On 17 March 2026, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) published its Regulatory Priorities report for the consumer finance sector.

FCA priorities

The Regulatory Priorities report for the consumer finance sector includes the following priorities:

  • Consumers can access credit that meets their needs: The FCA explains that it expects expect firms to lend responsibly, provide well-designed credit that offers fair value and meets consumers’ needs, and that it also wants to see firms continue to help those currently excluded from credit and will support firms who want to innovate. It further explains that previous innovations in relation to this include products such as debt consolidation loans with automatic settlement of existing debts, budgeting tools, eligibility checkers for grants and benefits and referrals to other lenders, as  well as open banking and improvements to credit reporting, which may help with lending decisions for consumers with limited or no credit histories.
  • Firms support consumers who struggle with debt: The FCA sets out that it expects firms to ensure consumers can easily get suitable support without unnecessary barriers including by working with firms to make it easier for borrowers in financial difficulty to find and get help, improve lender forbearance and support and drive up the quality of debt advice so it is appropriate to consumers’ circumstances. The FCA further sets out that advice needs to include clear communications so consumers can make timely, well-informed decisions that deliver good outcomes.
  • Consumers can complain when things go wrong and get appropriate redress: Finally, the FCA highlights that firms are required to properly identify and deal with complaints including by keeping adequate records, undertaking root cause analysis, and holding sufficient funds to meet potential and actual liabilities. In particular, it highlights that motor finance firms should prepare to work constructively with the FCA on a potential redress scheme and that, in relation to redress claims, claims management companies should deliver high-quality, fair-value services that help consumers. The FCA also highlights that it will continue our work to ensure the Consumer Duty is integral to how regulated firms treat their consumers, will undertake risk-led reviews of emerging high-impact topics, such as whether fees and charges represent fair value, and will also consult on its rules in Chapter 3 of the Consumer Credit Sourcebook, covering financial promotions and communications.