Risk

Neural Technologies finalist in IT Supplier of the Year Award

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 17:53:37 +0100

Risk management software solution provider, Neural Technologies, has been selected as a finalist for the IT Supplier of the Year Award by the BCS & Computing UK IT Industry Awards 2010 in the Organisational Excellence category. The shortlisting is a recognition of the company’s work on a major fraud and credit risk management project carried out for leading Turkish mobile operator, Turkcell.

Callcredit Strengthens Leadership Team

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 17:35:27 +0100

Callcredit Information Group welcomes Adrian Mitri and Tom Ilube in the new roles of Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of Consumer Markets, respectively.

Begbies Traynor Group launches BTG Global Risk Partners

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:03:59 +0100

Begbies Traynor Group, the specialist professional services consultancy, today announces the launch of BTG Global Risk Partners, bringing together the Group’s forensic accounting, computer forensic, investigation and security risk practices into a new integrated business, with immediate effect.

SAS ranked as a leader credit risk management systems market for fourth year

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:40:52 +0100

Chartis Research's Credit Risk Management Systems 2010 report ranks SAS, the leader in business analytics software and services, as a leader for the fourth straight year.

Coface confirms the strong recovery of its result in the 1st half of 2010

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:28:39 +0100

The positive trend that began in the second half of 2009 is confirmed in the first half of 2010, with operating profit of €55m compared to -€47m in the second half of 2009 and -€202m in the first half of 2009.

With SAS software, Alliant Credit Unionâs enhanced risk management program will lead market

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:13:58 +0100

To strengthen its market leadership, Alliant Credit Union of Chicago has chosen SAS to upgrade its enterprise risk management (ERM) program. The seventh-largest US credit union based on asset size, Alliant chose SAS OpRisk Management from the leader in business analytics following a successful 2009 SAS Analytics implementation.

Action taken against two brokers for mortgage fraud failings

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:49:55 +0100

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has taken action against two mortgage brokers whose reckless business practices allowed false and misleading mortgage applications to be made to lenders.

Nearly one in three UK firms targeted by fraudsters in past eighteen months

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:40:12 +0100

Almost a third of UK businesses, (31 per cent), have been targeted by fraudsters over the past eighteen months, reveals recent research carried out by Graydon UK, the commercial credit referencing agency.

Experian appoints Head of Insurance for UK & Ireland

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 20:58:06 +0100

Experian®, the global information services company, today announces the appointment of Sandy McPherson as Head of Insurance for UK and Ireland.

Callcredit agrees long-term credit report deal with Rent4Sure

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 18:11:45 +0100

Callcredit Information Group has signed a five year deal with tenant referencing specialists Rent4Sure, to supply credit reports and risk assessments through its CallReport product.

Creditsafe launches advanced prospecting tool

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 18:06:13 +0100

Creditsafe, the business intelligence experts, has announced the launch of Advanced Prospects, a marketing tool that delivers vital business intelligence on 3.7 million companies throughout the UK.

LSC - the first public body to fight fraud through CIFAS

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 18:52:16 +0100

The Legal Services Commission (LSC) is the first public sector organisation to join CIFAS, the UK’s Fraud Prevention Service, to counter the fraudulent use of taxpayers’ money.

Atradius appoints Mark Palmer to lead and expand its London Special Products team

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 18:39:30 +0100

Formerly Director of the Trade Credit Surety and Political Risks Division at Marsh Brokers Ltd (formerly HSBC Brokers Ltd) Mark’s career has spanned banking and broking as well as the underwriting of trade credit and political risk.

Adeptra brings context and intelligence to global banks with new deployments of its decision engine

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:02:15 +0100

Adeptra, the recognized leader in automated customer contact and resolution for fraud, collections and marketing, has announced new deployments of its Decision Engine technology for banks headquartered in North America and Europe.

Lafayette Federal Credit Union picks SASÂ® for predictive insight from operational data

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 17:49:43 +0100

Facing increased competition, credit unions struggle to work smarter while still providing superior member service. Lafayette Federal Credit Union (LFCU) wanted to predict and prepare for events and issues rather than simply react.

FSA bans five individuals for insurance fraud and insurance broker gets large fine

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:59:21 +0100

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has banned five individuals for failings in relation to insurance fraud. It has also imposed one of its largest ever fines of £150,000 for insurance fraud on one of these individuals and £50,000 on another.

CIFS introduces new collections service

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:02:24 +0100

Lloyd’s credit insurer, Credit Indemnity & Financial Services, has introduced a new Integrated Collections Service designed to provide policyholders with certainty that outstanding overdue debts will be speedily paid under their policy.

The Internal Betrayal: CIFAS releases Special Report into Staff Fraud

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:55:12 +0100

CIFAS – the UK’s Fraud Prevention Service, in collaboration with a number of private and public sector bodies and experts, has released a report entitled The Internal Betrayal looking at Staff (or Insider) Fraud and how organisations can combat the threat. The Internal Betrayal combines research, statistics, case studies, analysis and opinion pieces on a range of issues surrounding the problem of staff fraud and the methods that can be used to prevent it from causing financial, reput ...

41st Parameter Teams With Horus Fraud Prevention Solutions to Establish Local Presence in S America

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:17:16 +0100

41st Parameter Inc., the leading provider of person-not-present cross-channel fraud prevention solutions, today announced it has signed Sao Paulo-based Horus Fraud Prevention as the exclusive reseller of 41st Parameter's FraudNet suite of solutions for Brazil with the right to also market and deploy 41st Parameter products throughout South America.

Euler Hermes appoints new commercial director for UK and Ireland

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:02:00 +0100

Euler Hermes UK, the UK’s leading credit insurer, has appointed Iain Bell as Commercial Director for the UK and Ireland. He succeeds James Daly who has been promoted to Commercial Director for Northern Europe.

Lax security and payment complexity leaving small firms stung by credit card fraud

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 17:55:40 +0100

Insufficient security checks and the complexity involved in taking online payments are leaving small firms exposed to payment processing fraud, the Forum of Private Business (FPB) is warning.

Government Needs Open Mind on Tackling Benefit Cheats

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 17:39:05 +0100

Responding to the announcement about tackling fraud in the public sector, Peter Hurst, Chief Executive of CIFAS, the not-for-profit UK’s Fraud Prevention Service comments, “I am delighted that at long last government is looking at how to prevent fraud rather than simply investigating it once it’s already happened. CIFAS, which is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to sharing information about known fraudsters, is very keen to work closely with government to help stamp out ...

Callcredit Information Group Announces New Telecoms Division

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 17:30:16 +0100

Callcredit Information Group has today announced that it is expanding its focus into the telecoms sector, drawing on the company’s expertise from retail and financial services to bring credit referencing and marketing services to the telecoms market. As part of the company’s strategy to grow and evolve its telecoms portfolio, it has created a dedicated Telecoms Business Development team which will be headed up by James Blake as Sector Head.

Equifax credit reference data is helping to tackle benefit fraud

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:26:18 +0100

Prime Minister, David Cameron is reported to be talking today about cracking down on benefit cheats, using a combination of tactics including credit reference agency data. Equifax is one of the UK’s leading credit reference agencies and is already working with several major Government departments and local authorities to help identify benefit fraudsters.

Comment from Callcredit Information Group on benefit fraud

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:20:59 +0100

In light of today’s news that David Cameron wants credit ratings firms to take a bigger role in tackling the £5.2bn annual cost of benefit cheats and overpayments, please see below comment from John Cannon, Head of Product Strategy, Callcredit Information Group (CIG).

SAS a leader in operational risk management and GRC report

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:02:23 +0100

SAS, the leader in business analytics software and services, remains a leader in Chartis Research’s Operational Risk & GRC Software Solutions 2010 report. Since 2005, Chartis has recognised SAS® OpRisk Management for “completeness of offering” and “market-share potential.” Chartis, which has added the converging governance, risk and compliance(GRC) market, also rated the recently announced SAS Enterprise GRC.

Â£1bn of savings can be delivered through better fraud detection in the public sector

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 16:52:05 +0100

Over £1 billion paid out in fraudulent benefit claims and social housing provision could be eradicated quickly if simple, cost-effective and proven fraud prevention techniques were implemented more widely across the public sector.

Experian signs global data integration deal with HSBC

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 19:12:32 +0100

Experian®, the global information services company, today announced an enterprise deal with HSBC to help integrate the bank’s access to external data sources around the world.

Creditsafe launches ratings commentary

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 10:55:18 +0100

Creditsafe, the business intelligence experts, have announced the launch of a brand new commentary feature within its Credit Solutions company reporting tool to make readers immediately aware of key information that could affect their dealings with a business.

Emerge from global recession, increase information, and reduce your manual intervention

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 10:34:27 +0100

The recent global recession has produced a turbulent economic environment, affecting individuals and corporations in equal measure.

The Human Cost of Fraud - What Can People Do To Protect Themselves?

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 10:22:24 +0100

The University of Portsmouth, along with chartered accountants and business advisers MacIntyre Hudson LLP, have released research into the impactand affect fraud has on its victims. ...

Recovery for creditors becomes more challenging as burden on Insolvency Service continues to grow

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 22:45:29 +0100

Personal insolvency figures out this week are expected to show a static, if not slightly reduced, position in comparison to the record figures announced last quarter.

HSBC focuses on customer retention & growth with Equifax

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 18:18:23 +0100

HSBC, one of the world’s major banking groups, has signed a new services contract with leading consumer risk expert, Equifax.

Tracesmartâs New Arrival Set to Optimise Collections Tracing

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 00:00:01 +0100

Tracesmart Corporate, one of the UK’s leading data specialists, have announced that the wait for their highly anticipated new online tracing product – TraceIQ – is nearly over. The brain child of leading tracing experts and IT specialists, TraceIQ is set to become the most advanced online tracing tool available.

Lloyds Banking Group announces plans to reduce conveyancing panel

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:39:48 +0100

Earlier this week Lloyds Banking Group announced it is to start the process of significantly reducing their panels of solicitors. The lender is to review the criteria for membership of its conveyancing panels and reduce the number of firms it instructs using a ‘risk based’ model that it says will allow it to assess firms individually.

FSA bans and fines former Northern Rock finance director Â£320,000

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:16:49 +0100

The Financial Services Authority has fined David Jones, former finance director (FD) of Northern Rock PLC (NR) £320,000 for misreporting mortgage arrears figures and prohibited him from performing any function in relation to any regulated activity.

Experian launches new property move alert service

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:06:40 +0100

Experian®, the global information services company, today announced the launch of a new alert service which will inform banks, lenders, insurers and home services companies when an existing customer puts their property up for sale or rent.

Rating agency: Coface filed for accreditation with the CESR

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 17:58:42 +0100

On the 13th of July Coface filed its accreditation request with the CESR (Committee of European Securities Regulators) as a rating agency specialising in corporates, for its 10 rating agencies in Europe. Coface offers an alternative to the traditional 3 rating agencies, as well as a response to the issues concerning independence and responsibility which currently place the rating agencies at the heart of the actual debate on ratings.

Equifax warns rogue directors could be on the rise

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 09:54:37 +0100

Leading business information specialist, Equifax, is warning that organisations will need to do more thorough checks on potential customers and suppliers if plans by The Insolvency Service sees a reduction in investigations into rogue directors.

Seized criminal footage shows importance of shielding your PIN at cash machines

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 13:20:01 +0100

Video footage released yesterday by LINK, the UK’s cash machine network, reveals how criminals can try to get hold of your four-digit PIN when you use an ATM that they have targeted. However, as the seized criminal footage shows, by simply shielding the keypad with your free hand, keys, wallet or purse, you can easily stop a criminal from finding out your PIN.

Identity fraud levels continue to rise

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:58:08 +0100

An analysis of fraud trends during the first half of 2010 reveals an alarming and continuing surge in identity fraud. The 265 organisations that are Members of CIFAS - The UK's Fraud Prevention Service - report:

Equifax appoints technology solutions director

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:53:08 +0100

Leading consumer credit and business risk management and marketing services provider, Equifax, has created a new technology-focused role for its UK business.

Oita Bank selects SAS Marketing Automation on Teradata to revitalise business intelligence capacity

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 18:06:23 +0100

Japan-based Oita Bank has selected SAS, the leader in business analytics software and services, and Teradata the world’s largest company solely focused on data warehousing, to help revitalise its business intelligence capabilities.

Equifax strengthens marketing solutions team

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:35:36 +0100

Leading consumer credit, business and marketing information provider, Equifax, has strengthened its business to business marketing solutions team with the appointment of a Lead Analyst for its B2B Marketing Data.

GB Group Exclusively Incorporates iovation Device Reputation into Identity Management Services

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:58:03 +0100

iovation, provider of the world’s first device reputation service for preventing online fraud and abuse, today announced an exclusive strategic alliance with GB Group (GB), the leading Identity Management business.

R3 Media Statement on Director Disqualification and Insolvency Service resource

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:57:09 +0100

Steven Law, the president of R3, the insolvency trade body, has issued a media statement as a result of the Insolvency Service offering the Department of Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) a 'carefully considered plan to meet the 11% cuts agenda'.

Insolvency Service offers BIS a carefully considered plan to meet the 11% cuts agenda

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:22:07 +0100

Following the Government’s announcement in June about the need to find savings in 2010-11, The Insolvency Service, an Executive Agency of the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has made plans to reduce its expenditure this year.

Equifax enhances access and user experience for its Debtor Management Solutions

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 11:58:44 +0100

Leading consumer credit information expert, Equifax, has announced two major upgrades to enhance online access to its Debtor Management Solutions.

FSA Chairman calls for debate

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 11:25:55 +0100

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) chairman, Lord Turner, has said there needs to be a fundamental debate in this country, both about how much easy credit should be available in the mortgage market, and how much capital and liquidity banks should be required to hold, without holding back the economic growth necessary for recovery.

