A good day to bury bad news? The FCA’s motor finance redress scheme consultation

Published 25 November 2025

So we finally have it. The FCA published its consultation, CP25/27, on its proposed motor redress scheme on 7 October 2025. All 360 pages of it. But there’s more: the FCA also published a press release and a statement to the market.

VRPs versus card payments: The future of loan repayments and collections

Published 20 November 2025

For lenders and consumer credit firms, reliable and cost-effective payment collection is critical. As card payments face increasing costs, failures, and compliance pressures, Variable Recurring Payments (VRPs), powered by Open Banking, are emerging as a transformative alternative. For lending businesses managing recurring payments, understanding this comparison is crucial for optimising revenue collection and reducing operational overheads.

AI that listens: Intelligent automation is changing the way we support borrowers

Published 19 November 2025

Lenders are continuously facing increased regulatory pressure, rising customer expectations, and ongoing economic uncertainty. The ability to provide timely, relevant, and sensitive support is more important than ever. Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly powerful enabler in this area, not just in assessing affordability or making lending decisions, but in how organisations engage with borrowers throughout the credit lifecycle.

CATO unlocked: The data revolution driving fairer lending

Published 18 November 2025

In an era defined by economic shifts and heightened regulatory scrutiny, the UK lending landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation over the last two decades.

Searching for the key? Unlock competitive advantage with Square 4’s Consumer Duty board report expertise

Published 12 November 2025

At Square 4, our flagship Consumer Duty thought leadership programme has given us unparalleled insight into a wide range of Consumer Duty board reports across wealth management, CASS, consumer credit, insurance, and banking. We’ve identified not just common themes and pitfalls, but also the strategies that set market leaders apart.

Dear CCA: It’s not me, it’s you…

Published 02 August 2025

After decades of frustration, the UK government is finally doing what lenders, many trade associations – and yes, regulatory lawyers like me – have long called for: reforming the Consumer Credit Act 1974 (CCA). And not a moment too soon.

A shift in the landscape? Vanquis v TMS Legal: A landmark ruling for CMC complaints

Published 01 August 2025

Dan Richard, Head of Remediation Programmes at Auxillias, explores the implications of the High Court’s June 2025 ruling in Vanquis Bank Ltd v TMS Legal Ltd, where for the first time, the tort of causing loss by unlawful means has been allowed to proceed in the context of mass consumer complaints.

Welcome to the fold: FCA consults on final rules for the BNPL sector

Published 01 August 2025

On 18 July, the FCA published consultation paper CP25/23, outlining their proposed rules and guidance for BNPL lenders. The FCA is expected to issue their policy setting out final rules in early 2026, with regulation coming into force on 15 July 2026. Regulation will be limited to agreements offered by third-party lenders.

Clear as mud? Why your communications may be failing your customers

Published 01 August 2025

You work with customers who often struggle to access mainstream credit. These customers need clear, understandable communications about their financial options – yet research reveals the surprising reality of customer understanding.

Rapid modernisation: How AI is shaping the future of debt management and recovery

Published 01 August 2025

Debt is a deeply personal issue, and for many, it can be overwhelming and emotionally stressful. As financial pressures grow, the number of people seeking debt support is rising, particularly among younger generations. For debt management organisations, this creates both a challenge and an opportunity.

Building a human connection: Using WhatsApp to excel your collections process

Published 01 August 2025

The development of WhatsApp and various other live chat functions presents an opportunity to streamline the collections process while improving customer outcomes and experiences. For many years, collections departments have worked manually to support customers, engaging in emails and phone calls. This method is definitely more hands-on but inefficient and, at times, expensive.

Forget-me-not… Outsourcing overseas, SaaS, Skynet and the things people forget

Published 01 August 2025

Recently clients have been talking to us about overseas outsourcing, SaaS and leveraging technology, such as AI Agents. It is a challenging time for firms at the moment, and it is natural to want to seize upon opportunities for efficiency.