “anyone at the FCA read …

Over the weekend, an article published by the This is Money website gave a refreshing insight into the provision of home credit. The home credit industry is frequently maligned in the press and by consumer activists but this particular article highlighted how there are approximately 10 million people in this country who cannot borrow from mainstream banks or building societies. …

The great and the good of business and politics have congregated today at the British Chambers of Commerce annual conference. Adam Marshall, director-general, gave a pointed and remarkable opening address as he accused politicians of “letting British business down.” He told the conference: “We are frustrated. We are angry. You have let British business down. You have focused on soundbites, …

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of addressing many MPs, political figures, the FCA and industry colleagues at the Credit Week Parliamentary Reception. As Chief Executive of the CCTA, representing over 200 businesses, including lenders, brokers, debt purchasers and suppliers to the industry, my message was about the proportionality of credit regulation. The regulator has a balance to strike between maintaining …

Credit Week 2019: Parliamentary Reception Date: 19 March 2019 Venue: Houses of Parliament Time: 12.15 to 3.00 p.m. Good afternoon, it’s a pleasure to be here celebrating Credit Week with you. I would like to thank Credit Strategy for organising, and our parliamentary hosts for welcoming us to the Houses of Parliament. I’m Greg Stevens the Chief Executive of the …