More structured financial education needed in secondary schools

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 11:02:49 +0100

Financial education charity, the ifs School of Finance, says that the latest research on mortgages shows the need for more structured financial education at secondary school.

FICO Launches Optimisation âStarter Kitâ to Reclaim Card Profitability

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 09:32:09 +0100

FICO, the leading provider of analytics and decision management technology, announced today the general availability of a “starter kit” for credit line optimisation (CLO). This starter kit is bundled with the industry-leading FICO® TRIAD® Customer Manager to help card issuers apply analytic precision to credit line increase strategies.

Credit reports available online for all consumers

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 08:02:40 +0100

Consumers can now access their statutory credit report online for a nominal fee of only £2 from all three major UK credit reference agencies: Experian, Equifax, and Callcredit.

Bad management to blame for nearly 60% of corporate insolvencies

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 07:57:40 +0100

'Incompetence or bad management’ of company directors causes 56% of corporate failures, while nearly 40% of businesses could have been saved if professional advice had been sought earlier, according to a poll of insolvency experts carried out by insolvency trade body R3.

New Task Force to Tackle Money Laundering & Fraud

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 08:19:36 +0100

Callcredit Information Group has teamed up with its existing partner Tait Walker Chartered Accountants and the University of Sunderland’s department of Computing, Engineering and Technology to create new software for tackling specific areas of financial crime, as part of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP).

Credit sales can stimulate trade, 'but transparency and trust are essential'

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 12:56:33 +0100

Atradius NV, a leading global credit insurer, has recently launched its white paper ‘The future of trade credit’, the aim of which is to establish the effect that the economic downturn of the past two years will have on companies’ inclination to offer credit terms of sale to their business to business customers, and to recommend actions to ensure that credit remains the engine of successful trade.

Seventy percent higher risk of bankruptcy in the North East than in London

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 08:05:08 +0100

R3, the insolvency trade body, has published a ‘bankruptcy map’ revealing the regions and local authorities that have seen the highest proportion of new personal insolvency cases.

Five banned, and one fined Â£130,000 and banned, as FSA continues crack down on mortgage fraud

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 17:02:12 +0100

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has banned six individuals, and fined one of them over £130,000, for failings in relation to mortgage fraud.

Publication of the Finance Bill 2010

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 15:59:49 +0100

The Government is today publishing the 2010 Finance Bill. The Bill will enact the key tax measures at the heart of the Emergency Budget package, to cut the unprecedented deficit, deliver fairness and promote enterprise.

Equities Offer Value as Recovery Continues, Barclays Capital Says

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 17:03:55 +0100

Barclays Capital today said in its latest flagship quarterly research publication, Global Outlook: Rebound, But No Raging Bull Market, that the recent market correction, while exposing obstacles to a bull market in the medium term, has not derailed the global economic recovery. As such, Barclays Capital is recommending that investors maintain selective exposure to risky assets, particularly equities in Europe and the US.

Vivacom select Neural Technologies for Fraud Management

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:15:43 +0100

Vivacom, Bulgaria’s main telecommunications provider, has selected Neural Technologies as its definitive fraud management solution supplier.

New SASÂ® Enterprise GRC enhances performance, collaboration and transparency

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 19:12:48 +0100

Across all industries, stakeholders increasingly demand to know how revenue was generated, not just how much. A well-integrated governance, risk and compliance (GRC) program helps organizations adhere to laws and regulations, understand and manage risk exposures, and share information with investors, boards of directors, customers and other key audiences.

SASÂ® innovation revolutionises agile decision-making

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 19:01:33 +0100

SAS, the leader in business analytics, is introducing advanced high-performance computing technology to help enterprises harness the astronomical growth of raw data for quick and accurate business decisions. In this increasingly turbulent economy, better, faster decisions can tip the balance between growth and extinction.

Card fraud gang sentenced to 15 years

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 18:30:00 +0100

Four criminals were today sentenced for a total of 15 years at Southwark Crown Court for their involvement in a series of card frauds that took place in the south of England during 2009.

The Next Generation in Fraud and Risk Case Management?

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:47:51 +0100

Neural Technologies, working in partnership with Microsoft, introduce 'Insight' to address the issues of fraud management systems that do not automatically trigger an alert for certain fraudulent activities.

Precise Mortgages Goes Live with DPR Solution

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 09:25:29 +0100

Mortgage software specialist DPR Consulting has announced that new intermediary mortgage lender Precise Mortgages is the latest lender to go live with its mortgage origination system.

Lowest share of house purchase market for first-time buyers since 2007

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:43:24 +0100

First-time buyers made up the lowest proportion of house purchase loans since September 2007, according to new data released today by the Council of Mortgage Lenders. They accounted for 35% of all house purchase mortgages, down from 39% in March and 38% in April 2009. The low share of the market shows that getting a mortgage remains problematic for first-time buyers who tend not to have a substantial deposit.

Euristix provides enhanced risk management for specialist lender, Buy As You View

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 11:58:48 +0100

Financial services consultancy, Euristix, has been contracted by specialist retail and consumer finance provider, Buy As You View (BAYV), to provide enhanced risk analysis and management for the business.

MGEN selects SASÂ® to optimise operational risk management program

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 13:19:16 +0100

France’s largest supplementary insurance company is enhancing operational risk management with SAS® OpRisk Monitor software from SAS, leader in business analytics software and services. With more than three million policyholders, the Mutuelle Générale de l'Education Nationale (MGEN), underwrites both compulsory and supplementary insurance plans.

Start-Up discrimination

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 12:31:59 +0100

New research published today by Creditsafe, the business intelligence experts, reveals that nearly one-in-10 (9%) companies will avoid trading with a business if it is less than a year old. These company owners and operators are discriminating against start-up companies when looking at new customers, suppliers and business partners, preferring to trade with enterprises that have an established financial and credit history.

New FICO Service Enables Banks to Fine-Tune Risk Strategies Based on Economic Conditions

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 12:23:12 +0100

FICO, the leading provider of analytics and decision management technology, have announced the immediate global availability of the FICO Economic Impact Service, a patent-pending analytic service that helps lenders adjust their use of risk scores based on economic projections and lender-defined scenarios. With the ability to build on both internally derived score models and standard credit scores, such as the FICO® 8 Score, the FICO Economic Impact Service™ provides lenders with unpre ...

âUK Plastic Cards: Outlook to 2011â added to ReportBuyer.com

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 16:26:07 +0100

ReportBuyer.com has added a new report “UK Plastic Cards: Outlook to 2011" at http://www.reportbuyer.com/go/DAT20061

Â£1bn of savings 'can be delivered through better fraud detection in the public sector'

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 12:33:10 +0100

Equifax offers smaller companies fast-track to risk decisioning

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:08:00 +0100

Leading credit information specialist, Equifax, has developed a new range of powerful risk decisioning tools that tackle the historical issue of having access to quality risk management solutions, but at prices that are affordable for smaller businesses.

MCR completes sale of Robbs department store in Hexham

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 12:20:05 +0100

MCR, the administrators for department store business Vergo Retail Limited (“the Company”), has announced the successful sale of Robbs department store in Hexham, Northumberland to J E Beale PLC. The deal was completed on 3 June 2010, following the appointment of joint administrators Sarah Bell and Steven Muncaster, Partners at MCR earlier in May.

Talk of interest rate hike sparks insolvency fears among small businesses

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 10:18:08 +0100

Following calls from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to raise interest rates to 3.5%, insolvency trade body R3 has traced the impact that rises would have on small businesses. According to a survey of 300 small businesses conducted this month:

Chief Executive of Company Watch Limited announces his retirement

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 10:05:45 +0100

Company Watch have announced that their CEO and Chairman, Guenter Steinitz will be retiring at the end of this month.

VocaLink Take Home Pay Index continues its decline hitting a new record low in May

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 16:23:31 +0100

For the second month in a row, the VocaLink Take Home Pay Index is at its lowest level ever recorded since its introduction in 2004, sitting at just 0.5 per cent. The Index has now hovered below 2.0 per cent for the past twelve months and below 1.0 per cent since February 2010, reflecting weak earnings growth, particularly since the start of this year.

MCR completes sale of renowned housewares brand

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 12:37:20 +0100

MCR, the administrators for stylish kitchen accessories designer Typhoon Housewares Limited (“the Company”), has announced the successful sale of its Intellectual Property and assets to Rayware Limited, which was completed on 27 May 2010.

P&A Receivables European Credit Forum alerts channel to growing threat of fraud scams

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 17:35:35 +0100

P&A Receivables, the leading credit management and debt collection service provider to the IT industry, has highlighted the growing threat that long- and short-firm scams pose to the channel and urged resellers, distributors and vendors to be on high alert when dealing with new customers, especially when potentially lucrative opportunities seem to be in the offing.

BDO LLP appoints new partner to lead Financial Services Advisory Practice

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 17:30:53 +0100

Tim Kirk has been appointed as Head of the Advisory Services practice, Financial Services at accountants and business advisers BDO LLP in London.

Check that company sees worrying signs as UK corporate profitability continues to decline

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 17:38:36 +0100

Check That Company, the online service that gives small businesses a simple and affordable way to run company reports and credit checks, has expressed concern over the impact that falling levels of profitability amongst the UK’s larger companies is likely to have on the small business sector.

FSA confirms annual funding requirement for 2010/11

Fri, 28 May 2010 12:28:43 +0100

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has today confirmed its annual funding requirement for 2010/11.

Identity Fraud - Donât let someone steal your good name

Thu, 27 May 2010 17:10:21 +0100

Identity fraud is costing the UK more than £1.7bn a year. It is the fastest-growing white-collar crime, increasing by more than 500% every year. It is now a potential threat to small business owners who are busy with the everyday rigours of running a company and steps need to be taken to avoid becoming a victim.

JaywingDMG to provide Foil fraud prediction models to LaSer UK

Thu, 27 May 2010 16:56:14 +0100

LaSer UK, a leading provider of revolving and fixed term credit and customer programmes, has appointed JaywingDMG to develop bespoke fraud prediction models for its credit card portfolio. In addition, they join other leading organisations in contributing to the Foil fraud syndicate.

Consumer durables look to England World Cup success for 60% sales uplift

Thu, 27 May 2010 16:28:16 +0100

A large proportion of the retail sector is looking to World Cup fever to boost sales by as much as 60 percent to accelerate recovery from the recession, according to leading trade credit insurer Atradius.

CCTA form strategic partnership with Callcredit Information Group

Thu, 27 May 2010 16:21:09 +0100

The Consumer Credit Trade Association (CCTA) has launched a strategic partnership with Callcredit Information Group to offer its members a range of Callcredit products including SHAREReport, CallValidate, CallML and CallTrace.

Benefits cheat is tagged after dishonestly claiming Â£5,000

Thu, 27 May 2010 10:18:17 +0100

Magistrates have ordered that a benefit cheat be electronically tagged after they heard how he pocketed more than £5,000 he was not entitled to.

BBA response to European Commission communication on bank resolution funds

Wed, 26 May 2010 17:01:47 +0100

Commenting on the European Commission communication on bank resolution funds, Angela Knight, chief executive of the British Bankers' Association (BBA) said:

Businesses 'must take proactive measures' to protect themselves against losses due to volcanic ash

Wed, 26 May 2010 13:38:23 +0100

Businesses must take proactive measures to protect themselves against losses caused by eruptions of the Icelandic volcano, advised leading credit management specialist Coface – UK & Ireland.

Experian launches Diversity Monitor to enhance delivery of public services

Wed, 26 May 2010 12:31:57 +0100

Experian Public Sector today announces the launch of Diversity Monitor, a new tool providing government organisations with a more detailed understanding of ethnicity amongst citizens and public sector employees. Use of the tool will help the public sector enhance the quality of services provided and strengthen community relations.

High Court orders return of Â£32m stolen from pension funds

Tue, 25 May 2010 15:29:34 +0100

The High Court yesterday ordered the return of £32m stolen from pension schemes in the biggest pensions fraud case since Robert Maxwell. The total fraud was £52m taken from nine pension schemes in 2007 and 2008.

MCR appointed Administrators to UK magazine distributor Magazine Marketing Company Limited

Mon, 24 May 2010 17:27:50 +0100

Sallyanne Pitt and Paul Clark of MCR were appointed Joint Administrators of Magazine Marketing Company Limited (“MMC”), on Friday 21st May 2010.

Check That Company warns SMBs to stay vigilant as banks continue to keep tight rein on lending

Mon, 24 May 2010 16:41:00 +0100

Check That Company, the online service that gives small businesses (SMBs) a quick and effective way to run credit checks, has warned small businesses to stay on high alert to the dangers of bad debt as the economy recovers.

Community order for fraudster

Mon, 24 May 2010 13:11:00 +0100

A benefit fraudster who managed to buy five properties while claiming council tax benefit has been handed a community order.

Staff Fraudscape: examining the staff fraud threat in the UK

Mon, 24 May 2010 12:45:58 +0100

CIFAS the UK's Fraud Prevention Service, today releases Staff Fraudscape: a 28-page report that lays bare the frauds recorded by the Members of the CIFAS Staff Fraud Database during 2009. Launched in 2006, the CIFAS Staff Fraud Database is a way for organisations to share information on proven cases of staff fraud in order to prevent further fraud. Staff Fraudscape is a first of its kind: examining and revealing the realities of staff fraud in the UK today.

P&A Receivables warns that EC plans could lead to chaos in the IT industry

Sat, 22 May 2010 09:34:49 +0100

P&A Receivables, the leading credit management and debt collection service provider to the IT industry, has slammed the EC’s plans to make small firms exempt from filing accounts as a recipe for chaos in the IT industry.

Experian analysis highlights impact of recession on UK consumers in 2009

Sat, 22 May 2010 09:25:36 +0100

New analysis from Experian®, the global information services company, reveals a sharp increase in personal insolvencies among middle-class professionals and the super rich during 2009.

