'The clock is ticking': FCA sets out how it will regulate payday lending

clock

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has set out how it plans to regulate the consumer credit sector when it takes over from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) next year, including plans to restrict what payday lenders can say in adverts.

Though the regulator believes payday lending "has a place", it said it would enforce providers to conduct tighter affordability checks among a raft of proposals for the sector. The FCA takes over responsibility for the regulation of consumer credit from the OFT on 1 April 2014. There are currently more than 50,000 firms with existing credit licences. The regulator said it wants to ensure that consumers are given enough information to make informed choices, that the market is competitive and offers loans that meet customer needs, and that those in difficulty are treated fairly. T...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Regulation

FCA calls on firms to plan for frontier AI cyber risks

FCA calls on firms to plan for frontier AI cyber risks

Joint statement released with BoE and Treasury

Sophia Panayi
clock 20 May 2026 • 2 min read
Firms urged to build 'fit-for-purpose' processes amid FCA bereavement review

Firms urged to build 'fit-for-purpose' processes amid FCA bereavement review

Financial advice firms ‘lack a clear service strategy for bereaved clients'

Sophia Panayi
clock 18 May 2026 • 5 min read
FCA releases further details on bereavement processes review

FCA releases further details on bereavement processes review

Review to focus on platforms, advisers and wealth managers

Sophia Panayi
clock 13 May 2026 • 2 min read