News analysis
All change please 1 October 2011
The Independent Commission on Banking (ICB) was always going to achieve divisiveness. Register or log in to read full article
A cultural shift 1 September 2011
In the wake of last month’s troubles most of the key commentators were quick to posture, but few paused to consider what had created such chaos across England’s cities. Register or log in to read full article
Does code offer any advance? 1 August 2011
Detractors are lining up to oppose the lending code for payday lenders, claiming that it doesn’t go far enough to protect consumers. Alex Cardno examines the next step. Register or log in to read full article
Streamlining the process 1 July 2011
The government’s latest consultation on consumer protection proposes a remarkable turnaround for the fortunes of Citizens Advice. But solutions still remain to be found, as Alex Cardno finds out. Register or log in to read full article
A balancing act 1 June 2011
Debt management firms are at odds with servicing providers over the capping of fees for individual voluntary arrangements, and there is no end to the argument in sight, finds Alex Cardno Register or log in to read full article
Biting the hand that feeds? 1 May 2011
Through new guidance, the Office of Fair Trading is targeting the creditors who are both debt collection agencies’ prime customers and, at times, the root cause of their compliance problems, finds Marcel Le Gouais Register or log in to read full article
The true cost of public debt advice 1 April 2011
The government made a significant U-turn in its decision to continue funding to the free debt advice sector for another year. Alex Cardno assesses the long term solution to this problem… Register or log in to read full article
Changing tides of recovery? 1 March 2011
Norwegian group Gothia’s takeover of BCW Group was a surprise move in the recoveries sector. Alex Cardno examines the new ways in which contingency agencies are trying to grow Register or log in to read full article
A rethink on mental capacity? 1 February 2011
As a consultation gets under way on creditors’ responsibilities regarding customers’ mental ability to make informed borrowing decisions, Antony Collins unravels the potential impact of yet another set of new rules Register or log in to read full article
A change of order? 1 January 2011
Requirements imposed against four major lenders over their use of charging orders have prompted calls for a change in the law. Alex Cardno examines the cause and effect Register or log in to read full article
Enforcing the unenforceable 1 December 2010
The Office of Fair Trading has finally issued its guidance on section 77 of the Consumer Credit Act that people exploited to ‘dump’ their debts. Ashley Armstrong finds that debtors will now have to take responsibility Register or log in to read full article
Top of the blacklist 1 November 2010
Some critics have argued that banks have failed to understand one of the core principles of business – customers are always right. Ashley Armstrong discovers how growing complaints figures could hit them where it hurts Register or log in to read full article
Targeting the benefit cheats 1 October 2010
The recent roll-out of credit reference agencies to tackle benefit fraud has reopened the debate on government intrusion into everyday life. Ashley Armstrong explores the cons and benefits of such a move Register or log in to read full article
Tension on the balance sheet 1 September 2010
The perennial tension between businesses and banks has come under the spotlight in the government’s consultation on lending targets. Ashley Armstrong investigates the disputes surrounding the hotly debated issue Register or log in to read full article
Cheques and balances 1 August 2010
The Office of Fair Trading’s final report into high cost credit eschewed price controls, but the regulator remains convinced that competition needs ramping up, as Marcel Le Gouais discovers Register or log in to read full article
Masking a painful truth? 1 July 2010
Official figures reveal that personal insolvencies have soared, while corporate failures are dropping, but Marcel Le Gouais asks if some firms are staving off inevitable failure by staying afloat Register or log in to read full article
The weight of responsibility 1 June 2010
Despite the Office of Fair Trading’s best efforts to define irresponsible lending to creditors, Ashley Armstrong finds the devil is in the detail Register or log in to read full article
Industry divided on debt proposals 1 May 2010
The CCCS has issued proposals to ease pressure on struggling debtors, but not all industry figures agree on the plans, writes Alex Cardno Register or log in to read full article
One clear voice for the debt industry 1 April 2010
Amid the ongoing march of new rules and guidelines the CSA is on a mission to make the industry’s voice heard, writes Ashley Armstrong Register or log in to read full article
Standard measure 1 March 2010
The European standards on enforcement say bailiffs should have greater powers but it is unclear if they will be adopted here, says Ashley Armstrong Register or log in to read full article
Subscribe to Credit Today
