Unlocking lending opportunities
The truth about open banking and loan approvals

Published 08 April 2025

Brandon Wallace, Senior Product Manager at financial data intelligence company Bud, explains why, contrary to misconceptions, use of open banking data in the affordability assessment process can help lenders increase approvals without taking on extra risk. It’s a common misconception in the lending industry that using open banking data in lending processes will lead to an increase in declines.

Access to credit
Key themes from Martha Stokes CCTA Conference panel discussion

Published 08 April 2025

I had the pleasure of joining a panel on access to responsible credit at the recent CCTA Conference, alongside experts on this issue from government and industry. It was great to hear the views and suggestions of my fellow panellists, in particular the importance of collaboration and the potential for partnerships between mainstream and alternative lenders.

Securing the future of UK collections
The power of network tokenisation

Published 08 April 2025

In the UK collections industry, security, efficiency, and customer trust are essential. As digital payments become the norm, financial service companies face a unique set of challenges, including managing recurring payments securely, reducing operational costs, and minimising fraud risks.

From policy to practice
Addressing the challenge of supporting vulnerable customers

Published 08 April 2025

Ensuring customers have an appropriate degree of protection is central to the FCAs mission. Under the Vulnerable Customer Guidance (FG21/1), the FCA expects vulnerable customers to receive outcomes equal to the treatment of other customers. Treatment must be consistent and fair across the end-to-end product and customer lifecycle. The FCA’s focus on vulnerability continues to sharpen.

The wind of change
Harnessing data to support financially vulnerable customers

Published 08 April 2025

Amid continued economic uncertainty and an unexpected inflation rise to 3.9% in January, many UK residents are turning to borrowing to help manage their money and make ends meet.

Building trust in the lending process
The role of transparency and decision systems

Published 28 November 2024

In the competitive landscape of alternative lending, trust is not merely an asset; it is a necessity. As consumers increasingly seek clarity and fairness, lenders must step up their game, creating a transparent environment where borrowers feel informed and secure in their decisions.

The Mental Health Moratorium
An important new measure in debt recovery in Scotland

Published 02 October 2024

The Bankruptcy and Diligence (Scotland) Bill was passed by the Scottish Parliament on 6 June 2024. It is not yet known when it will come into force, but an important milestone has been passed. The Bill brings into force an important new measure in debt recovery in Scotland, namely the introduction of a Mental Health Moratorium.

A strategic framework for successS
Enhancing consumer complaints handling

Published 25 September 2024

“Complaints! It’s easy, right?” As industry representatives, we often hear this. At its core, handling complaints is about addressing customer needs and restoring faith in the brand, epitomising ownership. However, to keep it “easy,” you need robust planning and implementation, which is anything but easy.

Holding cyber criminals accountable
Mooji V Persons Unknown

Published 18 September 2024

n the ever-evolving landscape of cyberspace, legal disputes can arise where the identity of the alleged wrongdoers are shrouded in anonymity. These disputes present unique challenges for the traditional legal frameworks, particularly determining accountability. A case that has explored this area further is Mooij -v- Persons Unknown.

The importance of field knowledge
Don’t underestimate ‘doorstep data’

Published 16 September 2024

A year ago, my colleague Rob Oxley wrote in a CCTA Magazine article that “a one size fits all approach to consumer debt recovery isn’t effective” but accepted that “a fully tailored approach to each and every customer isn’t possible – or at least not without access to quality data.” In 2024, there’s no doubt that customer data is king.

Please do not ask for credit…
The need for a functioning credit market for all

Published 11 September 2024

Credit is an emotive subject, especially when it is used by lower income households. When used in the wrong way, credit can lead to bad outcomes. It should not be a substitute for better wages and social security benefits. It can be harmful and lead to problem debt, court action and increased anxiety and misery.

Reflecting on the Consumer Duty
One year on…

Published 09 September 2024

Lantern discuss their Consumer Duty journey so far and reflect on the last twelve months. The thought process and actions taken regarding their Annual Report are also considered.