BNPL lender Zilch has started reporting its 3 million customers’ borrowing data to UK credit bureaus, in a way that will impact credit scores of up to 3 million customers. Until now Zilch has had partnerships with individual credit bureaus like Experian, but has only used this data as part of its affordability assessments to perform “soft” credit checks…
The UK government faces growing pressure to toughen the rules on lenders charging a majority of customers higher interest rates than originally advertised. As outlined by the FCA, banks and other regulated lenders must offer rates as advertised, to at least 51% of their borrowers. This measure is intended to prevent people from accepting ‘attractive’…
ESG performance is becoming an increasingly vital component for the financial performance of assets within the UK commercial real estate sector. More and more real estate investors and owners recognise that they will see the value of their assets decline if they do not make the transition to net zero. According to one study, over…
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…
Proposed changes to responsible lending regulations hit the Australian federal Senate the week before last. Since the 2008 – 2009 Global Financial Crisis, Financial regulation and responsible lending laws have been largely combative, with inflamed tensions between bankers and lawyers. The reforms were first announced in September 2020, in the hopes of boosting Australia’s credit…
Our previous post on Buy Now Pay Later’s (BNPL’s) focussed on the possible transparency issues that can arise when utilising them, particularly regarding the silent accumulation of debt that has become increasingly concerning. The use of BNPL’s can further fuel a culture in which ‘fast fashion’ and excess consumption are viewed as both advantageous and…
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…
Buy now Pay later (‘BNPL’) providers like Klarna and Clearpay allow customers to purchase goods in a series of instalments, without the fear of crippling interest rates or a late payment fee. Yet, the appeal of such an offer can often mask the reality that it is in fact, a form of credit. An unintended…
For much of 2020 the focus for lending regulators has been the coronavirus pandemic and assisting borrowers through the crisis. As we move into the new year that focus is set to continue however there is likely to be the chance for new developments that have been put on hold thanks to the restrictions. The…
With more and more lenders turning to Artificial Intelligence (AI) software, lenders and customers alike are discovering that technology and humans both come with their own unique sets of pros and cons. Using AI software as a way of deciding how lenders can borrow money and who is approved for a loan can help to…
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