A squeezed economy: Redefining affordability

Published 25 August 2026

We are witnessing a fundamental shift in consumer buying and borrowing behaviour that requires us to look deeper into the nuances of household resilience and consumer affordability. Traditional scores and affordability models aren’t always enough.

Shifting sands: Why employers need to prepare for the Employment Rights Act

Published 25 August 2026

The Employment Rights Act 2025 (ERA) is introducing the most significant updates to UK employment law in decades, reshaping the relationship between employers, employees and trade unions.

A seat at the table: Five key themes from our roundtable with the FCA

Published 20 August 2026

On 15 July, we were delighted to support the FCA, hosting a roundtable at our Liverpool offices. The session formed part of the FCA’s regional engagement programme, with the regulator seeking feedback from firms and their professional advisers on its 2025 – 2030 strategy, its growth agenda and the practical experience of regulated businesses today, including of the authorisations process.

Customer outcomes and operational resilience: Navigating the customer demand challenge

Published 18 August 2026

The motor finance sector is entering a period of unprecedented operational pressure. As firms prepare for increased customer enquiries, complaints and requests for information, what begins as a regulatory challenge can quickly become an operational one, placing significant strain on customer service, complaints handling and collections.

Turning back the clock: High Court says the Ombudsman’s approach to time-barring is unlawful

Published 13 August 2026

There have been many developments recently including (a) the continued ‘developments’ (for want of a better word) in motor finance commissions, (b) reforming both the Consumer Credit Act 1974 and the Financial Ombudsman Service (the Ombudsman) and (c) the Court of Appeal’s decision in Angel & Others v Black Horse Ltd & Others [2026]. But more about those another time.

Regulatory News:
12 August 2026

Published 12 August 2026

This week’s industry news focuses on the FCA’s support for innovative firms through its new Scale-up Unit and the launch of an API giving firms direct access to FCA Handbook data.

Complaints data: What it can tell us about customer expectations

Published 11 August 2026

Every consumer credit firm receives complaints. They are part of operating in a regulated market and dealing with complex financial products. Most firms have clear processes in place to investigate and resolve individual cases. But complaints data can offer far more than a record of issues raised.

Looking through the lens: Why governance, operations and customer outcomes can no longer be viewed through separate regulatory lenses

Published 10 August 2026

The biggest change affecting consumer credit firms is not a piece of legislation or new FCA rule. It is a fundamental shift in how regulation is being applied. The Financial Conduct Authority, Information Commissioner’s Office, Advertising Standards Authority and Financial Ombudsman Service all have different remits, yet they are increasingly examining the same customer journey through different regulatory lenses.

The road ahead: Motor finance redress – part of a wider broker-lender discussion

Published 06 August 2026

Few regulatory issues have dominated the consumer credit sector as much as motor finance commission over the past two years. For motor finance providers, it has been a core issue, although firms have not all faced the same risks or operated the same commission models.

Regulatory News:
5 August 2026

Published 05 August 2026

This week’s industry news covers the FCA’s reforms to the UK transaction reporting regime, designed to simplify requirements and reduce firms’ reporting costs, alongside new research examining the relationship between regional financial services and economic growth.

Motor finance redress: Are we asking the wrong question?

Published 04 August 2026

Few issues have dominated motor finance over the past two years like commission disclosure and redress. Court judgments, FCA consultations, legal challenges and sustained industry debate have created prolonged uncertainty. Lenders, brokers, investors and customers are still waiting to understand what the final framework will look like.

Regulatory News:
29 July 2026

Published 29 July 2026

This week’s industry news includes the FCA’s new motor finance complaints campaign, further guidance on Consumer Duty outcomes monitoring, and the next phase of its AI Supercharged Sandbox. We also highlight the Financial Ombudsman’s latest complaints data and leadership appointments, together with The Money Charity’s latest UK debt and money statistics.