Communisis plc and Equifax Ltd announce partnership

Thu, 20 May 2010 19:19:54 +0100

Leading marketing services provider Communisis and Equifax have today announced a strategic partnership in the UK.

Equifax adds Prompt Payment Code to business reports

Wed, 19 May 2010 17:05:05 +0100

Leading business information expert, Equifax, is focusing on supporting businesses in the current difficult trading climate with its latest initiative. Prompt Payment Code approved signatories are being included in Equifax commercial reports, providing business users with a quick and easy to interpret guide of the payment behaviours of potential customers and other commercial partners.

Hagley woman pays high price for fraud

Wed, 19 May 2010 09:30:47 +0100

A Hagley woman is paying a high price for a £1,500 benefit fraud after she was found guilty of dishonesty.

Family of benefit cheats believed to have fled the country

Wed, 19 May 2010 09:27:11 +0100

Warrants have been issued for the arrest of a family of benefit cheats believed to have skipped the country during their trial for dishonestly claiming more than £30,000 in housing and council tax benefit.

FSA contacts 38,000 people to warn them they are targets of boiler room share fraudsters

Wed, 19 May 2010 09:24:17 +0100

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) is contacting more than 38,000 people across the UK to warn them that they could be the target of share fraud after it recovered a master list used by boiler room fraudsters.

CIG takes on cycle challenge for NSPCCâs Childâs Voice Appeal

Wed, 19 May 2010 08:27:00 +0100

Callcredit Information Group (CIG) has rallied a team of keen cyclists to take part in the Coast-to-Coast Cycle Challenge in a bid to raise £10,000 for the NSPCC’s Child Voice Appeal. Taking place on June 24th-25th 2010, six staff and twenty four clients of the Leeds-based credit and marketing solutions company will ride a gruelling 135 miles.

BNP Paribas acts as joint bookrunner on $425m of natural catastrophe bonds for Lodestone Re Ltd.

Fri, 14 May 2010 12:29:47 +0100

BNP Paribas, as joint bookrunner, has placed $425m of catastrophe bonds, in two tranches, for Lodestone Re Ltd. Risk Management Solutions modelled the natural catastrophe risk.

Distressed business alert service launched

Tue, 11 May 2010 18:10:02 +0100

A distressed business alert service has been has launched by Business-sale.com. Every weekday, email alerts are sent through to subscribers listing all UK businesses that have had winding-up petitions lodged against them. Another email alert lists all companies that have had administrators appointed. This gives credit controllers and entrepreneurs a useful advance warning of businesses in financial difficulty.

Equifax launches Book Analyser for debt purchasers

Tue, 11 May 2010 17:55:34 +0100

Debt purchasers face many challenges understanding the potential performance and quality of a debt book before they buy it.

Euler Hermes results for the first quarter of 2010

Mon, 10 May 2010 15:44:35 +0100

Despite the fragile economic recovery Euler Hermes posted a quarter on quarter increase in turnover of 3.5% compared to the fourth quarter of 2009. The group achieved a positive net income development of €47.6 million versus €16.5 million for the first quarter of 2009. The combined ratio improved significantly from 103.0% to 90.0% due to decisive management actions to handle the global financial crisis and improvement in economic environment.

New managing director appointed for Equifax UK business

Mon, 10 May 2010 15:33:26 +0100

Equifax, a leading provider of consumer credit and business risk management and marketing services, has announced the appointment of a new Managing Director for its UK business.

Santander signs new credit data and analytics deal with Experian

Mon, 10 May 2010 15:27:11 +0100

Experian®, the global information services company, today announces that it has signed a three year deal with Santander to provide consumer and commercial credit information to the banking group’s UK operation.

BSI expands international dimension to risk management with the adoption of ISO 31000

Thu, 06 May 2010 17:50:07 +0100

Appropriate risk management (RM) lets organizations discover untapped opportunities as well as maintain their current business. There are many tools to achieve this but not many come with the support and development of an international group of experts plus a tailored view for the UK. In March 2010, BSI adopted the international standard ISO 31000 Risk management: Principles and guidelines into BSI’s existing RM portfolio. BS ISO 31000 is useful for all organizations, regardless of type an ...

Senior public servant and insurance figure are appointed to CIFAS board

Thu, 06 May 2010 17:30:51 +0100

CIFAS – the UK’s Fraud Prevention Service have appointed the former Director of the Assets Recovery Agency, Jane Earl, and Chris McKee, former Technical Services Director of RBS Insurance, as independent directors on their board of directors.

Equifax launches Book Analyser for debt purchasers

Thu, 06 May 2010 17:20:27 +0100

Debt purchasers face many challenges understanding the potential performance and quality of a debt book before they buy it. The unstable economy over the last few years has meant that purchasing books at the right price is now more business critical than ever, for both the seller and buyer. Tackling this challenge, leading credit information and debtor management solutions provider, Equifax has extended its Debtor Management Solutions to include a specific Book Analyser tool.

As voters go to the polls, business confidence continues to rise

Thu, 06 May 2010 17:09:40 +0100

Leading business information expert, Equifax, has reported a nearly 3% drop in the number of businesses going bust in April 2010 compared to March.

Survey: Financial institutions regaining confidence, but barriers to risk management remain

Wed, 05 May 2010 19:47:44 +0100

Banks and insurers are increasingly optimistic and have come far in strengthening risk management. Yet, regulatory compliance may distract attention from emerging risks while the prevalence of a silo-based approach at several organisations hampers risk management at an enterprise-wide level. So finds a survey of 346 senior risk management executives in the financial services industry conducted in February 2010 by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) for SAS, the leader in business analytics sof ...

VocaLink Take Home Pay Index reverses recent increase hitting record low in April

Wed, 05 May 2010 19:38:40 +0100

The VocaLink Take Home Pay Index reflects the continuing uncertainty in the UK labour market as it drops to its lowest level on record of 0.9 per cent. The Index has now fallen below its previous lowest level of 1.0 per cent recorded in February this year.

Now is not the time for banks 'to complain about tighter controls'

Tue, 04 May 2010 17:41:53 +0100

“This is not the time for banks to be complaining about tighter regulatory controls, it is the time for them to be lending to good British businesses," said the Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor.

New wave of security breaches hitting UK businesses costing them billions, new report shows

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 15:11:51 +0100

After declining in number for the last few years, a new wave of security breaches is hitting UK organisations, costing them billions of pounds, despite the fact that security remains high on management’s agenda and the recession has not dampened spending on security, according to a survey released today by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) at Infosecurity Europe.

Equifax Reports First Quarter 2010 Results

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 13:00:30 +0100

Equifax Inc. today announced financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2010. The company reported revenue of $461.3 million in the first quarter of 2010, a 3 percent increase from the first quarter of 2009. Revenue was unchanged from the prior year when adjusted for the favorable effect of foreign exchange rates.

Fraud continues to pose problems in 2010

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 11:58:37 +0100

The analysis of fraud trends during the first quarter of 2010 by CIFAS - The UK's Fraud Prevention Service - reveals some notable facts: - a 19.86% increase in identity fraud when compared with the same period in 2009, - the number of victims of impersonation increased by over 20% compared with the first quarter of 2009, and - overall fraud levels remain consistent, with nearly 60,000 proven frauds identified in the first three months of 2010. ...

Government run agency least supportive of exporters amongst worldâs main trading nations

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:01:00 +0100

Britain’s government run export finance and insurance support body, the Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD), has fallen behind in world terms over the last decade, according to The British Exporters Association (BExA) research.

Now we have 'Vishing' and 'SMiShing' to add to the fraud watch-list for 2010

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 17:22:11 +0100

Phishing attacks are on the rise with 51,000 incidents recorded last year – a 16 per cent increase on the amount seen in 2008. Now we have 'Vishing', phishing via the telephone, and 'SMiShing', the use of text messaging as a hook to obtain sensitive information.

Special police unit marks its 8th anniversary with Â£340m of fraud savings

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 17:02:56 +0100

The Dedicated Cheque and Plastic Crime Unit (DCPCU) – the unique bank-sponsored police squad - today announced details of its latest fraud savings, which showed that its work to target organised fraud gangs led to estimated savings of £24.5 million in 2009. Publication of this latest figure coincides with the 8th anniversary of the Unit, which was set up on 29 April 2002.

Industry expert joins Equifax as Business Development Director

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 17:31:11 +0100

Leading consumer credit and business information provider, Equifax, has appointed credit industry expert, Neville Seabridge, as its new Business Development Director. The appointment follows the promotion of Rob Cormican, previously in this role, to Marketing Director.

Homeowner And Home Improver Data added to Equifax Marketing Data

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:08:39 +0100

Leading marketing services data specialist, Equifax, has added two new sets of data to its ConnectSelect consumer marketing database, giving marketers greater ability to focus on key consumer groups at the right time. The new Home Improver dataset gives marketers the ability to identify people who have applied for planning permission while the Homeowner file enables relevant and targeted campaigns specific to this group.

Thomson Reuters Strengthens Leadership of its Enterprise Business with Key Executive Appointments

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 17:54:28 +0100

Thomson Reuters today announced the appointments of industry executives David Kelly, Roseann Palmieri and Tanya Ezekiel to the leadership team of the Enterprise business. These strategic appointments demonstrate the investment Thomson Reuters is making to accelerate the existing growth of the Enterprise business and the delivery of its next generation solutions.

Payments Council and Accenture Launch a Customer Authentication Evaluation Tool

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 17:30:47 +0100

The Payments Council and Accenture have launched a new modelling tool to help banks and businesses select authentication technologies for secure customer interactions online.

Experian launches first monitoring service to proactively find fraud in existing customer accounts

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 17:15:47 +0100

Experian®, the global information services company, today launched the industry’s first fraud detection service to proactively monitor existing customers’ bank and credit account data to pinpoint potential fraud risks before fraudulent transactions are attempted.

Hypermonitoring â The inside story delivered to your desktop

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 16:34:56 +0100

It’s a horrible feeling to arrive at work and discover one of your best customers has gone into receivership, and won’t actually be paying for the goods you have just dispatched. And, worse still, after the event it seems that other companies had an inkling it was headed for disaster, why didn’t you?

Experian launches new service to help organisations comply with FSA single customer view requirement

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 09:15:53 +0100

Experian®, the global information services company, today announced the launch of a range of services designed to enable banks, building societies and credit unions to build the single customer view (SCV) required by the Financial Services Authority.

Sunderland, East London and Liverpool top list of UK fraud hotspots

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 10:33:07 +0100

Callcredit Information Group (CIG) has today published research which identified the areas most and least at risk of ID fraud across the UK, with Sunderland topping the list of 121 localities in the British Isles. Fraud costs the UK £30 billion a year, with credit card fraud totalling £440.3 million in 2009.

Experian appoints Head of Customer Management for UK and Ireland

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 08:59:18 +0100

Experian®, the global information services company, have announced the appointment of Nick Evans as Head of Customer Management for UK and Ireland. Nick joins Experian from HSBC, where he was Head of Credit Risk at its M&S Money business.

FSA fines London IFA Â£24,500 for pension switching advice failings

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:44:21 +0100

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) today fined Robin Bradford (Life and Pension Consultants) Ltd (Robin Bradford), a London based IFA firm, £24,500 for exposing customers to unacceptable levels of risk of receiving poor pension switching advice.

High profile economists complete line up of speakers for Coface Country Risk Conference

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 17:48:30 +0100

Leading economists Juan Gomez and Dr Mohamed Djeddour complete the line-up of speakers at the Coface – UK & Ireland Country Risk Conference in Manchester on the 9th June 2010.

UK Businesses 'fight for recovery'

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 15:51:45 +0100

Leading business information provider, Equifax, has released its Business Failures Report for the first quarter of 2010, revealing an apparent steely determination by UK businesses to survive - despite the recession.

HSBC and Euler Hermes join forces to support UK exporters

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 13:13:56 +0100

HSBC Commercial Banking and Euler Hermes, the world’s leading credit insurer, have announced that they will begin working together from 1 April 2010 to support HSBC Invoice Finance’s service to UK exporters.

A further three firms sign up for FRSGlobalâs liquidity solution in Q1

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 12:39:32 +0100

FRSGlobal, the only global provider of risk and regulatory reporting solutions with coverage for over 40 countries on a unified platform, today announced that a further three firms have chosen its industry acclaimed liquidity solution to comply with the FSA’s regime.

Hometrack and Callcredit win HSBC Group contract

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 12:02:56 +0100

Hometrack Data Systems, the UK’s leading supplier of automated valuations and risk analytics, together with Leeds-based credit reference agency Callcredit have today announced the award of a contract to supply the HSBC Group with Equity Indicator, a groundbreaking product, designed specifically to assess an individual’s overall equity status.

Consumer Financial Education Body in Financial Services Bill receives Royal Assent

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 11:34:57 +0100

The Resolution Foundation is delighted that the Financial Services Bill received Royal Assent during the wash-up process. The Bill will establish the Consumer Financial Education Body which will be responsible for running Money Made Clear – the new financial advice service aimed at low earners.

Adeptra announces new Analytics platform

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 12:47:29 +0100

Adeptra, the recognised leader in automated customer communications, today announced the release of its analytics platform, Adeptra Analytics, to enable financial organisations to build smarter consumer credit and risk management strategies. The platform, developed in conjunction with a number of Adeptra’s global financial customers, is a market-first with near real-time visibility into the success of credit risk management.

The Equifax guide to credit information for small business owners

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 11:20:37 +0100

Whilst the level of redundancies over the last 12 months has reached record highs, there has also been a surge of new business start ups.

VocaLink Take Home Pay Index starts on road to recovery following all-time low

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 10:58:24 +0100

The VocaLink Take Home Pay Index for March has recovered from its all-time low in February to record a rise of 0.5 percentage points, bringing the index to 1.5 per cent.

Angie Hall to join Arum

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:07:58 +0100

Credit management specialist, Arum, has appointed Angie Hall as Lead Business Consultant with effect from 15 March 2010.

