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.

Regulatory News:
4 March 2026

Published 04 March 2026

This week, in addition to several other announcements, the FCA published an update on the potential industry-wide motor finance redress scheme which is now likely to include an implementation period and changes to the proposed customer communications. The Payments Vision Delivery Committee has published the Payments Forward Plan. The Money Charity and Bank of England have also published their monthly statistics.

Consumer Duty and the Communication Challenge

Published 26 February 2026

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.

Regulatory News:
25 February 2026

Published 25 February 2026

This week, all of our news pieces come from the FCA. The regulator has provided information on the Consumer Duty cross-cutting rules and the outcomes they expect firms to deliver. In addition to this, the FCA also updated their page on Consumer Duty board reports, highlighting examples of good practice and areas for improvement.

CCTA Catalyst Conference: From Artificial Intelligence to Regulatory Reality

Published 19 February 2026

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.

Regulatory News:
18 February 2026

Published 18 February 2026

This week, The FCA published its whistleblowing dat for 2025 QA. The regulator also confirmed new protections for Buy-now, Pay-later borrowers. In other news, HM Treasury has published a consultation seeking views on proposals to make changes to the legislative framework for Appointed Representatives. 

Looking ahead to 2026: Key regulatory developments for consumer credit

Published 11 February 2026

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.

Regulatory News:
11 February 2026

Published 11 February 2026

This week, The FCA published a letter to trade associations to provide an update in the development of a Future Entity (FE) for open banking. The FOS also announced that they are seeing the lowest complaint levels in two years. 

Regulatory News:
4 February 2026

Published 04 February 2026

This week, The FCA published its first newsletter covering insights and themes from its enforcement work. In addition to this, speeches were also given by Sheldon Mills and David Geale. The latest round of statistics have also been published from both the Bank of England and The Money Charity.