Firing on all cylinders: Embrace open banking for operational efficiency

Published 23 May 2025

For many lenders, the affordability assessment process is still weighed down by long application forms and manual reviews from underwriters, leading to long processing times. Brandon Wallace, Product Manager at Bud, explains how enriched transaction data can help lenders to cut costs and scale efficiently, in addition to increasing approval rates and reducing risk.

Moving with the times: The future of responsible lending in a digital-first world

Published 23 May 2025

As the financial services industry transitions to a digital-first world, responsible lending must evolve to meet new expectations for fairness, transparency, and customer-centricity. Digital transformation is reshaping how lenders engage with customers and manage their portfolios, enabling more effective, data-driven lending practices that enhance both the lending and collections processes, promoting better customer outcomes while upholding financial responsibility.

Enhancing outcomes for vulnerable customers: Key considerations

Published 23 May 2025

As firms continue to assess the findings from the FCA’s review of the fair treatment of customers in vulnerable circumstances, we explore a critical challenge many firms face: effectively monitoring outcomes for vulnerable customers.

Consumer Duty board reports: Top tips from Auxillias

Published 22 May 2025

Last summer we helped several clients with their Consumer Duty board reports (required under PRIN 2A.8). Since the creation of the first suite of reports, the FCA has reviewed a sample and published findings, highlighting good practices and areas for improvement. We have set out six top tips based on the FCA’s output and our own observations.

A long road ahead: Actions firms can take following the Supreme Court hearing

Published 22 May 2025

The FCA’s review into discretionary commission arrangements, together with the outcome of the Supreme Court’s review of a landmark Court of Appeal ruling regarding motor finance commissions could have widespread consequences for the motor finance sector.

The rise of alternative data: Enabling financial inclusion and catalysing growth

Published 22 May 2025

The landscape of consumer lending is undergoing a significant transformation. Traditionally, lenders have relied on credit scores and historical financial data to assess a borrower’s creditworthiness. However, as financial behaviours evolve and the limitations of conventional credit assessments become apparent, the role of alternative data in lending decisions is gaining prominence.

Fraud: A growing threat to the credit industry, customers and communities

Published 21 May 2025

Fraud is more widespread than ever, causing significant harm to businesses, individuals, and communities. It erodes trust in the digital economy, hampers economic growth, and destabilises vulnerable economies worldwide. As criminals adapt and evolve, the impact extends far beyond financial losses, threatening the integrity of financial systems and consumer confidence.

Trapped in a cycle of misery: The reality of loan shark debt

Published 20 May 2025

Loan shark debt can devastate individuals and families, affecting vulnerable members of society and leading to life-altering consequences. Behind the scenes, the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) continues to fight this criminality, ensuring illegal lenders face justice and providing essential support to victims. Research from the IMLT highlights the alarming statistics surrounding loan shark debt.

Navigating IVA portfolio management
Challenges and opportunities for lenders

Published 27 April 2025

In today’s consumer finance landscape, lenders are grappling with increased regulatory demands, the need for fair consumer outcomes, and the pressure to maximise returns on Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs). While IVAs offer a structured pathway for consumers to manage their debts, they also present lenders with complex challenges.

Ferrari now accepting Bitcoin
Could this change the car buying experience?

Published 27 April 2025

Ferrari recently announced the extension of its cryptocurrency payments to European dealers. They initially introduced cryptocurrency as a payment method exclusively in the United States. The positive reception to this initiative has led them to expand cryptocurrency acceptance to European markets.

Key considerations
Enhancing outcomes for vulnerable customers

Published 17 April 2025

As firms continue to assess the findings from the FCA’s review of the fair treatment of customers in vulnerable circumstances, we explore a critical challenge many firms face: effectively monitoring outcomes for vulnerable customers. Many firms that we engage with believe their training, processes, and support tools are well-designed to mitigate the risk of harm to vulnerable customers.

Moving with the times
The future of responsible lending in a digital first world

Published 17 April 2025

As the financial services industry transitions to a digital-first world, responsible lending must evolve to meet new expectations for fairness, transparency, and customer-centricity. Digital transformation is reshaping how lenders engage with customers and manage their portfolios, enabling more effective, data-driven lending practices that enhance both the lending and collections processes, promoting better customer outcomes while upholding financial responsibility.