New research project on debt advice and vulnerability launches

1st March 2018 Consumer Collections |

A new research project has launched looking at how the debt advice sector supports people in vulnerable situations. Conducted by University of Bristol’s Personal Finance Research Centre (PFRC) in partnership with the Money Advice Trust and the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute and grant funded by the Money Advice Service, the research involves a…

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Morses Club announces latest preliminary results

1st March 2018 Consumer Collections |

Home collected credit provider Morses Club has announced its trading update for the 52-week period to 24 February 2018. Trading performance for the period has been strong and is in line with the Board’s expectations. Total credit issued was up 21% to £174.3m compared to the prior year (FY 2017: £144.1m) with a strong increase in the Company’s gross…

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Citizens Advice calls for action on high-cost credit

1st March 2018 Consumer Collections |

Citizens Advice has called on the Government to act on high-cost credit. Matthew Upton, Head of Consumer Policy at Citizens Advice, will give evidence to the Government’s Treasury Committee as part of its inquiry into household finances today (Thursday 1st March). The national charity says households are facing growing insecurity due to more unpredictable incomes…

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Payment Systems Regulator announces plans to protect payment scam victims

1st March 2018 Consumer Collections |

The Payment Systems Regulator has announced the outcome of its consultation on introducing a contingent reimbursement model for victims of authorised push payment (APP) scams. An industry code will be in place by September 2018, paving the way for victims of APP scams to have better protection. The consultation, which ran from November 2017 to January 2018,…

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Arrow announces Italian acquisitions

1st March 2018 Consumer Collections |

Debt purchaser, Arrow Global has announced that it has agreed terms for two acquisitions which strengthen the Group’s investment and asset management capabilities and reinforce its growing presence in Italy. The first acquisition is for Europa Investimenti S.p.A., a leading originator and manager of Italian distressed debt investments, for an equity value of €62 million.…

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Holmesdale Building Society announces Skipton merge plans

28th February 2018 Consumer Collections |

The Board of Holmesdale Building Society today announces it has agreed on on terms to merge with Skipton, the UK’s fourth largest building society. Subject to approval by its members and confirmation by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), the merger is expected to become effective on in October 2018. Full details of the proposed merger…

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Provident Financial confirms £300m rights issue

28th February 2018 Consumer Collections |

Provident Financial has confirmed it is looking to raise around £300m to shore up its finances and meet the costs of FCA investigations into its credit card and car finance arms. As part of its latest company results Provident said its Moneybarn division continues to cooperate with the FCA in its ongoing investigation into affordability,…

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One in two would use Open Banking if it offered personalisation

28th February 2018 Consumer Collections |

One in two UK consumers would be happy to share transaction data with third parties if offered a more personalised service according to new research. One in three would be happy to use banking services from technology companies, because of the personalisation they offer. UK Banks that missed last month’s Open Banking deadline are facing…

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New affiliate member joins the CFA

28th February 2018 Consumer Collections |

Specialist debt collection ARC (Europe), has become an Affiliate Member of the Consumer Finance Association (CFA), the principal trade association representing the short-term lending sector in the UK. Dewi Fox, Managing Director of ARC (Europe), sees clear benefits in a closer alliance with the Association and what it is trying to achieve: “We work closely…

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Value of outsourced financial services contracts trebled in 2017

28th February 2018 Consumer Collections |

The private sector outsourcing market soared to a three-year high in 2017 as businesses signed contracts worth £4.93 billion, according to the Arvato UK Outsourcing Index. The research, compiled by business outsourcing partner Arvato and industry analyst NelsonHall, found that the total value of contracts signed by UK companies rose 36 per cent year-on-year, from…

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Northview appoints Chief Executive

28th February 2018 Consumer Collections |

The Northview Group has appointed Mark Arnold as its new Chief Executive. Former Chief Executive Amany Attia stood down from the role last year. Northview includes the Kensington, New Street and Acenden brands. Arnold will officially join on 10th April. Northview Group executive chairman Tim Breedon says: “Mark has extensive experience and knowledge across financial…

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FCA announces new credit card rules

27th February 2018 Consumer Collections |

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has today published its final policy statement on new rules for the credit card market. The FCA estimates the changes will save consumers between £310 million and £1.3 billion a year in lower interest charges. The new rules come into force on 1 March 2018, but firms have until 1…

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FCA fines Vanquis £1.9m

27th February 2018 Consumer Collections |

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced that it has imposed a fine of £1,976,000 on credit card lender, Vanquis, for failing to disclose the full price of an add-on product, called Repayment Option Plan (ROP).  The firm will also repay an estimated £168,781,000 in compensation which constitutes the amount of the charges not disclosed…

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