A sea change: The changing landscape of UK politics and why it matters for consumer credit

Published 04 May 2026

The UK’s political landscape is becoming more fragmented and dynamic. While British politics has historically been dominated by two major parties, recent elections and shifting voter preferences suggest a broader change in the political environment. Alternative political movements are gaining traction, and policy debates are increasingly shaped by issues such as economic fairness, financial resilience and household debt.

Regulatory News:
29 April 2026

Published 29 April 2026

The FCA is reviewing whether Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) help consumers understand borrowing costs and is seeking views on whether it should change how these are communicated in credit advertising. In other news, the FCA’s motor finance scheme has been challenged. The regulator is now considering its approach and will set out more later this week.

Getting ready for BNPL regulation: What PS26/1 means for deferred payment credit firms

Published 29 April 2026

BNPL regulation has been talked about for years. PS26/1 now sets out the rules and expectations clearly. For firms operating in this market, preparation cannot wait until the new rules take effect in July 2026, explains Jo Davis, CEO of Auxillias.

Look before you leap: AI in credit decisioning

Published 27 April 2026

The FCA’s Mills Review arrives at a pivotal moment, asking not whether AI belongs in retail finance, but how we, as regulated firms and technology partners, can integrate it safely and transparently within established frameworks.

To use or not to use: Deductions when cars are rejected

Published 23 April 2026

A recent Scottish court case involved whether or not any deduction in sums to be returned to customers should be made for use of a car where the car is ultimately rejected by the customer.

Staying in the loop: How AI could improve customer communication in consumer credit

Published 20 April 2026

Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used across financial services to manage customer interactions and streamline internal processes. In consumer credit, where firms communicate with customers about borrowing, repayments, and financial difficulty, AI tools have the potential to improve both efficiency and clarity.

Regulatory News:
15 April 2026

Published 15 April 2026

The FCA has set out its vision for open finance, aiming to give consumers and businesses more control over their data to access better deals. It has also banned misleading adverts from a claims management company that used edited Martin Lewis footage and the FCA logo without permission.

Consumer Duty 2026: The FCA’s next phase of supervision has begun

Published 15 April 2026

The implementation phase of Consumer Duty is over. What we are seeing now is something more probing, more data-driven and significantly more outcomes-focused. For consumer credit firms, the message from the Financial Conduct Authority is clear: the FCA is no longer asking whether firms have implemented the Duty, it is asking whether customers are genuinely better off as a result.

The rise of finfluencers: Democratised knowledge, amplified risk

Published 13 April 2026

The rise of financial influencers, or “finfluencers”, is widening access to financial education but can also expose consumers to bad advice, fraud and financial harm. Finfluencers can be a powerful force for good. They bring financial education to a mass audience with a reach that traditional programmes may not have achieved.

Regulatory News:
9 April 2026

Published 09 April 2026

The FCA has published findings from a 2025 multi-firm review of Customer Due Diligence (CDD), Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD), and ongoing monitoring controls, highlighting examples of both good and poor practice and setting clear expectations for firms to strengthen compliance frameworks.

Paving the way: Credit information reform and the CIGB

Published 08 April 2026

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.

Time for a health check? Preparing for the FCA’s motor finance redress scheme

Published 06 April 2026

Following the publication of the FCA’s motor finance consultation paper (CP25/27) in October 2025 and the consultation closing on 12 December 2025, the regulator has confirmed that it will set out its approach on motor finance redress shortly after markets close on Monday 30 March 2026.