Have motor finance lenders scored an own goal?

legal updates

A clear admission from two large motor finance lenders that they have no clue as to what their dealer networks are doing.

Read our disclaimer keyboard_arrow_down

This website content is intended as a general guide to law as it applies to the motor trade. Lawgistics has taken every effort to ensure that the contents are as accurate and up to date as at the date of first publication.

The laws and opinions expressed within this website may be varied as the law develops. As such we cannot accept liability for or the consequence of, any change of law, or official guidelines since publication or any misuse of the information provided.

The opinions in this website are based upon the experience of the authors and it must be recognised that only the courts and recognised tribunals can interpret the law with authority.

Examples given within the website are based on the experience of the authors and centre upon issues that commonly give rise to disputes. Each situation in practice will be different and may comprise several points commented upon.

If you have any doubt about the correct legal position you should seek further legal advice from Lawgistics or a suitably qualified solicitor. We cannot accept liability for your failure to take professional advice where it should reasonably be sought by a prudent person.

All characters are fictitious and should not be taken as referring to any person living or dead.

Use of this website shall be considered acceptance of the terms of the disclaimer presented above.

I thought a football analogy was apt as Euro 2024 has just kicked off in Germany.

A key part of this paper was included in the Executive Summary, with the FCA stating the following:

“In particular, CONC 1.2.2R requires lenders to take reasonable steps to ensure that persons acting on their behalf comply with CONC. This includes compliance with rules relating to disclosure of commission. Our work suggests that some lenders may be unduly reliant on contractual requirements and the provision of standard documentation and procedures and may not monitor brokers sufficiently closely or act where issues are found.”

Over the last couple of months, our members have forwarded to us correspondence they received from their lenders that asks the following:

“We need your support to help evidence commission disclosure.

The requirements for disclosing commission to customers have varied over the years. We’re busy working with our partners to gather evidence that customers were made aware of commission payments at point of sale over the following time periods. We’d be grateful if you could send us examples of documentation which evidence commission disclosure.”

The time period being from 2007 to the present day!

“Following extensive publicity, we are expecting to receive more complaints and would ask that, to reduce inconvenience to you, as a one-off exercise you seek to provide copies of all IDDs (Initial Disclosure Documents) that you have on record.”

This is a clear admission from two large motor finance lenders that they have no clue as to what their dealer networks are doing and have not had since 2007! It would have made more sense if the lenders had sent these emails in 2019, however, reacting five years later does raise more questions than answers. This looks like a massive own goal by the lenders, and I do not think the FCA will be referring the matter to VAR!!

Cable For My CarWe offer free next day delivery* on all EV charging cables when shipped within mainland UK

Stocking only premium EV charging cables, we ensure you experience a stress-free EV charge, over and over, confidently backed by our 2 year warranty. Our premium & reliable charging cables are compliant with EU & UK safety standards. We offer free next day delivery* on all EV charging cables when shipped within mainland UK.

We await the outcome of the FCA’s review which is due in September of this year.

If you are unsure how you should respond to these requests, please do not hesitate to contact Lawgistics.

John McDougallLegal AdvisorRead More by this author

Related Legal Updates

Double Finance Danger: Don’t get caught out!

Do not simply accept what the seller advises and drill down into any finance outstanding.

Honest guv, it was a mistake!

It is useful to know that if an employee has made a mistake, it is not that employee who is deemed liable.

Did you know that finance companies and brokers are psychic?

Our advice is don’t be bullied by them. But, that advice comes with a warning too.

Important changes to the FLA Lending Code

Independent used vehicle dealers will be required to become SAF-approved or equivalent by 1 January 2025.

DCA Complaints: The FCA’s Extended Timeline and Ongoing Delays

In short, five years after the original banning of discretionary commission arrangements, the FCA will provide a new approach as to how firms should deal with these matters!

Finance Company Unhappy with Court Ruling

The court found that the claim and particulars were inadequate and the finance company was told they had to submit a compliant claim/particulars.

Do I have to reply?

The lender writes to our member for assistance with paperwork, but our member decides to ignore it.

Get in touch

Complete the form to get in touch or via our details below:

Phone
01480 455500
Address

Vinpenta House
High Causeway
Whittlesey
Peterborough
PE7 1AE

By submitting this quote you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.