FCA proposes new ‘Consumer Duty’ rules for Firms

The Financial Conduct Authority is introducing greater protections for retail clients by introducing a new consumer duty principle, aimed for firms providing and advising on products and services. In turn, this will increase the responsibility of firms to ensure consumers are provided with the products and services that are best fit for purpose and represent fair value. Firms are…

The Kalifa Review

An independent strategic review of UK financial technology (FinTech) has been published in line with the emerging prominence of this sector and the UK’s highly regarded fintech reputation. Also known as ‘The Kalifa Review’, its purpose is to aid the adoption and growth of Fintech in the UK. The review illustrates a strategy and delivery…

British Expats in the EU Face Borrowing Block

British expats living in the EU have faced a block on borrowing from some British lenders following the UK’s exit from the European Union.  Lenders including Newbury and Marsden Building Societies have adopted the policy however have signalled that the restrictions may only be temporary measures, depending on ongoing negotiations between the UK and EU. …

amigo loans

Amigo’s Woes Continue as Complaints Flood In

Subprime lender Amigo has announced that they will not be offering new loans until at least next year as they deal with an avalanche of customer complaints. The lender had originally paused lending after the Coronavirus crisis and has been struggling to deal with the volume of complaints they’ve been receiving.  Amigo received 25,571 complaints…

buy to let portfolio bank

Permanent TSB sells buy-to-let portfolio

Personal finance service provider Permanent TSB has agreed the sale of a portfolio of performing buy-to-let mortgages.  The portfolio, worth about €1.2 billion, has been sold to Citibank London, the UK branch of US-based Citibank. The deal also involves the sale of a pool of about 3,700 buy-to-let loan accounts.  All of the loans are…

furlough

Mortgage Criteria Tightens for Furlough Applicants

Mortgage lenders have tightened their criteria for mortgage applicants ahead of changes to the governments furlough scheme.  The tightening was predicted by brokers and is being made in line with upcoming changes in the furlough scheme that comes to an end in October.  The current government guidance surrounding the end of the scheme states that…