Looking ahead to 2026: Key regulatory developments for consumer credit

Published 11 February 2026

The regulatory landscape for consumer credit continues to evolve, with several significant policy and supervisory developments expected through 2026. While not all changes will take effect immediately, the coming year will be important in shaping the future framework for how consumer credit is regulated in the UK. At a recent CCTA event, we highlighted some of the key developments on the horizon and what they may mean for lenders, consumers and the wider market.

Regulatory News:
11 February 2026

Published 11 February 2026

This week, The FCA published a letter to trade associations to provide an update in the development of a Future Entity (FE) for open banking. The FOS also announced that they are seeing the lowest complaint levels in two years. 

Regulatory News:
4 February 2026

Published 04 February 2026

This week, The FCA published its first newsletter covering insights and themes from its enforcement work. In addition to this, speeches were also given by Sheldon Mills and David Geale. The latest round of statistics have also been published from both the Bank of England and The Money Charity.

Lantern announces trio of senior appointments to power growth and customer impact

Published 29 January 2026

Lantern Group, a leading UK debt management and financial services company, has announced three strategic senior appointments as part of its commitment to growth, innovation and customer-centric service delivery. The company welcomes Charlotte Symonds as Chief Operating Officer, Charmaine Bonnaire as Director of Partnerships, and Scott Forster as Head of Brand and Communications.

Regulatory News:
28 January 2026

Published 28 January 2026

This week, the FCA launched a review into the implications of advanced AI on consumers, retail financial markets and regulators. Sheree Howard, Executive Director of Authorisations, also gave a speech at the FCA’s Gateway to growth event, at Chicago Booth London Conference Centre.

Regulatory News:
20 January 2026

Published 20 January 2026

This week, the FCA announced that applications are now open for the next round of AI Live Testing. The regulatory also issued a letter to trade associations, detailing the next steps on how to engage in the process of establishing a future entity for open banking. In other news, the FOS published their latest edition of Ombudsman News and BBC News published an article on credit reporting practices and consumer protection.

Financial inclusion must include access to regulated credit

Published 15 January 2026

The Consumer Credit Trade Association (CCTA) has recently submitted evidence to the Treasury Select Committee as part of its call for views on the Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy. This paper sets out the key points from our submission. We represent smaller, specialist and alternative consumer credit lenders across the UK. Our members serve people who are often shut out of mainstream bank lending – including those with variable or insecure incomes, thin or impaired credit histories, and non-standard or self-employed work patterns.

Regulatory News:
14 January 2026

Published 14 January 2026

This week, the FCA has confirmed the total amount of fines so far during 2026. The regulator has also published board minutes from its meeting held on 27 November 2025. In other news, StepChange Debt Charity has confirmed that 5 January 2026 was its busiest day in more than a year. The FOS has also set out ambitious targets for resolving cases in 2026/2027.

Regulatory News:
7 January 2026

Published 07 January 2026

This week, the FCA has opened an enforcement investigation into The Claims Protection Agency Limited (TCPA). The Bank of England and The Money Charity have also released their monthly statistics. 

The rise of the fake consumer: Why the UK must act on synthetic fraud

Published 18 December 2025

It wasn’t until late 2024 that UK fraud leaders began taking notice of the rise of synthetic identity fraud – until then it had been an unrecognised threat, with most organisations lacking monitoring and reporting insight. However, in the US, synthetic identity fraud has been surging, with estimated exposure of $3.1 billion across sectors in 2024.

Regulatory News:
17 December 2025

Published 17 December 2025

This week, the FCA published a news piece on open banking, stating that 16 million users now benefiting from the service. The regulator is also amending its Code of Conduct (COCON) sourcebook to explain how non-financial misconduct can be a breach of the conduct rules. In other news, the FOS has released it latest edition of Ombudsman News, which covers the organisation’s recent consultation on its plans and budget.

Enhancing customer journey through digitisation: Opportunities and challenges

Published 16 December 2025

In recent years, along with other sectors the financial services industry has been highlighting the significant benefits from the usage of artificial intelligence (AI). Some of the largest perceived benefits include in combatting fraud, customer engagement and services, and customer care. Similarly, apps and digital platforms have changed customer journeys.