Consumer Credit (CONC)
Check and Demonstrate Your Firm's Compliance Against Each CONC Requirement:
General Conduct of Business: Confirm credit agreements are suitable and repossession is a last resort, with guidance explaining why fair, transparent sales without high-pressure tactics comply with consumer protection laws and build trust.
Credit References: Verify disclosure of consulted agencies and avoidance of unnecessary records, including rationale on why ethical searches and quotation facilities support customer shopping without harming credit scores.
Credit Broking: Document clear explanations of agreements and suitability of recommendations, with insights highlighting why transparency in fees and risks aligns with CONC standards for informed decisions.
High-Cost Short-Term Credit (HCSTC): Check explanations on price comparison sites and cost caps, explaining why understandable terms and total cost limits prevent exploitation and meet FCA caps.
Debt Counselling and Advice: Confirm suitable advice based on customer circumstances, underscoring why a full understanding of finances ensures tailored solutions and avoids unsuitable debt plans.
Distance Marketing Rules: Verify timely provision of information to consumers, with guidance on why good-time disclosures enable informed choices and fulfil e-commerce requirements.
Mental Capacity Considerations: Document training to recognise incapacity and fair policies, highlighting why assuming capacity unless evidenced protects vulnerable clients and reduces legal risks.
Responsible Lending Assessments: Confirm creditworthiness checks before advances, with a rationale on why thorough evaluations prevent unaffordable debt and demonstrate prudent lending.
Arrears, Default, and Recovery: Verify policies for handling arrears with forbearance, explaining why clear procedures and notices support fair recovery and regulatory adherence.
Prudential Resources Requirements: Document sufficient resources to meet liabilities, including insights on why ongoing solvency ensures operational stability and CONC 10 compliance.