Small businesses to be fined up to Â£500k for security breaches

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 15:56:24 +0100

Small businesses across the UK could now be fined up to £500,000 in the event of a data security breach as new powers for the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) come into force today.

Partners-in-crime jailed after pulling off a Â£1.5m fraud

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 23:25:21 +0100

Two fraudsters have been jailed for a total of five years after they masterminded a £1.5million identity scam.

Former CAB worker Carol Thomas scammed Â£18,500 in benefit fraud

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 09:17:17 +0100

A woman who advised on how to claim benefits and clear debt has been found guilty of an £18,500 benefit fraud.

BIS - Support to business during a recession

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 11:41:24 +0100

In late 2008, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) stepped in to offer targeted support to struggling, but viable, businesses in the face of a severe economic downturn. It reacted quickly and prioritized a fast response over perfecting its policies. Under the circumstances, this approach was appropriate, according to a report published today by the National Audit Office (NAO).

Flourishing Data Protection Sector Wins Professional Status

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:13:13 +0100

The UK’s rapidly expanding data protection sector is to be recognized with the introduction of a new professional qualification.

European Parliament votes for less financial transparency

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 14:25:12 +0100

A European Parliament vote in March to allow micro businesses to be exempt from the EU financial reporting regime, as laid out in the Fourth Company Law Directive, is a vote for less financial transparency, warns leading credit reference agency Graydon UK.

Time to Pay Scheme, now itâs time to pay up!

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 16:45:49 +0100

In 2009, with the UK economy seeing one of the worst recessions in history, the government took action designed to help save struggling businesses from failure.

Six arrested in FSA and SOCA insider dealing investigation

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 15:32:30 +0100

In the first operation carried out jointly between the Financial Services Authority (FSA) and the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), 16 addresses have been searched this morning in London, the South East and Oxfordshire in the FSA’s largest ever operation against insider dealing.

Check That Company helps small firms 'stay safe from bad debts'

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 17:08:01 +0100

A new online service has been launched that helps small businesses run quick and effective credit checks on potential new and existing customers and thus minimises the risk of bad debts and keeps their business safe.

Absolute Invoice Finance appoints risk manager in North West

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 16:21:52 +0100

Absolute Invoice Finance (“Absolute”), the specialist business financier, has strengthened its North West team with the appointment of Lauren Dolezel as risk manager to its Manchester office.

BBA's response to Cameron's bank tax proposals

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 12:01:50 +0100

UK banks have already made substantial changes to how they are structured and the amount of capital and cash they hold to help prevent any future problems.

Information Commissionerâs Office puts a value on data protection

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 12:17:18 +0100

Christopher Graham, the Information Commissioner, is urging organisations to put a value on personal information and invest in privacy protection.

Action taken after insurance provider loses over 2,000 peopleâs details

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 12:12:07 +0100

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has found that the Royal London Mutual Insurance Society breached the Data Protection Act (DPA) after eight laptops, two of which contained the personal details of 2,135 people, were stolen from the company’s Edinburgh offices. The individuals affected were employees of various firms which had sought pension scheme illustrations.

41st Parameter Names David Walker SVP Worldwide Sales

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:18:57 +0100

41st Parameter Inc., the leading provider of online cross-channel fraud detection and prevention solutions, today announced that David Walker has joined its executive management team as Senior Vice President of Sales.

Experian report reveals the changing face of fraud in the UK

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:01:00 +0100

Experian®, the global information services company, today published its latest Insight Report, detailing how frauds attempted against UK financial institutions and their customers is on the increase and that the nature of the threat is rapidly evolving.

Review of Money Laundering Regulations â Summary of Views

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:32:34 +0100

The latest Callcredit website Industry Minute reports that HM Treasury has incorporated the observations of a wide range of stakeholders into its newly-published Summary of the Call for Evidence (http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/mlr2007_summaryofevidence.pdf).

Equifax puts Statutory Credit Report online

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:39:11 +0100

Leading instant online credit information provider, Equifax, welcomed yesterday’s announcement by the Department for Business Innovation & Skills (BIS) of new voluntary measures to improve people’s access to credit files. Indeed, Equifax is the first credit reference agency to make its £2 Statutory Credit Report available online – it has been trialling this service since August 2009 with around 1 in 5 of requests for the Statutory Credit Report* now being deliver ...

Equifax launches book analyser for debt purchasers

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:06:15 +0100

FSA and Police contact 1,000 share fraud targets after seizing another boiler room âmaster ...

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:12:23 +0100

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) and City of London Police (CoLP) have contacted 1,000 people across the UK to warn them that their personal details are on a ‘master list’ being used by fraudsters to target and sell them worthless shares.

Young adults maximising access to credit

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:01:00 +0100

Independent research commissioned by Callcredit Information Group has today revealed that young people aged 18 – 24 appear to be maximising available credit by taking out multiple current accounts with available overdraft facilities across multiple providers.

New card and banking fraud figures published

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:20:59 +0100

New figures released today show that total fraud losses on UK cards fell by 28 per cent between 2008 and 2009 to £440.3 million – a decrease of £170 million on the previous year’s total.

Creating an Effective Fraud-Management Environment for Corporate Banking

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:45:22 +0100

The speed and magnitude of corporate wires creates a stressful environment for fraud investigators, whose decisions can have implications costing hundreds of thousands of pounds. However, the additional controls typical of commercial accounts create opportunities for early detection of fraud staging activities.

SMEs lose out on Â£5 billion as trading partners go bust

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:01:00 +0100

New research published by CreditPal, a free online service for SMEs, reveals that over the last two years almost half (43%) of UK SMEs have been left with monies owed to them as a result of their trading partners or customers going bust. The total amount owed to SMEs is estimated to be around £5.3 billion.

New reports show toll taken on low earning, hard-working households by the recession

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:01:00 +0100

Two new reports by the low earners think tank, The Resolution Foundation, will today show that low earners have struggled more in the recession because of their exposed and overlooked position compared to both benefit dependent groups and higher earners. This leaves them more susceptible to falling into the benefit-dependent group in the spending squeeze to come.

Coface announces good turnover resistance, turnaround in profits and new credit insurance approach

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:42:22 +0100

The years 2008 and 2009 will remain those of the fifth global credit crisis, the most serious since the Second World War. World growth went from 4.2% in 2007 to 2.1% in 2008 and then to -1.9% in 2009, for an unprecedented growth drop of 6 points.

SMEs demand more transparency from rating agencies

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:26:25 +0100

In his latest blog, Martin Williams, MD of Graydon UK, says: "Throughout the economic downturn, banks, credit insurers and trade suppliers have all complained about having to make risk decisions based upon 'out of date' statutory financial information from Companies House. The demand has grown for organisations to open up their monthly management accounts if they want to gain access to credit and finance.

VocaLink Take Home Pay Index slumps to lowest level on record

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:25:09 +0100

The VocaLink Take Home Pay Index for February has continued January’s downward spiral to hit an all-time low of 1.0 %. The combination of the two recent consecutive falls has nearly halved the index during that period, taking it from 1.9% in December to 1.0% in February, signifying the Index’s lowest level since its inception in September 2004.

Audit thresholds and abridged accounts

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:35:32 +0100

FECMA, the Federation of European Credit Management Associations, has issued the following press release regarding the negative impact of Abridged Accounts and Audit Thresholds in view of the current economic and financial turmoil.

IFA director fined Â£49,000 for putting customers at risk of receiving poor pension switching ...

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:17:38 +0100

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has fined Charles Palmer, director of Gloucestershire based IFA network, Financial Ltd, £49,000 for management failings which resulted in poor compliance monitoring on pension switching advice during a period of rapid expansion.

OECD calls on businesses to step up their fight against bribery

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:22:50 +0100

Companies should put in place strict internal controls and establish ethics and compliance programmes as part of a strategy to combat bribery in international business deals, according to a new guidance agreed by the 38 countries that are party to the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention.

Survey Reveals Data Quality and Consistency Key to Risk Management and Transparency

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:29:09 +0100

Thomson Reuters and Lepus, the independent research firm, today released the results of a survey highlighting the responsibility fragmented IT systems played in the financial crisis and the role data will play as the market rebuilds.

A1 Grand Prix could return soon reveal Bridge Business Recovery

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:33:51 +0100

Bridge Business Recovery LLP is extremely confident of finding a buyer for the A1 Grand Prix series after recently being appointed joint liquidators of the parent company

Threat of twin peak inflation poses the real risk to recovery

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:51:41 +0100

Amid mounting concerns of a double dip recession, the economy is also under threat from ‘twin peaks’ in inflation, warns the latest Business Trends report by accountants and business advisers BDO LLP.

Fraudscape report depicts the UKâs fraud landscape in 2009

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:01:00 +0100

CIFAS - the UK's Fraud Prevention Service, today releases Fraudscape: a 48-page report that lays bare the frauds recorded by the 265 CIFAS Members during 2009. Building on the trends previously identified in CIFAS Annual Fraud Trends press releases, Fraudscape is the result of the work undertaken by CIFAS Members, together with cross-sector collaboration and research into the reasons why these frauds are taking place. It also notes some particularly revealing facts about fraud in the UK today. ...

Equifax creates new role of strategic consulting director

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:04:06 +0100

Equifax, has created a new role of Strategic Consulting Director to keep the company in a strong position as the UK emerges from the recession.

Mortgage company accidentally discloses over 15,000 account details

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:23:58 +0100

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has found Redstone Mortgages Ltd in breach of the Data Protection Act (DPA) after personal information relating to 15,333 mortgage accounts was emailed to a member of the public by mistake.

New FICO Service Enables Banks to Fine-Tune Risk Strategies Based on Economic Conditions

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 11:23:32 +0100

UK businesses appear to be fighting for survival as numbers failing drops by nearly 10% in January

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:49:47 +0100

Leading business information provider, Equifax, is reporting that Business Failures at the start of 2010 are continuing the downward trend that was seen at the end of last year.

Manchester selected as location for first Coface Conference outside of London

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 09:58:36 +0100

Manchester has been chosen as the location for the first Coface - UK & Ireland Country Risk Conference to be staged outside of London.

Management accounts prove vital in securing improved credit terms

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 13:09:20 +0100

New research from CreditPal reveals that three quarters (77%) of SMEs were able to secure or extend existing credit from their suppliers in the last 24 months after sharing their management accounts with them.

CIFAS urges customer awareness over spate of âcharityâ email scams

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:29:26 +0100

CIFAS – the UK’s Fraud Prevention Service warns against a recent spate of emails being received by many, purporting to raise money for the victims of the Haiti earthquake.

FSA bans London based mortgage broker for incompetence and failing to prevent mortgage fraud

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 16:06:48 +0100

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has banned Walthamstow mortgage broker Kevin Byrne for lacking the integrity and competence to prevent his business being targeted by mortgage fraudsters.

Government crackdown on cyber scams

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 15:59:29 +0100

The Government is taking the fight to fraudsters, criminals and rogue traders who use the internet and email to con consumers.

Callcredit responds to Edited Register proposals

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 09:24:42 +0100

The Ministry of Justice published its consultation paper “Electoral Registers: Proposed changes to the Edited Register” towards the end of November, prompted by a recommendation in the Report of the Data Sharing Review in 2008.

Businesses trade confidently with trade credit insurance, says Atradius.

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:14:10 +0100

Leading trade credit insurer Atradius is flying the flag for trade credit insurance with the launch of a new advertising campaign aimed at generating leads for their brokers and reinforcing the message to customers and prospects that trade credit insurance is still key to the success of many business transactions.

OFT consults on future anti-money laundering supervisory approach and fee structure

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:57:48 +0100

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is consulting on its future approach to supervising estate agents and certain credit lenders under the Money Laundering Regulations 2007 and the appropriate fee structure.

Soaring insolvencies in middle income bracket 'forcing growing gap between have's and have-not's'.

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:14:49 +0100

A gaping divide is opening up between the “have’s and have-not’s” as soaring personal debt pushes hard-working middle earners out of their comfortable lives and into hardship, warns debt solution website IVA.com.

Consumer Credit Association Form Strategic Partnership with Callcredit Information Group

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:59:47 +0100

The Consumer Credit Association (CCA) has launched a strategic partnership with Callcredit Information Group to offer its members a range of Callcredit products, SHAREReport, CallML and CallTrace.

FSA bans West London mortgage broker for submitting fraudulent applications

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:07:38 +0100

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has banned mortgage intermediary Andrew Emelife for knowingly submitting mortgage applications to lenders that contained false and misleading income information.

Experian reveals UK hotspots for man-made perils

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:38:22 +0100

Experian®, the global information services company, today revealed the UK’s hotspots for malicious damage, escape of water and accidental damage insurance claims.

How the use of advanced IT services in the financial sector can contribute to its recovery

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:35:07 +0100

Mikael Krohn, VP at EDB Business Partner, discusses how the use of IT services can aid the financial sector on its path to economic recovery.

Management buyout leads to major changes for business data supplier

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:16:48 +0100

Bosses at global business information provider CoCredo are making strategic changes to double turnover year-on-year after completing a management buyout.

Concerns for self employed as calls to debt helpline surge

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:39:10 +0100

The UK's leading debt charity, the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS), has expressed concern for those running their own businesses as there was a surge in calls from the self employed to its free debt helpline last month.

2009 Fraud Trends - Fraud continues to demonstrate impact of the recession

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:12:30 +0100

The analysis of fraud trends during 2009 by CIFAS - The UK's Fraud Prevention Service - reveals a 9% increase in the overall level of fraud, when compared with the previous year. This rise has been driven by some particular factors, most notably:

New ISO/IEC standard on risk assessment complements risk management toolbox

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:41:06 +0100

Two recently published ISO standards on risk management have just been joined by a third on risk assessment techniques. Together, they provide organizations of all types with a well-stocked toolbox for tackling situations that could affect the achievement of their objectives.

