Credit, Collections & Insolvency News
The BBA has released high street bank figures for October. Dr Rebecca Harding, BBA Chief Economist, said “Consumer credit is now growing at its fastest rate since November 2006, reflecting strong retail sales growth. Consumer confidence remains robust as borrowers take advantage of record low interest rates. Mortgage approvals ticked up a little October. There has only…
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The UK Card Payments Association has announced that payment card spending grew by 0.6 per cent in September to reach £54.7 billion, driven largely by a £302 million rise in debit card spending. Card spending increased by £4.4 billion in the three months to the end of September compared to the previous quarter, a 2.8%…
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Paragon Bank has announced plans to launch a new range of specialist residential mortgages. In a report for the year ending 30th September 2016, the bank revealed that it intended to follow the launch of its development finance proposition and two acquisitions in the asset finance market with new specialist residential products in the first…
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Spring Finance has promoted Kate Hill to Underwriting Manager. Hill has been an underwriter at Spring Finance since joining the company in July 2015. She previously worked at packagers The Loans Engine and Loans Warehouse, as well as Barclay’s, during the first 13 years of her career. Hill will be assisted by new underwriter Penny…
Read moreA new study from Citizens Advice reveals the challenges faced by “just about managing families” and says many of the problems are ‘fixable’. The report is based on new analysis of the problems faced by the 700,000 working people helped by Citizens Advice between October 2015 and September 2016. It identifies the most common challenges…
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Research from a YouGov poll has revealed that almost half (49 per cent) of people in Scotland admit to being in debt with many of these feeling the strain, just weeks before Christmas. The poll, which was commissioned by Scotcash and Scotwest Credit Union, revealed almost 1 in 2 (49 per cent) of adults surveyed…
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A new survey from Freedom Finance, has revealed the UK’s decision to leave the European Union has had little effect on UK borrowers’ financial outlook. Almost half (43%) of all respondents believe that market uncertainty would enable them to negotiate a better mortgage deal. When asked whether Brexit impacted their borrowing decisions, more than two thirds…
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New research from the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA) explores whether policymakers’ regulatory approach in the wake of the financial crisis has created a market that prioritises stability over popular access to mortgage finance. IMLA’s report, ‘Is the mortgage market working for consumers?’, suggests that consumers’ number one priority when it comes to getting a…
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Consumers are losing trust in businesses as a result of poor billing practices and being pushed onto direct debit arrangements, according to new research by Echo Managed Services. Research with a representative sample of 1,000 UK adults revealed that 15% of consumers had been put on a tariff where they are paying more than necessary.…
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Equifax has partnered with regulatory and risk analytics specialists 4most to provide support for clients to address financial regulatory changes such as IFRS 9. IFRS 9 includes new rules on how banks and other companies that lend money should account for credit losses, with an implementation deadline of January 2018. The partnership will combine Equifax…
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The Building Society Association (BSA) has announced that Jonathan Westhoff, Chief Executive of the West Brom has been elected as the Deputy Chair of the BSA. He replaces Chris Pilling, Chief Executive of the Yorkshire Building Society, who is stepping down. Commenting, Dick Jenkins, BSA Chairman said “Jonathan has already proved himself a thoughtfully outspoken member…
Read moreGross mortgage lending held steady in October and was an estimated £20.6 billion, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML). This closely matches September’s gross lending total of £20.5 billion and is 5% lower than October last year (£21.8 billion). Commenting on market conditions in this month’s market commentary, CML senior economist Mohammad Jamei…
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Elevate UK has added four new members to its executive team. Lauren Darby joins as Vice President of Marketing, Karen Taylor as General Counsel & Director of HR, George Power as Senior Director for Product Development, and Steve Grice as Chief Technology Officer. Lauren Darby is heading up Elevate UK’s marketing division, which includes leading…
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