UK bank security is “seriously lagging behind international competitors”

12th March 2018 Consumer Collections |

UK consumers are being put at risk of fraud because banks are “seriously lagging behind international competitors” when it comes to security according to new research by GBG. The research also finds that UK financial services organisations are failing to invest and not keeping up with digital investment seen in other sectors. While other countries…

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FCA publishes transforming culture in financial services Paper

12th March 2018 Consumer Collections |

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has today published a discussion paper on transforming culture in financial services which presents views from academics and industry thought leaders.  The paper is intended to provide a basis for stimulating further debate on transforming culture in the sector. The paper is a set of essays that discuss what a…

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Consumer CCJs hit record high in 2017

12th March 2018 Consumer Collections |

There were more County Court Judgments (CCJs) against consumers in England and Wales during 2017 than any other year since current records began in 2005, according to figures released today by Registry Trust.  In 2017, 1,138,058 judgments were registered against consumers in England and Wales. Rising almost a quarter on 2016, the total number of…

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Experian announces simplification of personal loan application service

9th March 2018 Consumer Collections |

Experian has announced that it is introducing a new seamless process for loan applications, delivering significant time savings for consumers.  The new journey integrates the loan purchase experience into one place, with customers having to enter far fewer details because Experian’s data insights allows it to pre-populate the relevant information. As well as being given a…

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FLA launches motor finance apprenticeship

8th March 2018 Consumer Collections |

The Finance & Leasing Association (FLA), working alongside employers in a Trailblazer group, has launched its Motor Finance Specialist apprenticeship to offer employment and training opportunities to those entering one of the UK’s fastest growing sectors. A new section on the FLA’s website provides all the necessary information that firms will need to get their…

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Consumer credit grows by 9.3%

2nd March 2018 Arrears and Recoveries |

The Bank of England has today published its latest monthly Money and Credit report showing growth in consumer credit of 9.3 percent in the year to January 2018. Outstanding balances for consumer credit now stand at over £207.5 billion. Commenting on the latest figures Money Advice Trust Joanna Elson OBE, Chief Executive said “Whilst the…

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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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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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FCA launch proposals on future of adviser register

27th February 2018 Consumer Collections |

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)  has announced that it has launched a consultation on proposals to make information available on a wider range of individuals at authorised firms. The FCA and Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) currently maintain a public Financial Services Register, “the FS Register”, of the firms that regulate and approve individuals. In July 2017, the…

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