Political interference 'now the greatest risk facing the global banking industry'

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 09:35:38 +0100

The greatest risk now facing the banking industry is not financial but political, according to the latest ‘Banking Banana Skins’ survey conducted by the CSFI in association with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

Creditsafe Creditnet offers German reports to the UK

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:35:22 +0100

Creditsafe, the business intelligence experts, has announced the further expansion of Creditnet, its international credit referencing solution, to include detailed business information on over four million German businesses. This expansion means that Creditnet now offers information on over 90% of European companies.

Equifax appoints new marketing director

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:37:57 +0100

Leading credit, business and marketing information company, Equifax, has appointed a new Marketing Director, as it focuses on business growth emerging from the recession.

Creditsafe completes major re-brand

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:23:12 +0100

Creditsafe, the business intelligence experts, has today announced the completion of its recent re-branding programme. The re-brand is part of an integrated strategy to help democratise the credit referencing sector, and is underpinned by the new tag line - Simply Smarter.

Atradius reinforces information exchange as way out of recession

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:38:24 +0100

Leading trade credit insurer Atradius has reinforced the need for a clear exchange of information between stakeholders to strengthen the UK’s business economy and expedite recovery.

Financial Services Bill passes final stage in Commons

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:34:38 +0100

Monday’s report stage and third reading of the Financial Services Bill in the House of Commons was strongly welcomed by the Resolution Foundation. We welcome the cross-party support given to the importance of education and support to consumers when it comes to financial decisions.

Outdated financial records could lead to further credit crisis for UK businesses

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 10:39:14 +0100

Despite evidence that the UK economy is now out of recession, npower is warning that out of date financial records could prolong financial instability for many UK businesses. This is likely to impact credit ratings, reducing businesses’ access to finance and essential supplies, like energy.

UK Economy comes out of recession

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 09:41:43 +0100

Figures just released by the Office for National Statistics has shown that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased 0.1 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2009, compared with a decrease of 0.2 per cent in the third quarter. The rise in output was due to growths in services and production.

Lenders urged to review data protection measures as ICO granted new powers

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:39:45 +0100

Lenders are being warned to urgently review data protection measures ahead of the introduction of new powers for the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) on 6 April 2010.

Record fraud in 2009 closes out the 'naughty Noughties'

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:48:38 +0100

The 2000s were a decade of fraud, according to KPMG Forensic's Fraud Barometer, reaching a peak in 2009 when a record £1.3bn of cases came to court.

CIFAS - Comment on today's National Fraud Authority Report

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:59:31 +0100

Commenting on the publication of The National Fraud Authority’s Annual Fraud Indicator, the Chief Executive of CIFAS – The UK’s Fraud Prevention Service, Peter Hurst said:

Callcredit: response to today's National Fraud Authority report

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:18:27 +0100

Callcredit Information Group’s response to NFA’s findings: fraud losses cost the UK £30bn a year and some 58% of fraud is in the public sector. Jan Smith, Director of Industry Relations at Callcredit Information Group comments:

Experian comments on UK fraud loss figures

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:46:54 +0100

Commenting on today figures from the National Fraud Authority on the true extent of the UK’s £30bn fraud loss, Nick Mothershaw, Director of Fraud & Identity Solutions at Experian, says: “The figures released from the National Fraud Authority (NFA) revealing the new cost of fraud in the UK reaffirms our own data which shows that the fraud threat posed in the current economic climate is very real, especially in the financial services sector.

Experian enhances customer insight with latest real-time data service

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:07:30 +0100

Experian, the global information services company, today launched an enhanced version of its Triggers notification service, to help UK lenders identify and respond to changes in their customers’ financial circumstances.

OFT warns of deadline for anti-money laundering registration

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 09:09:47 +0100

Estate agents and certain consumer credit lenders must register under anti-money laundering regulations before 31 January 2010 to avoid breaking the law, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has warned.

Experian appoints telecoms market head for EMEA

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 09:05:27 +0100

Experian®, the global information services company, has announced the appointment of Tim Barber as Telecoms Market Director for EMEA.

Thomson Reuters Unveils Risk Management Solution for Islamic Banking

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:45:04 +0100

Thomson Reuters today announced the launch of a risk management system specifically tailored for Islamic banking. Kondor+ Suite for Islamic Banking is a real time trade and risk management solution, which will provide full front-to-back and cross-asset coverage for Islamic banks as well as Islamic windows in conventional banks.

Begbies Traynor Red Flag Alert

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:15:56 +0100

Red Flag Alert is a monitor of early warning signs of company distress by Begbies Traynor, the UK’s leading business rescue, recovery and restructuring specialist. The latest report focussing on Q4 2009 released today contains the following headlines:

UK recovery reliant on a roaring trade with the tiger economies

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:42:06 +0100

The UK economy has moved out of a decade of debt and into a decade of painful readjustment, according to the latest Ernst & Young ITEM Club quarterly forecast, released today. After years of relying on domestic spending and borrowing the economy now needs to rebalance towards saving and exporting, or risk stagnating.

UK government must support contract bonds for exporters

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:25:16 +0100

The UK government is failing exporters by refusing to underwrite the issue of bonds needed to win overseas orders and guarantee the performance of export contracts, according to Susan Ross - Aon Trade Credit director and chair of the British Exporters Association (BExA).

BPP Business School to run 3 day Principles of Fraud course in January

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 23:34:39 +0100

BPP is running a 3 day ‘Principles of Fraud examination’ short course between 25th – 27th January 2010 at its business school in the city of London.

Chadwick appointed to drive Aon Manchester business

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:59:31 +0100

Aon, Manchester’s leading insurance broker and risk adviser, has appointed Kelvin Chadwick as sales director to lead the commercial sales effort and build on three years of strong revenue growth for the branch.

Experian and I-SEC to provide document checking technology for the fight against fraud

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:55:18 +0100

Experian®, the global information services company, and I-SEC Technologies, a global leader in identity document authentication and management, have announced a partnership to provide document checking technology, commonly used in airports, to private and public sector organisations in the UK.

Data breaches to incur up to Â£500,000 penalty

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:43:23 +0100

New powers, designed to deter personal data security breaches, are expected to come into force on 6 April 2010. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) will be able to order organisations to pay up to £500,000 as a penalty for serious breaches of the Data Protection Act.

FINCAD and SAS to Provide Banks with Enterprise Risk Management and Independent Valuations

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:09:20 +0100

FINCAD®, the trusted provider of derivatives analytics to leading global banks, and SAS, the leader in business analytics software and services, today announced the two companies have formalized an alliance to provide a solution for banks to address their enterprise risk management and independent valuation needs.

Thomson Reuters Goes Live with New Market Data Delivery Solution for TSE Arrowhead

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:59:50 +0100

Thomson Reuters today announced the live launch of a market data delivery solution for the Tokyo Stock Exchange’s new Arrowhead Platform. Clients saw flawless performance from Thomson Reuters direct and consolidated feeds so that they could immediately take full advantage of the increased performance and access to full depth of order book data provided by the Exchange.

Number of internet users now banking online exceeds 50% for the first time ever

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:12:47 +0100

With the continuing increase in the popularity of banking ‘remotely’ - either online or over the phone - Financial Fraud Action UK has published an updated security advice guide - Advice for phone and online banking users.

Small, young firms 'least likely to fail' says new research

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 12:28:35 +0100

Convention that dictates ‘big’ is better when it comes to withstanding insolvency is not born out by the facts, according to the credit insurer, Euler Hermes UK.

Fraud breaks the 2 billion pound barrier

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:51:29 +0100

Reported fraud in the UK exploded in 2009 and broke the £2billion barrier for the first time according to new research from accountants and business advisers BDO LLP. The amount lost by businesses and the public sector to larger frauds increased last year by a startling 76 per cent during the recession, with both the number and size of frauds increasing dramatically.

Hometrack awarded contract to supply Santander Group with valuation and risk services

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:35:08 +0100

Hometrack Data Systems, the UK's leading supplier of automated valuations, announced today that it has been awarded a broad ranging UK service contract to supply the Santander Group with valuation and risk information.

Equifax introduces superior credit scoring power for consumer lenders

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:02:32 +0100

Leading credit intelligence expert, Equifax, is addressing the challenges currently facing the consumer credit market. By thinking differently, Equifax has identified a new approach to using credit bureau data, with a new range of scoring products that set the benchmark for credit decisioning.

Macey-Dare returns to Marsh to lead International Political Risk and Structured Credit business

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:34:40 +0100

Marsh, the world’s leading insurance broker and risk adviser, has appointed Julian Macey-Dare as International Leader of its Political Risk and Structured Credit Practice.

FSA fines Northern Ireland mortgage firm for failing to prevent fraud

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:08:57 +0100

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has fined County Down mortgage intermediary Case Funding Centre (CFC) £35,000 for failures which led to at least 16 fraudulent mortgage applications being submitted to lenders.

Treasury Committee publishes response to pre-budget report

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 15:55:03 +0100

The Treasury Committee, which today publishes its report on the 2009 Pre-Budget Report, calls for greater Government clarity on its plans to reduce the structural deficit.

Avoiding the 'Seven Deadly Sins' of Online Fraud

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:50:24 +0100

Ori Eisen, Chief Innovation Officer at 41st Parameter, highlights seven 'online sins' which, if addressed, can deter the use of stolen credit cards and reduce identity theft and fraud. By addressing these points, companies transacting online can reduce the threat of fraudulent purchases or unauthorised account access and ensure a safer experience for their legitimate customers.

Total UK personal debt

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 11:52:57 +0100

Total UK personal debt at the end of November 2009 stood at £1,459bn. The twelve-month growth was 0.7%.

Learning and Skills Councill Chief Executive to Lead New Skills Agency

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:06:17 +0100

Learning and Skills Council Chief Executive Geoff Russell has today been appointed as the first Chief Executive of the new Skills Funding Agency.

Capital support from shareholder will help Coface to reinforce its commitment to customers

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 09:21:44 +0100

Capital support from shareholders will help Coface to reinforce its commitment to its customers in the recovery phase which is on the way.

FLA responds to credit searches report

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:38:21 +0100

Responding to the Treasury Select Committee report on credit searches that was published today, Fiona Hoyle, Head of Consumer Finance at the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA), said:

The Commons Treasury Committee Report calls for investigation into credit market

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:34:31 +0100

The Commons Treasury Committee today publishes its report on credit searches, which calls on the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) and the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) to investigate the fairness of this part of the credit market.

Small uplift in electoral roll registrations reported as Equifax uploads 2009 Data

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:14:57 +0100

Leading credit and business information specialist, Equifax, is currently collecting the 2009 electoral roll data from all the UK’s local councils to upload to its consumer credit database on January 1st 2010.

Compulsory liquidations cost UK plc Â£887 million

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:01:00 +0100

New research shows that companies entering compulsory liquidation owed monies totalling at least £887 million over the last year. Analysis by CreditPal, a new free online accounting service for Small to Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs), reveals the cumulative debt of the 5,865 businesses in England and Wales that entered into compulsory liquidation in the twelve months from October 2008 - September 2009.

DecisionMetrics launches 'Recession Scores'

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:19:17 +0100

DecisionMetrics, (part of Callcredit Information Group), has lunched 'Recession Scores', to help lenders make more accurate decisions designed to protect consumers who may have suffered financially during the recession.

Bridge Business Recovery appointed to find buyer for The Health Lottery

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:41:41 +0100

Insolvency experts Bridge Business Recovery have begun the task of finding a suitable buyer for the Altala Group Ltd, the company behind the proposed Health Lottery, after it was placed in administration earlier this month.

Business confidence hits a two year high

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:01:00 +0100

Lloyds TSB's six monthly Business in Britain survey shows that British businesses are now more confident than at any point in the past two years, and are hopeful of a revival of fortunes in 2010 - although they remain cautious about the challenges that lie ahead - according to the latest Business in Britain survey from Lloyds TSB Commercial.

Equifax backs ICM call for crackdown on fraud

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 23:59:00 +0100

There probably hasn’t been a worse time for fraudulent transactions to hit a business - it is the last thing a company will want to deal with and could severely destabilise their finances while being rectified if it doesn’t send them under in the first place! Leading fraud prevention expert, Equifax, is therefore welcoming the Institute of Credit Management’s (ICM) call for new measures and tighter controls to combat corporate fraud.

Comment from EDB Business Partner on the changing focus in 2010 for banks and financial institutions

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:29:22 +0100

According to Mikael Krohn, VP at EDB Business Partner, the last year has been an incredibly volatile time in the world of risk management, however, it has also been the year when risk management was thrust firmly onto the agenda and became of crucial importance for global banks and commercial lenders.

CallMonitor Expanded to Include New Datasets

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:50:26 +0100

Credit Reference Agency Callcredit has today announced that it is further enhancing its award-winning daily alerts solution, CallMonitor. These upgrades are part of a continuous programme and will enable financial institutions to make quicker and more informed decisions about their customers throughout the credit lifecycle.

Action taken after details of 110,000 individuals are stolen

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:58:49 +0100

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has found Verity Trustees Ltd to be in breach of the Data Protection Act after the Trustees reported the theft of a laptop computer containing the names, addresses, dates of birth, salaries and national insurance numbers of around 110,000 individuals.

Action taken after tenants' personal files go missing

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:55:16 +0100

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has found the Orbit Heart of England Housing Association to be in breach of the Data Protection Act after 57 paper files containing personal data went missing during an office move.

FSA strengthens stress testing regime

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:41:02 +0100

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has strengthened its stress testing regime by requiring firms to improve their stress testing capability, enhance their capital planning stress testing and by introducing a reverse stress testing requirement for firms.

Aon Trade Credit comment on government's closure of top-up credit insurance to new applications

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 11:00:04 +0100

Susan Ross, director of Aon Trade Credit - the UK's largest credit insurance broker - and chair of the British Exporters' Association, comments on the Government's announcement that it is closing the top-up credit insurance to new applications.

