Intrum Justitia to buy Romanian Debt Purchaser

5th April 2017 Consumer Collections |

Intrum Justitia has entered into an agreement to acquire Top Factoring, one of the leading companies for purchased debt in Romania. The purchase price on a cash and debt free basis (enterprise value) is about EUR 25 million, attributable mainly to a diversified portfolio of receivables. Top Factoring has about 210 employees, primarily involved in…

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UKAR announces sale of Bradford & Bingley assets for £11.8 billion

31st March 2017 Consumer Collections |

Bradford & Bingley plc (B&B), part of UK Asset Resolution (UKAR), today confirms that following an open and competitive process it has agreed to sell two separate asset portfolios comprising performing buy to let loans for a total of £11.8bn to Prudential plc and to funds managed by Blackstone. Financial completion is expected within the…

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£3 billion in child maintenance arrears might never be collected

28th March 2017 Consumer Collections |

The National Audit Office (NAO) has published the findings of its investigation into the Department for Work & Pensions’ closure of its 1993 and 2003 child maintenance schemes. The 1993 and 2003 ‘Child Support Agency’ schemes struggled with IT problems leading to poor customer service, backlogs and incomplete information about amounts due.  Inaccurate assessments can…

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HMRC doubles private sector debt collection spend

28th March 2017 Consumer Collections |

The HMRC spend on private sector debt collection agencies to chase people who have fallen behind on their tax bills has jumped by 92% in just one year to £24 million according to latest figures released by UHY Hacker Young. This is compared to a spend of £12.5 million on private sector debt collection agencies…

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Bridging Finance Solutions and Target Group announce Partnership

22nd March 2017 Consumer Collections |

Target Group has signed a deal to supply its Bluechip Web Portal to Bridging Finance Solutions (BFS), the short-term property finance provider. To further improve processing efficiencies BFS panel solicitors will have access to their allocated cases via the portal and will be able to upload documentation and leave case notes, which updates the Bluechip…

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Customer Vulnerability research guide launched

21st March 2017 Consumer Collections |

The Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) and The UK Cards Association are today launching a new publication – Vulnerability; a guide for debt collection – that will help their members to better identify and support customers in vulnerable circumstances. Both trade associations worked in partnership with the University of Bristol’s Personal Finance Research Centre (PFRC)…

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Standard Financial Statement launches

1st March 2017 Consumer Collections |

Today sees the launch of the new Standard Financial Statement (SFS), an initiative designed to bring greater consistency to the way organisations assess people’s finances when they are in debt. The SFS, the launch of which has been co-ordinated by the Money Advice Service, will be adopted by all major debt advice providers across commercial and…

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Experto Credite in liquidation

23rd December 2016 Consumer Collections |

Debt buyer Experto Credite has entered into liquidation, The company entered voluntary liquidation on November 24. Smith & Williamson, were appointed as jlquidators for the winding up process. Debts are believed to be owed to HSBC, Natwest, Virgin Media, Vodafone and Intrum Justitia. No further details are available at this stage.

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Target Group appoints new Chief Client Officer

11th October 2016 Consumer Collections |

Target Group has today announced the appointment of Jeremy Edwards as the company’s Chief Client Officer (CCO). Having held senior leadership positions at Accenture, Firstsource Solutions and Hinduja Global Services, Jeremy brings with him a wealth of experience in financial services, business process outsourcing (BPO) and client services. The new role brings together business development, client…

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Arrow Global expands European footprint

20th September 2016 Consumer Collections |

Arrow Global Group PLC (“Arrow Global” or the “Group”) has agreed terms to take ownership of an additional specialist servicing capability and enter into a five-year servicing agreement in the Netherlands. As part of the investment, it will also co-invest in a secured loan portfolio with a face value of circa €1.7 billion (circa 9,300…

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European Central Bank lets banks set NPL targets

13th September 2016 Consumer Collections |

The European Central Bank (ECB) will allow European banks to set their own targets for cutting the €900 billion of bad loans left over from the financial crisis. New guidance will require banks to set their own targets for the levels on non-performing loans (NPL), with only “significant” deviations triggering regulatory action. Sharon Donnery, the Irish…

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25% of Consumers prefer debt communication through digital

31st August 2016 Consumer Collections |

New research from Echo Managed Services has found that one in four people want businesses to contact them via digital channels in order to settle their debts. 25% of the 1,500 consumers questioned said digital means, such as SMS or email (particularly when these are linked to an online payment portal) would likely lead to payment of a debt. 40%…

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Target Group acquisition by Tech Mahindra is approved

24th August 2016 Consumer Collections |

Tech Mahindra’s acquisition of Target Group has been formally approved by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Ian Larkin and Bill Alley, co-group Chief Executive Officers stated:  “We would like to thank Pollen Street Capital for its four years of support and assistance in moving the business forward. Our focus now will be on accelerating the next…

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