Motor finance DCA redress: What ‘ready’ really looks like

Published 30 March 2026

The debate around discretionary commission arrangements (DCAs) in motor finance has developed rapidly over the past year, with regulatory scrutiny, legal developments and the FCA’s ongoing work on a potential redress scheme bringing increased focus to the sector. Final decisions on any compensation scheme have not yet been made.

Mind the (data) gap: Are motor finance firms prepared for the challenge ahead

Published 30 March 2026

The regulatory landscape for motor finance is shifting rapidly. Following the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) latest update on 4 March 2026, the industry now has a much clearer view of the road ahead. With final rules expected in late March, the focus has shifted from hypothetical planning to urgent operational implementation.

Challenging terrain: Motor finance redress and the appointed representatives consultation

Published 27 March 2026

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.

Regulatory News:
25 March 2026

Published 25 March 2026

The FCA has outlined several updates across key areas of financial services. It will confirm its approach to motor finance redress shortly after markets close on 30 March, following consultation on a compensation scheme. The FCA has also published practical examples to help firms design effective consumer segments, supporting better targeted outcomes.

AI, access and accountability: What the Mills Review means for consumer credit

Published 19 March 2026

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.

Regulatory News:
18 March 2026

Published 18 March 2026

The FCA has published its annual Regulatory Priorities for consumer finance, replacing portfolio letters. Key focuses include ensuring consumers can access fair-value credit, receive appropriate support when in debt, and benefit from effective complaints and redress.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.