Wall Street and the City reject reform but accept blame for crisis

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:42:52 +0100

Early findings of a global risk management survey which asks finance professionals what they think caused the banking crisis and what should be done about it, reveals that the City and Wall Street will not accept any measures to reform despite admitting blame for the financial crisis.

Skipton's Callcredit Information Group sale heralds future full of opportunity

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:44:45 +0100

Skipton Building Society today announces the successful sale of its majority stake in credit reference and marketing services subsidiary Callcredit Information Group (CIG), in a deal signalling positive opportunities for both businesses.

List Group launches FMR Grid for simultaneous analysis of risk across asset classes

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 10:24:46 +0100

List Group, the independent electronic trading provider behind 15 of Europe’s electronic markets, today launched its standard alone grid computing platform, FMR Grid. The powerful platform enables financial institutions to conduct complex risk analysis simultaneously across asset classes, significantly improving risk management performance and effectiveness.

Survey Uncovers Business Leaders' Predictions for Economic Recovery;

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:48:28 +0100

This week, international trade credit insurer Atradius, based in Hunt Valley, MD, released its Global Economic Crisis Survey based on more than 3,500 interviews with executives and senior managers from companies in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. The survey was designed to learn business leaders' views on current economic indicators, including:

UK commercial property debt stands at Â£224bn as defaults double to Â£30bn

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 09:53:03 +0100

The commercial property lending boom is over and the market is taking its first tentative steps on the long road to recovery.

New Equifax Solution Helps Businesses Reduce Losses, Improve Profitability

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:32:39 +0100

Equifax Inc. has announced the launch of a new solution that gives companies increased control over the risk management of business customers as well as suppliers.

Saffron Building Society to launch online account application service with Experian

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:23:16 +0100

Saffron Building Society has selected Experian, the global information services company, to authenticate new savings account applications quickly and efficiently, as it prepares to launch its new online account opening service. The move reflects Saffron’s increasing multi-channel focus as it seeks to grow its customer base through its online services.

Online business network created for credit managers - CreditPal and ICM offer discounts for members

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:19:08 +0100

CreditPal, the new online credit reference service, provides the solution for the 9 out of 10 credit managers who state that up-to-date validated management accounts are “valuable” or “very valuable” when making credit decisions.

Equifax joins the London New Year's Day parade

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:26:44 +0100

Leading instant online credit information provider, Equifax, is aiming to help consumers better manage their finances in 2010 as a co-sponsor of London’s New Year’s Day Parade and Festival.

Head office staff made redundant at Borders (UK) Ltd

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:05:25 +0100

Joint administrators Phil Duffy, Geoff Bouchier and David Whitehouse of MCR, have announced that a total of 36 employees based at the London head office of Borders (UK) Ltd have today been made redundant.

Total UK personal debt

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:20:43 +0100

Total UK personal debt at the end of October 2009 stood at £1,458bn. The twelve-month growth rate fell to 0.7%.

Pickpockets and thieves target more than your wallet

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:18:39 +0100

As the festive shopping period hits top speed, the dangers of the season are ones no consumer can afford to ignore.

Banks 'Still Not Lending', Centric Commercial Finance Survey Reveals

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:51:28 +0100

65% of corporate financial advisers have stated that the 'the banks are not lending', according to an independent survey commissioned by Centric Commercial Finance. 72% said that cash flow was proving to be their clients' biggest challenge. Disappointingly, 56% of respondents claim that banks have removed or are restricting clients' facilities.

As Cyber Monday looms, Adeptra surveys UK and US attitudes to suspected fraud

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:10:31 +0100

In the run up to Cyber Monday, an Adeptra survey of 400 British and American consumers, reveals that American consumers take greater steps than the British to avoid becoming a victim of financial fraud, checking their bank and card statements more frequently.

Equifax helps businesses face up to fraud

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:04:41 +0100

In research conducted for National Identity Fraud Prevention Week this month, Equifax revealed a lack of awareness, among business owners, regarding some of the most prevalent types of corporate fraud. In response to this trend, Equifax is launching an updated version of its Corporate Identity Fraud Guide, offering businesses expert help and advice on understanding and tackling the risks.

Bureau van Dijk brings new data and products to Online 2010

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:51:22 +0100

Bureau van Dijk (BvD), a leading publisher of company information and business intelligence, will be showing its enhanced product range at this year’s Online Information exhibition at London’s Olympia. Enhancements cover both data and products.

Government to implement Walker reforms on pay and governance

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:01:00 +0100

The Government will move quickly to implement the reforms of bank pay and governance proposed today by Sir David Walker.

Atradius survey reveals what British businesses really think about the economic crisis

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:16:19 +0100

Atradius, the leading trade credit insurer, has surveyed 3500 businesses around the world on how they have been impacted by the economic crisis and their views on the future. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the British have a less favourable view in many respects than their foreign counterparts. Key findings were as follows:

Almost a third of job losses are the result of company liquidations

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:05:20 +0100

New research shows that the last year has seen an estimated 164,000 people in England and Wales lose their jobs as their employer has gone into liquidation. With the number of unemployed rising by 569,000 over this period, liquidations account for 29% of the total increase.

Automotive finance and insurance fraud leap in third quarter

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:52:48 +0100

Experian®, the global information services company, today launched the first Experian Fraud Index, a new quarterly data update highlighting the evolving nature of the fraud threat facing the UK’s financial services sector.

2009: Laptops are the Bank Robber's 'Weapon of Choice' - 2010: What's the fraudster's next target?

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:42:03 +0100

2009 has seen record numbers become victims of online fraud – whether through ID theft, unauthorised account access or Card-Not-Present fraud – and it appears, as we head towards a new year, criminals are getting bolder.

Credit information gap 'continuing to hamper recovery prospects'

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:33:10 +0100

A widening gap between the supply and demand for relevant up to date credit information relating to small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) is hampering the prospects for a sustained UK economic recovery says Graydon UK, a commercial credit agency.

FRSGlobal announces new version of RiskPro Credit Risk

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:13:18 +0100

FRSGlobal, the only global provider of risk and regulatory compliance solutions on a unified platform with coverage for over 40 countries, today announced the release of the latest version of its Credit Risk TNG module within its unified risk and profitability analysis solution, RiskPro, to help the banking, insurance and corporate sectors strengthen risk management insight.

Webroot alerts online shoppers to holiday cyber threats

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:53:21 +0100

Data-Stealing malware is on the rise as consumers plan to buy more gifts online this year.

New ISO standard for effective management of risk

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:31:50 +0100

A new International Standard, ISO 31000:2009, Risk management – Principles and guidelines, will help organizations of all types and sizes to manage risk effectively.

Aon Limited appoints new UK chief operating officer

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:57:28 +0100

Aon Limited, the UK’s leading risk and insurance firm, has appointed Simon Allen as chief operating officer, subject to FSA approval. He will also sit on the Aon Limited board.

Norwich & Peterborough awards new contract to Equifax

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:59:34 +0100

Norwich & Peterborough Building Society (N&P), has extended its current partnership with leading credit risk management expert, Equifax. The new four year deal strengthens the longstanding relationship between N&P and Equifax – the two companies have been working together for almost 15 years – and will see Equifax delivering a range of solutions to support N&P’s continued focus on the consumer mortgage and banking markets.

Leading Meals-on-Wheels supplier in Administration

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:29:07 +0100

Philip Duffy and Steven Muncaster of insolvency practice MCR, have been appointed Joint Administrators of a leading supplier of meals-on-wheels food to local social services departments across the UK.

New buyer rating tool benefits Atradius customers

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:50:15 +0100

Customers of leading trade credit insurer Atradius will now benefit from the addition of Atradius Buyer Ratings, a bespoke tool developed to help them to accurately assess both risks and opportunities within their buyer portfolio. As a special launch offer, all existing Atradius policy holders will be offered the product free of charge.

Bad debt Britain: nine out of ten UK companies record a rise in bad debt

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:52:41 +0100

New research just published by Creditsafe, the business intelligence experts, reveals that 91% of UK companies have seen an increase in defaulted payments from creditors in the last 12 months.

The Government welcomed the news of an increase of 6,000 people in work this quarter

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:19:03 +0100

The Government welcomed the news of an increase of 6,000 people in work this quarter, although figures published by the Office for National Statistics also show that ILO (International Labour Organisation) unemployment has risen more slowly than many expected. At 30,000 this quarter’s rise is the lowest in more than a year. ILO unemployment is 2.46 million (7.8%), reinforcing the fact that the UK labour market is performing better than most major economies.

Exact approved by the FSA

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:51:15 +0100

Exact has today confirmed that its application to be regulated by the FSA has been approved.

Low earners pushed closer to crisis by recession

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:22:48 +0100

The recession risks driving the UK’s 14.3 million low earners closer to crisis as the downturn compounds their already vulnerable position. This is particularly true for the 7.2 million working low earners who will continue to be exposed to job loss long after the recession is technically over.

Statement on money laundering controls in overseas jurisdictions

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:31:13 +0100

This notice constitutes advice issued by HM Treasury about risks posed by unsatisfactory money laundering controls in a number of jurisdictions.

NEOVIA Financial Implementing Solutions From Actimize For Enhanced Card And Banking Fraud Prevention

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:43:00 +0100

Actimize, a NICE Systems company and the largest and broadest financial crime, compliance and risk management solutions provider to the financial services industry, today announced its Remote Banking and Card Fraud prevention solutions are being implemented by NEOVIA Financial Plc (LSE: NEO), a leading global online payments business.

Top statistician takes up new role at the University of East Anglia

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:46:13 +0100

Highly-regarded statistician Elena Kulinskaya has been appointed as the first Aviva Chair in Statistics at the University of East Anglia (UEA).

Telcos' data breach notification amendment is passed

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:52:42 +0100

The European Council has approved a data breach notification rule for Europe's telecoms firms. The amendment to an EU Directive will force telcos to tell customers if they lose their data.

BBC Watchdog: suspected breaches involving passports

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:48:55 +0100

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has been contacted by the BBC programme 'Watchdog' about data security problems uncovered in the Home Office passport service. Mick Gorrill, Assistant Information Commissioner, has issued a statement on the story, which aired on the 5 November 2009.

New measures to strengthen the use of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:43:46 +0100

The level of authorisation required by local authorities to sign off investigatory techniques will be raised to prevent them being used for trivial matters.

MCR Launches New Fraud Investigations Team

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:47:37 +0100

A new fraud investigation team comprised of dedicated, expert forensic services to the private and public sectors, has been launched by corporate insolvency and restructuring firm MCR.

CIBC selects FRSGlobal's liquidity solution

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:41:02 +0100

FRSGlobal today announced that Canadian bank; Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) has chosen FRSGlobal's liquidity solution. The combination of FRSGlobal's stress testing and regulatory reporting will enable the firm to monitor, manage and report liquidity as well as build and develop a library of stress tests in accordance with the FSA’s requirements. ...

Equifax Tackles E-Mail Accuracy with eConnectAppend

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:51:43 +0100

The benefits of email marketing are clear, offering marketers significant costs savings, as well as a fast and highly responsive approach to customer communication. However, to date, customer management by email has proven difficult to implement due to a lack of accurate and available email addresses.

Nationwide responds to Treasury Select Committee review of credit search market

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:18:46 +0100

We are delighted that the Treasury Select Committee is looking at the impact of multiple credit searches on consumers as part of its investigation into the credit search sector.

Newcastle-under-Lyme accountancy firm prosecuted

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:57:15 +0100

The failure to pay a £35 fee has led a local firm to incur fines and costs totalling £1776.40. Moores Chartered Management Accountants, a local accountancy firm, has been prosecuted by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for offences under the Data Protection Act.

Financial Sector fraud could hit Â£1 billion in next two years

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:28:34 +0100

Financial sector fraud could hit £1 billion in the next two years as the full effect of the recession is realised, a mortgage fraud specialist has warned. The level of reported fraud in the sector in 2007 was £37million, increasing to £388 million last year. Mortgage fraud accounted for £4m in 2007, £36m in 2008 and this is likely to treble in the next 12 months.

Increases in fraud reveal a bleak landscape across UK

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:21:56 +0100

At the end of the third quarter of 2009, data provided by the 260 Member organisations of CIFAS – the UK’s Fraud Prevention Service, proves that fraud continues its inexorable rise.

Credit where credit is due

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:31:46 +0100

The importance of your business having a healthy and accurate credit score has significantly increased with the heightened financial pressure of the economic downturn, according to Steve Manwaring, Director at corporate restructuring and insolvency specialists, MCR.

Leading employers get on board to drive new FSSC strategy

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:07:02 +0100

Following the recent appointment of Liz Field as Interim Chief Executive, the Financial Services Skills Council (FSSC) today announced that Legal & General’s Adrian Clark and Santander’s Bernadette Brown are to join its board of directors. These senior level employer appointments are made as the Council begins to implement its new approach, developed in consultation with the industry.

Recession getting worse for low earners

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:08:56 +0100

Despite recent talk of return to growth, today’s ONS figures show that the recession is far from over for low earners with larger declines in overall growth in key low earner industries compared with the previous quarter.

London leads the property recovery - RICS latest Commercial Property Survey for Q3 2009.

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:43:53 +0100

A positive majority of surveyors in the UK are now reporting rising enquiries and lettings activity for the first time in over 2 years, with London leading the commercial property recovery says, RICS' latest Commercial Property Survey.

Banking industry warns about a growing card fraud scam

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:08:50 +0100

Financial Fraud Action UK, the voice of the industry for financial fraud matters, today (21 October 2009) advised about the recent rise in popularity of an old-style phone scam. The fraudsters dupe unsuspecting cardholders into handing over their card and revealing their PIN by pretending to be from either their bank, card company, or even the police.

