July 2026
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£99 + VAT
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This conference examined next steps for consumer credit reform in the UK, in the context of legislative and regulatory changes affecting consumer lending, financial inclusion, consumer protection and market oversight.
Areas for discussion included reform of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 framework, implementation of the new regulatory regime for Buy Now Pay Later lending, access to affordable credit, and implications for firms preparing for operational change. Wider questions were also examined around redress, debt enforcement, and how reform can support innovation, competition and market confidence while maintaining effective consumer safeguards.
Overall, it brought together key stakeholders and policymakers to discuss the Government’s programme of reform following HM Treasury’s policy statement on reform of the Consumer Credit Act, the Financial Conduct Authority’s policy statement on Regulation of Deferred Payment Credit, and wider measures progressing through the Financial Services and Markets Bill. With the FCA also preparing further consultation on transferring consumer credit requirements into its Handbook, attendees considered immediate implementation priorities, alongside issues related to legal certainty and proportionality, as well as practical implications of transition for regulated firms, lenders, advisers and consumer-facing organisations.
The agenda assessed the next phase of consumer credit reform, including repeal and replacement of elements of the Consumer Credit Act, options for simplifying prescriptive statutory requirements, and the development of a more outcomes-focused regime linked to the Consumer Duty. We expected discussion on what will be needed from government, regulators and firms to manage implementation effectively, including governance, systems change, operational readiness and maintaining clarity for both firms and consumers during transition.
Regulatory reform, implementation, and information and protection for consumers
Attendees considered how the regulatory framework should evolve alongside innovation in consumer lending.
This included implementation of the new regime for deferred payment credit, and practical consequences of bringing Buy Now Pay Later products within FCA regulation and into the Financial Ombudsman Service’s remit. Delegates assessed priorities for firms preparing for authorisation, including operational readiness, data capability, complaints handling, and affordability and creditworthiness assessment. Attendees also considered how the new regime can be implemented in a way that protects consumers without creating unnecessary friction.
Further discussion examined the FCA’s proposed changes to financial promotion rules for consumer credit, including approaches to APR disclosure, consumer communications, exemptions, and implementation of the consumer understanding duty. Questions around legal certainty, comparability across products, and proportionality for firms were considered alongside wider issues around effective consumer protection.
Financial inclusion, alternative lending and access to affordable credit
Sessions assessed priorities for improving access to affordable credit, particularly for underserved consumers and communities, in the context of the Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy and regulatory initiatives affecting mutuals and community finance. Delegates considered the role of alternative lending models in improving access to affordable credit, including the contribution of credit unions, community finance providers and mutuals, alongside emerging mechanisms such as small-sum lending pilots and Variable Recurring Payments. Attendees also assessed implications for regional access to financial services.
Discussion also considered the potential of Open Banking, Open Finance, data-sharing frameworks and emerging payment mechanisms to support more inclusive lending while maintaining appropriate safeguards around affordability, data use and consumer understanding. We expected discussion on proportionality in prudential and conduct regulation for smaller providers, and on the role of collaboration between mainstream lenders, FinTech firms and community finance organisations in widening access to fair and sustainable credit.
Consumer protection, redress and debt enforcement reform
Further sessions assessed proposals for reform of debt enforcement, including plans relating to the Enforcement Conduct Board, alongside wider developments in debt advice, consumer support and the use of technology in reducing reliance on higher-risk borrowing. Attendees considered how these issues interact across the consumer credit lifecycle, from product design and affordability assessment through to collections, enforcement and redress.
The agenda also examined wider implications of consumer protection and redress developments, including the FCA’s proposed motor finance consumer redress scheme and associated operational considerations for firms. Delegates assessed implications for complaints handling, governance, operational resilience and regulatory certainty, alongside discussion of concerns raised by some stakeholders regarding operational complexity and claims management activity in large-scale redress programmes.
As well as key stakeholders, those attending included officials from the Department for Business and Trade; Department for the Economy, NI; HM Treasury; Competition and Markets Authority; and Ofwat.
