Borrowing and spending at Christmas

Published 15 December 2023

At this time of year, there are always stories about how people plan to pay for Christmas. Costs can quickly add up between presents, family expectations, extra travel, and hosting. Combined with the cost-of-living crisis currently facing many, it can be an expensive time of year. This year, different organisations have researched to explore our Christmas spending.

Changes at the FOS

Published 08 December 2023

Earlier this week, the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) published its Plans and Budget consultation for 2024/25. While these are first steps, we believe that they are heading in the right direction.

Level playing field in consumer credit?

Published 03 December 2023

BNPL and Big Tech shake things up Unsurprisingly, consumer credit regulation plays an essential part in the lending market. A level playing field in consumer credit is a crucial principle. Firms of different sizes and formats and providing various products need access to the market.

Engaging on the FCA’s Product Sales Data consultation

Published 24 November 2023

Anyone in consumer credit will likely know about the FCA’s recent consultation on Product Sales Data (PSD) reporting. The FCA has stated that the proposals aim to collect further data from the market to inform their supervisory and policy approach.

CS Lending Summit – challenges in consumer credit

Published 17 November 2023

In a post-pandemic world, there has been a shift in the way people attend industry events. So, it was great to participate in the CS Lending Summit operated by Credit Strategy. For us, there was interest in how Consumer Duty continues to be a mandatory discussion point and how there is more focus on access to credit.

Supporting Talk Money Week

Published 09 November 2023

We are now well into Talk Money Week 2023 run by the Money and Pensions Service (MaPs) which we are supporting. The purpose of Money Talk Week is to break the taboo of talking about money and encourage individuals to speak about their finances, something we still seem to struggle with here in UK.

Regulation of BNPL – an update

Published 06 November 2023

We think the FCA announcement on Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) activity is interesting for several reasons. First, it is fascinating that over 1 in 4 adults had used BNPL in the second half of last year. This raises some critical questions about the regulation of BNPL.

Minister talks about access to credit

Published 20 April 2023

We are always interested in hearing from Andrew Griffith, Economic Secretary to the Treasury. He is also referred to as the city minister because financial services fall within his area of responsibility. So when he spoke at the Mansion House about Financial Literacy and Inclusion, it was good to hear him talking about the importance of access to credit.

Increasing regulatory burden leads to a drop in regulated supply

Published 13 April 2023

We are currently reviewing the FCA Strategy to determine its implications for our members. That is being considered alongside the FCA’s proposed regulatory fees and levies. Too often regulators set rules that work well for the big banks and mega insurance companies.

FCA roundtable on Consumer Duty implementation

Published 28 February 2023

This note is a readout from a meeting we recently attended with the FCA. This will interest CCTA members who are involved in Consumer Duty implementation. INTRODUCTION As part of our policy and advocacy work, we attend the FCA’s regular roundtable meetings on Consumer Duty.

‘The Future of Credit’ research – comments by CCTA CEO

Published 22 February 2023

Nice to be invited to the Finance and Leasing Associations dinner tomorrow, always a remarkable event. More important than the invitation to dinner is the strong collaboration between credit associations on issues that are of importance to our members. One of the common areas of work is the promotion of the value of credit to UK families and businesses.

CCTA Chief Executive announced as Credit Week Leadership Awards finalist

Published 14 February 2023

I am very pleased to hear that I have been shortlisted for Business Leader of the Year in Alternative Finance award held during Credit Week. These are always interesting awards reflecting credit leadership across a range of sectors. Organised by Credit Strategy every year we watch our members do well across the sectors.