Equifax launches Switchers

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:16:31 +0100

Understanding what triggers a consumer to look for a new product or service and targeting them at the right time can be complex. To help consumer marketers tackle this challenge, leading marketing services provider, Equifax, has launched Equifax Switchers - a new addition to the range of alerts and triggers within ConnectSelect, Equifax’s consumer marketing database.

Formicary launches new version of Riskseer to transform and improve risk management processes

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:03:50 +0100

Formicary, a specialist technology integration company for the financial services industry, has launched the latest version of RiskSeer - its integrated Independent Price Verification application.

Nearly half of homebuyers struggle to get a good mortgage first time round

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:57:34 +0100

The latest survey from leading instant online credit information provider, Equifax, reveals that the difficulty in getting a good mortgage deal at first request is still a major issue for the home buying market.

Business failures peak in sight but recovery 'will be two-speed'

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:12:07 +0100

Despite more than one in 60 businesses going bust this year, the rise in total business failures is set to end early in 2010 as the UK economy returns to growth and financial strain on businesses eases, according to the latest Industry Watch report by accountants and business advisors, BDO LLP.

Three in four 'dodgy' directors go unpunished

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:05:32 +0100

R3, the trade body for Insolvency Professionals, is calling for the Insolvency Service to be allocated greater resources to pursue more cases referred to them by Insolvency Practitioners (IPs). Last year, out of the 4,752 referrals by IPs, the Insolvency Service disqualified 1,252 directors, or about 26%. Six years ago 45% of directors were disqualified.

Record number of tax refund scam emails reported

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:10:00 +0100

A record 83,000 scam emails offering fake tax refunds were reported to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) in September. The online attacks, known as ‘phishing’, have continued this month, with an unprecedented 10,000 reports of the fraud made to HMRC on one day alone.

Creditsafe completes website redevelopment

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:25:54 +0100

Creditsafe, the business intelligence experts, has today announced the completion of its £500,000 website redevelopment, which with improved functionality and data gives its customers a radically enhanced experience while retaining the system’s renowned intuitive easy to use interface.

Flexibility and agility 'required to succeed post-credit crunch'

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:34:10 +0100

Speaking at the ICAEW’s Finance Director’s conference, Rodger Hill, Head of Financial Management at KPMG said:

UK recovery still fragile, though unemployment rises are slowing

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:26:43 +0100

Commenting on the labour market figures published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Unemployment rate rises to 7.9% for 3 months to August

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:23:38 +0100

According to new figures just issued by the Office for National Statistics, the employment rate and the number of people in employment have fallen. The number of vacancies is unchanged.

London Metropolitan Business School and Risk Specialists collaborate to produce risk solutions

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:15:47 +0100

The recent financial crisis has weakened the UK economy and left shareholders and the public unsure of what actions are necessary to avoid worsening the downturn. Suddenly people are demanding more reliable measuring and reporting of the risks that organisations take in order to justify their salaries and bonuses.

Business failures drop quarter on quarter across the UK for the first time for over a year

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:28:26 +0100

Leading business information provider, Equifax, has released its Business Failures Report for the third quarter of 2009. Although year on year, there are still increases in failures in most sectors and regions of the UK, the number of businesses going under in Quarter 3 has dropped in every part of the country and every business sector compared to Quarter 2.

Recession raises fear of identity theft

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:05:25 +0100

Lloyds TSB has launched a campaign to raise awareness of ID theft, providing a range of advice on how to protect your identity.

FSA action highlights continuing employee fraud issues

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:15:51 +0100

Following the news that Seymour Pierce has been fined £154,000 by the UK's Financial Services Authority (FSA) for failing to prevent an employee stealing from the stockbroker and its clients, Actimize believes that the FSA's action highlights not only the need to monitor employees for evidence of fraudulent behaviour, but also the feasibility of such a program today.

97% of employees doubt businesses' ability to protect their customers from identity fraud

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:21:40 +0100

National Identity Fraud Prevention Week, the major annual awareness drive, begins today – and this year, campaign partners from across the public-private sector divide have come together to warn Britain’s businesses of the risk identity fraud poses to them, their employees, their customers and their suppliers.

HM Treasury announces call for evidence, to inform Review of Money Laundering Regulations 2007

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:51:31 +0100

HM Treasury has today published a call for evidence on the Money Laundering Regulations 2007 and of the UK’s anti-money laundering policies and procedures under them. The Call is designed to help inform a review of the Regulations, and look at how effective and proportionate the UK’s anti-money laundering rules are.

The Anonymous Attacker:CIFAS releases Special Report into identity fraud and account takeover fraud

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:37:29 +0100

CIFAS – the UK’s Fraud Prevention Service, in collaboration with a number of private and public sector bodies has released a report entitled The Anonymous Attacker today at the beginning of National Identity Fraud Prevention Week. The Anonymous Attacker combines research, statistics, maps, prevention tips, case studies, and opinion pieces on how consumers and businesses are affected by the twin threats of identity fraud and account takeover fraud.

Financial Fraud Action UK announces latest fraud figures

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:34:09 +0100

Financial Fraud Action UK, the voice of the industry for financial fraud matters, (previously known as APACS 3) today (7 October 2009) publishes the latest payment industry fraud losses for the first half of 2009, in conjunction with The UK Cards Association and the Cheque and Credit Clearing Company.

More victims of crime protecting themselves from identity fraud

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:43:12 +0100

While there are numerous products available to those whose identities have already been compromised, Protective Registration is a preventative measure for those who are victims of crime or at particular risk of identity fraud. With identity fraud one of the fastest growing crimes in the UK, it is no wonder that 19,100 individuals have taken out CIFAS Protective Registration in 2009 to date.

2014: the future of risk management according to Aon

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:27:25 +0100

Increased demand for in-house risk managers, ERM exploring opportunities and better risk data will characterise the future risk world, according to Aon, the leading global insurance broker and risk advisor.

CML responds to Bank's credit conditions survey

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:06:42 +0100

Responding to the publication of today's Bank of England Credit Conditions Survey, The Council of Mortgage Lenders' (CML) economist Paul Samter commented:

Company directors can now be better protected from ID fraud

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:59:20 +0100

Leading ID fraud expert, Equifax, is alerting Company Directors and Company Secretaries that they can better protect their personal address details as a result of the new Companies Act which came into force today.

Total UK personal debt

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:31:08 +0100

Total UK personal debt at the end of August 2009 stood at £1,457bn. The twelve-month growth rate continued to fall, by 0.1 percentage points to 0.8%.

Banks are Brought Down by Overblown Bureaucracies

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:56:54 +0100

Bureaucratic management systems that enable executives to take risks without responsibility are largely to blame for the economic crisis, according to a new study funded by the Advanced Institute of Management Research (AIM Research). Poor risk management was at the heart of the sub-prime meltdown in 2007, can be blamed for Lehman Brothers' failure and it continues to haunt the banks today.

Creditsafe Creditnet expands into Spain and Norway

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:03:11 +0100

Creditsafe, the business credit information experts, has announced the expansion of Creditnet, its international credit referencing solution, to include companies from Spain and Norway. The expansion means that instant credit reports are now available to Creditsafe subscribers for businesses through most of Europe.

EC Public Hearing on 'Responsible Lending and Borrowing'

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:34:26 +0100

A Public Hearing has now followed up the EU Consultation on Responsible Lending and Borrowing which closed at the end of August.

Businesses need to be prepared for Companies House data

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:25:53 +0100

1st October 2009 sees the final changes to The Companies Act 2006 which received Royal Assent on 8th November 2006, effectively replacing existing company legislation. This includes several significant changes to the data to be held on Company Directors at Companies House.

As cheque usage falls, payments industry publishes important security reminders

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:28:51 +0100

In response to the fact that we are using cheques less often than ever before, the Cheque and Credit Clearing Company has today published a reminder guide to help people avoid common pitfalls and safeguard themselves from fraud when writing and receiving cheques.

Yodlee Fights Online Payment Fraud Using Actimize

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:16:51 +0100

Yodlee, a leading provider of personal financial management (PFM) and payments solutions, today announced that following careful due diligence it has selected and partnered with Actimize, the largest and broadest financial crimes, compliance and risk management solutions provider to the financial services industry and a NICE systems company (NASDAQ: NICE), to integrate Actimize’s real-time fraud monitoring and prevention technology into Yodlee’s innovative online payments solutions.& ...

Draycir Launches Credit Guardian for SMEs

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:58:13 +0100

Credit Guardian launches to enable small and medium-sized businesses to make more informed business decisions to minimise the risk and impact of bad debt and late payment.

Top Ten Tips to Adopting A Healthy Approach to Risk

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:17:51 +0100

Craig Ferri, Managing Director at leading Risk and Decision Analysis Software Company Palisade, has listed his top ten tips to 'Adopting a Healthy Approach to Risk'.

Thales secures Global Refund's 16 million annual transactions and supports PCI DSS compliance

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:50:38 +0100

Thales, leader in information systems and communications security, announces that Global Refund has deployed Thales hardware security modules (HSMs) from the nCipher product line to help the company secure its financial transactions and achieve compliance under the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) for the sales tax refunds it delivers to 30,000 travellers each day.

Coface continues to play its role, supporting companies despite the crisis

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:53:31 +0100

The worsening of the credit crisis, starting in the fourth quarter of 2008, has dug into Coface's claims rate and has substantially affected its net profit, standing at a loss of €103m over the first half year of 2009. Coface* has nevertheless managed over this half year to:

0.5 per cent interest rates expected until at least Q4 2010

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:58:14 +0100

The Bank of England’s current policy of pumping currency into the economy and maintaining interest rates at 0.5 per cent is expected to continue until at least the final quarter of next year in order to balance low inflation and counter a likely increase in taxes, according to the latest Business Trends report by accountants and business advisers BDO Stoy Hayward LLP.

CCTA Granted 'Accredited Trade Association' Status by DVLA

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:51:51 +0100

The Consumer Credit Trade Association (CCTA) is proud and delighted to announce that it has been granted Accredited Trade Association status by the DVLA.

icenet partners with Sola To Expand Service To Short Term Lenders

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 09:45:35 +0100

Instalment lending software specialist, icenet has entered into apartnership arrangement with Sola Software a provider of application sourcing and integrated underwriting technology to jointly target the short term lending sector. ...

Switzerland agrees to exchange tax data

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 17:04:27 +0100

A Protocol delivering comprehensive exchange of information up to OECD and international tax standards between Switzerland and the UK, which covers UK taxes of all kinds, was signed in London today by The Financial Secretary to the Treasury, the Right Honourable Stephen Timms MP and the Swiss Ambassador to the UK, His Excellency Alexis P Lautenberg.

Recovery has started but economy still faces huge risks

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 16:59:29 +0100

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has today published its September 2009 Economic Forecast. Despite a further downward revision in GDP expectations for this year, the BCC is more upbeat about economic growth in 2010, and has reduced its forecast for peak unemployment.

APS selects Equifax to help grow pre-paid business

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 15:20:00 +0100

Leading anti-money laundering expert, Equifax, has signed a significant new three year deal to become first choice supplier of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) ID verification solutions to Advanced Payment Solutions (APS), the UK’s leading pre-paid card issuer.

Motor finance fraud down as industry prevents Â£60m+ fraudulent deals

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:24:11 +0100

The motor finance industry helped cut cases of motor finance fraud by 29% in the second quarter of 2009, despite an increase in attempted fraud.

Merger creates largest anti-financial crime vendor - Actimize and Fortent

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:10:27 +0100

NICE and Actimize today announced a $73.5M acquisition of Fortent, a UK founded pioneer of modern statistical-based Anti Money Laundering and Financial Crime solutions to financial institutions, including 15 of the world's 30 largest financial firms, and government agencies.

Taking the initiative in the fight against mobile phone crime

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:42:04 +0100

Action to prevent criminals abusing new mobile phone technology, which allows them to be used like debit, credit and pre-pay cards, has been agreed by the Government, mobile phone and card payments industries, Home Office Minister Alan Campbell announced today.

2,460 manufacturers to go out of business in 2009

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:26:58 +0100

Manufacturing output remains significantly below pre-recession levels and there will be a high of 2,460 business failures in 2009, compared to the 1,600 recorded in 2008, according to the latest Industry Watch report by accountants and business advisors, BDO Stoy Hayward LLP.

Insider fraud on the increase

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:54:15 +0100

Analysis of the staff frauds filed during the 12 months from July 2008 to June 2009 reveal some interesting shifts in the frauds identified by Members of the CIFAS Staff Fraud Database. Of particular note are:

Half a million more working-age people in workless households

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:48:33 +0100

The number of working-age people in workless households in April-June 2009 was 4.8 million, up 500,000 on a year earlier, figures from the Labour Force Survey show. The number of children in workless households rose by 170,000 to 1.9 million.

Travelling abroad? Be aware of cross-border fraud

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:37:12 +0100

This summer, as British travellers prepare to spend their summer holidays exploring some of the more economically attractive parts of Europe, they’d better pack credit cards from banks using the most advanced fraud management solutions. Otherwise, they may find themselves victims of fraud – or stranded without access to cash.

Â£41m fraud hits building society

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 12:08:38 +0100

The Chelsea Building Society has revealed it has lost £41m ($67m) as a result of mortgage frauds involving some of its buy-to-let loans.

Changes to the Government's Trade Credit Insurance Top-up Scheme.

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 17:39:44 +0100

The Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) have announced further changes to the Government’s Trade Credit Insurance Top-up Scheme.

'New criteria for credit insurance scheme good news but it's still failing to hit the mark'

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:53:42 +0100

Commenting on news that the Government has widened criteria and dropped charges for its trade credit insurance scheme Edward Rimmer, chief executive at leading independent invoice financier Bibby Financial Services, said:

Recession sparks 300% increase in business monitoring

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 10:36:45 +0100

Equifax has seen the use of some of its business monitoring alerts increase threefold in the past year. Equifax believes this phenomenal rise demonstrates that businesses have really switched on to the importance of staying up to date with the status of customers and suppliers, in order to protect cash flow and safeguard against bad debt.

