New research from Compare the Market suggests that fear of being turned down for credit is preventing millions of people from applying for financial products altogether, as new Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) affordability checks are introduced across the UK. BNPL providers will be required to carry out affordability and creditworthiness checks before approving credit,…
Read moreThe Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) has said its members stand ready to support the Government’s plans to drive economic growth by providing the specialist finance that enables businesses to obtain equipment, consumers to buy cars and households to invest in their homes. Ahead of the Chancellor’s Mansion House speech, the FLA said delivering sustainable…
Read moreNew analysis from debt advice provider PayPlan, has revealed that Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) usage among its customers across the UK has increased by 3,793% between 2020 and 2025, highlighting the growing role the credit product is playing in household finances. The findings reveal a significant awareness gap when it comes to the new…
Read moreStepChange Debt Charity has welcomed the long-awaited Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) regulation coming into force on Wednesday this week (15th July), which will mean all BNPL products come under FCA regulation and include consumer protections in line with borrowing such as credit cards and personal loans. The charity has laid out what the changes…
Read moreThe Bank of England (the Bank), the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) will start overseeing the first Critical Third Parties (CTPs) on following designation by HM Treasury (HMT). Critical Third Parties (CTPs) are technology and other service providers whose services underpin the UK financial system. The HMT has announced its…
Read moreThe Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has set out what financial firms can do to improve how products and services can better meet consumers’ needs. When products are designed with consumers’ needs firmly in mind, they can support good outcomes, helping people make informed choices, get fair value, and receive the support they need over time…
Read moreVictims of authorised push payment (APP) scams received £243 million in reimbursements from payment companies last year, according to the Payment Systems Regulator. APP scams involve consumers being deceived into sending money to seemingly legitimate parties. In 2024, new rules mandated that payment companies must reimburse victims up to £85,000. The regulator is set to…
Read moreA criminal from Preston has been sentenced at Manchester Crown Court to six years in prison after pleading guilty to a series of fraud offences, including making purchases using stolen cards, gaining unauthorised access to someone’s online account, and intercepting parcels. The sentencing follows an investigation and arrest by a specialist, banking-industry-sponsored police unit, the…
Read moreThe era of near-invisible checkout credit is set for a major reset, as previously unregulated Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) products come under the Financial Conduct Authority’s oversight. The new rules will apply to Deferred Payment Credit agreements, meaning lenders will need to carry out affordability checks, provide clearer information on repayment terms and fees,…
Read moreNationwide has announced the appointment of Kim Dickinson as its new Lead Product Manager for Intermediaries, further strengthening its intermediary relationships team at a time of continued focus on supporting the broker community. Dickinson brings a wealth of experience in the mortgage market and working with intermediaries, having previously spent the last 10 years at…
Read moreSpecialist lender LiveMore has announced the appointment of Charles Roe as Industry Adviser. In this role, Roe will support LiveMore’s position as a consumer champion that is continually pioneering solutions for the evolving needs of borrowers, as well as helping to deepen the company’s relationships with its key commercial partners. Roe joins LiveMore with a…
Read moreFraud rates within Open Banking payments remain below wider UK payments industry benchmarks as adoption of Open Banking continues to grow, according to the first edition of the Open Banking Payments & Fraud Monitor, published today by Open Banking Limited (OBL). Drawing on data from account providers representing more than 60% of Open Banking payment…
Read moreA new report by the Treasury Committee has found that students were not told clearly enough that loan terms could change retrospectively, and called for a U-turn on the decision to freeze the income threshold at which some graduates start repaying their loans. The report also says that the Government has a moral obligation to…
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