TDX Group signs British Gas residential contract

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 19:14:53 +0100

British Gas has embarked upon a four-year relationship with TDX Group, the UK’s leading provider of analytics-based debt management products and solutions. The relationship will see TDX Group manage British Gas’ late final debts following British Gas’ own internal customer recovery treatments of its residential customers.

Callcredit Information Group strengthens management team

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:39:02 +0100

After a successful year of continued organic growth credit and marketing services company Callcredit Information Group has appointed two new recruits to its senior management team.

EDB comment on the recent Tower Group report

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:12:49 +0100

Mikael Krohn, VP of EDB Business Partner, said: "A recent TowerGroup report shows that risk management allocation of FSIs' total global IT spending is predicted to rise from 6.5 per cent in 2009 to almost 7 per cent by 2012, pointing towards a better understanding of the critical importance of expert operational and strategic risk management.

Marsh launches trade credit insurance service to help firms maintain cover during recession

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:54:24 +0100

As UK companies continue to encounter problems renewing their trade credit cover, Marsh, the world’s leading insurance broker and risk adviser, has launched a new service to help these organisations stabilise or improve the credit limits issued by insurers. The service will enable companies to continue trading effectively with suppliers and customers during the recession.

Financial worries of festival goers

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:49:18 +0100

Whether you’re basking in glorious sunshine or up to your knees in mud, festivals have always been a place to unwind and listen to your favourite bands. But chilling out and not being as vigilant as you should be at festivals has lead to music fans falling victim to financial criminals.

Labour Market Statistical Bulletin - ONS

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:24:54 +0100

The summary of the latest briefing note for Labour Market Statistical Bulletin from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), shows that the number of unemployed people, the unemployment rate and the claimant count have all increased, whilst the employment rate and the number of employed people have fallen.

Company liquidations up 39% since 2008

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:54:12 +0100

Today, 192.com, the UK’s leading people, business and place finder, announces the addition of Company Credit Reports to its new website making it the first directory to provide direct access to company credit risk scores online.

2Checkout.com Extends Commitment to 41st Parameter's Internet Fraud Detection Solutions

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 12:14:30 +0100

41st Parameter® Inc., the leading provider of fraud detection and prevention technology, today announced a three-year extension of services from 2Checkout.com (2CO), provider of turnkey e-commerce solutions and payment processing for approximately 40,000 businesses around the world.

Credit squeeze abates as businesses find it easier to get new loans - CBI

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:08:06 +0100

Businesses are finding it easier to obtain new credit for the first time this year, and expect the situation to improve at a similar rate over the coming three months, the CBI said today (Monday).

Phil Jenks joins Exact

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 11:14:22 +0100

Phil Jenks, leading authority and one of the most respected and accomplished mortgage industry figures has joined Exact Mortgage Experts as Non-Executive Director.

Accountants reveal UK's recovery sectors

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 15:31:44 +0100

A study of 1,000 UK accountants, commissioned by independent Invoice and Asset Based Lender Venture Finance, has revealed professional services are topping a chart of recession recovery sectors as the least financially stressed group in the current economic conditions. The creative industries came second in the list, with the retail sector third.

Chancellor should raise QE programme ceiling to Â£180bn

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 09:26:53 +0100

Commenting on the choices facing the MPC today, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Co-operative Financial Services slashes credit card fraud rates with Adeptra Auto-resolution

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 17:23:36 +0100

Adeptra, the recognised leader in automated contact and resolution services to companies engaged in consumer credit and risk management, today announced that Co-operative Financial Services’ (CFS) adoption of its Auto-resolution technology to tackle fraud, has led to unrecoverable card fraud losses falling by 70%. Since implementation, CFS has reported a 35% reduction in fraud.

Bridge Business Recovery appointed joint administrators to Trak Group

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:06:25 +0100

James Bradney and Alex Cadwallader of Bridge Business Recovery have been named joint administrators to Trak Group, a privately-owned construction company based in Hemel Hempstead. The company was established in 1995 and carried out construction work within the leisure, residential, industrial and commercial sectors across the UK.

Pace of quantitative easing should be stepped up

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 11:51:01 +0100

Commenting ahead of the MPC’s August meeting next Thursday, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

OFT launches anti-money laundering registration

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:18:57 +0100

Registration starts today for businesses supervised by the OFT under Government anti-money laundering regulations which aim to reduce the possibility of legitimate businesses being used for money laundering or terrorist financing.

Fraud continues to leave a trail of damage

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:20:00 +0100

An analysis of fraud trends during the first half of 2009 reveals a continuing surge in fraudulent activity. The 260 organisations that are Members of CIFAS - The UK's Fraud Prevention Service - report:

Government action to tackle VAT fraud on carbon credits

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 18:02:59 +0100

The UK Government today introduced legislation to remove VAT from supplies of emissions allowances (also known as carbon credits) traded within the UK, in order to prevent the risk of VAT fraud, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Stephen Timms announced today.

Europe a fraud hotspot for British tourists

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 12:18:25 +0100

Independent research commissioned by credit reference agency Callcredit has revealed that a fifth of the UK population has fallen victim of identity fraud while on holiday. 9pc of those were defrauded while travelling in Europe and 8pc had their identity stolen while ‘staycationing’ in the UK.

Crackdown on car crime

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:56:07 +0100

Home Office Minister, Alan Campbell MP, will today visit the Association of Chief Police Officers’ Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (AVCIS) in Ryton, West Midlands after the Government agreed to provide £300,000 of funding to help combat car fraud and theft.

Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme falls short, says FLA

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:54:10 +0100

Commenting on today’s report by the Business and Enterprise Committee report on the Enterprise Finance Guarantee scheme, Julian Rose, Head of Asset Finance at the Finance & Leasing Association, said:

June '09 small business figures for the high street banks

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:46:25 +0100

Lending to small businesses rose by £391 million in June, whilst almost 50,000 new small business banking relationships were established. Deposits from small business grew by £577 million.

Bisnode divests operations in ICC

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 12:47:42 +0100

Bisnode has signed an agreement to divest its operations in credit solutions company ICC to D&B UK. ICC is a leading provider of business-critical information for risk and credit decision-making and operates in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

HML launches monthly mortgage data report

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 11:32:20 +0100

A new monthly data set and quarterly commentary to help mortgage investors and lenders understand the current risks in mortgage asset pools is being launched by HML Business Intelligence, the specialist modelling and analytics arm of HML. "The Mortgage Investor" report will provide mortgage lenders and investors with critical insights into the performance of live residential mortgage assets from origination to the current day.

CIFAS figures show ID theft by police force area

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 10:45:34 +0100

Figures from CIFAS – the UK’s Fraud Prevention Service provide evidence of the levels of identity theft and facility takeover frauds in police force areas in the UK.

MPC must increase quantitative easing programme

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:05:45 +0100

Commenting on the MPC minutes published today by the Bank of England, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

Cutting down fraudulent use of credit cards is just a phone call away

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:42:48 +0100

With an estimated one in three people affected by credit card fraud in the UK, a new anti fraud service which can cut down misuse by an estimated 80% is being launched.

New Credit Intelligence to Help Exporters Avoid Bad Debts

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:10:51 +0100

Exporters, looking for greater certainty when it comes to payment from prospective customers, can benefit from a new opinion service from Euler Hermes UK, the country's biggest credit insurer.

Some banks imposing blanket bans on pub and restaurant loans, warns FPB

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:07:19 +0100

The Forum of Private Business (FPB) today urged banks not to deny credit to its members simply because they run pubs or restaurants. The small business support and lobby group believes some banks may be automatically refusing loans to firms in the industry due to misplaced fears over their viability.

Business failures continue to rise year on year

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:26:27 +0100

Leading business information provider, Equifax, has released its Business Failures Report for the second quarter of 2009. As was the case with Quarter One, the year on year comparison is stark, with an overall increase in businesses going bust hitting nearly 40%.

Take home pay shows growth for the first time in six months

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:43:00 +0100

The VocaLink Take Home Pay Index, released today, shows the first signs of growth in pay levels after six back-to-back months of decline.

Baseline Capital rebranded to HML Business Intelligence

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:10:43 +0100

HML, the financial outsourcing provider, has announced it has rebranded its Baseline Capital subsidiary as HML Business Intelligence with immediate effect. The announcement comes 6 months after HML acquired the company, which provides residential mortgage data analysis and performance metrics.

IGI Insurance targets growth with senior business development recruit

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:07:17 +0100

Specialist UK general insurer, IGI Insurance, has signed up Steve Devine, chairman of Protect, the association of UK creditor insurers, to spearhead a move into the payment protection market. Mr Devine will also be responsible for growing the company’s established GAP insurance and warranty business.

Worst of recession is over but recovery is not guaranteed

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:01:31 +0100

The results of the Quarter 2, 2009 British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Economic Survey confirm that the worst of the recession is over.

Data from 5,600 companies shows welcome progress in both the manufacturing and service sectors with most key indicators improving in the last quarter. However, almost all the critical measures remain in negative territory and many are still weak by historical standards.

ICO response to report by the Campaign for Freedom of Information

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:38:29 +0100

A spokesperson for the ICO said:“We are fully aware of the issues raised in the report by the Campaign for Freedom of Information. The FOI caseload has been discussed in two sessions of the Justice Select Committee in January and February this year.

Bankers recognise the need for change

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:33:07 +0100

Bankers are not complacent and recognise the need for change, the British Bankers' Association said today. In response to the Chancellor's promise of a much tougher regulatory system to prevent a repeat of last autumn's financial crisis the BBA said:

The UK Cards Association responds to Government's Consumer White Paper

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:28:37 +0100

Paul Rodford, Head of Card Payments, at The UK Cards Association has responded to the Government's Consumer White Paper.

ClickandBuy chooses GB Group to give online shoppers greater security at the checkout

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:14:24 +0100

GB Group, the leading provider of identity management solutions (www.gb.co.uk <http://www.gb.co.uk/> ), has today announced a three year deal with e-Payments provider, ClickandBuy (www.clickandbuy.com <http://www.clickandbuy.com> ) to offer customers using the online checkout service with greater identity protection. ...

Figures show London is the capital of fraudulent activity

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:08:13 +0100

Research by CIFAS – the UK’s Fraud Prevention Service reveals that London - including Greater London - is the key hotspot for fraudulent activity.

British consumers have adapted to recession and are creating their own green shoots

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:42:37 +0100

A new Equifax survey reveals that over 60% have reduced or kept debt level the same, whilst 60% have changed shopping their habits to manage finances. More than 40% expect their own financial situation to be better in 6 months.

First signs of optimism returning to some parts of Financial Services

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:20:38 +0100

Many parts of the UK’s financial services sector expect business volumes to rise in the next quarter after 21 months of falls, while optimism about the overall business situation has risen for the first time in two years. But banking remains under pressure. That is according to the latest CBI/PwC Financial Services Survey out today (Monday 29th June).

Tracesmart improves depth of mortality data used in identity checks

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:51:25 +0100

In order to offer their customers increased protection against impersonation of the deceased (IOD) fraud, Tracesmart have considerably increased the coverage of mortality data they hold.

Risk Management Leaps Forward with Palisade Corporation's New DecisionTools Suite 5.5

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:10:07 +0100

Palisade Corporation has just released an enhanced new version of its DecisionTools Suite, the best-selling decision support package available for Excel.

Failure to share financial information exacerbates creditworthiness crisis for UK SMEs

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 09:44:12 +0100

Nearly two thirds of UK small firms are carrying a credit rating which may negatively affect their ability to obtain credit finance and favourable credit terms from suppliers, according to new research from Graydon UK, a leading credit risk management agency.

Equifax invests in the Telco and Retail market

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:07:30 +0100

Leading credit and business information provider, Equifax, has announced the appointment of Neil Compton as Client Sales Director for its Telco and Retail team.

Hometrack together with GMAC-RFC drive transparency into RMBS markets

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:25:04 +0100

Hometrack, the UK’s leading supplier of Automated Valuations (AVM’s), announced today that it has revalued all underlying property collateral on the RMAC RMBS securitisations for originator GMAC-RFC.

Credit professionals scale the heights for Macmillan

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:21:43 +0100

On Friday 19th June 2009, a team of 54 people - 36 clients and 18 staff from Leeds-based credit reference agency, Callcredit - will set off on the ambitious Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge to help raise money for cancer support charity Macmillan.

CPI down to 2.2 per cent as food inflation slows

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:49:24 +0100

Consumer Prices Index (CPI) annual inflation – the Government’s target measure – fell to 2.2 per cent in May, down from 2.3 per cent in April.

New CBI forecast - still no real recovery until 2010

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:01:20 +0100

The UK economy is stabilising, with the worst of the quarterly falls in GDP behind us, but it will take until the beginning of next year before we see a return to growth, the CBI said today (Monday).

Young, single renters biggest target for ID fraudsters

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:51:15 +0100

New research from CreditExpert, the ID fraud protection service from Experian®, reveals that identity fraudsters across the country are turning their attention from the wealthy to lower income victims living in rented accommodation where their personal details are most vulnerable.

Equifax invests in business development

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:45:33 +0100

Equifax is continuing to invest in business development expertise with the appointment of Julian Rimmer as a Principal Consultant for the Equifax Business Development team.

List Group announce new appointments to bolster its sales and marketing team

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:23:57 +0100

List Group, a leading financial technology provider, today announced the appointment of Antonio Attanasio as Chief Marketing Officer and Marco De Matti as Sales Manager to raise its profile globally.

Extension to Government's trade credit insurance top-up scheme

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:20:10 +0100

Business Secretary Peter Mandelson today announced changes that will mean many more firms can now purchase top-up cover as part of the Government's trade credit insurance scheme.

JaywingDMG appointment brings renewed sales focus

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:08:29 +0100

JaywingDMG has appointed Barry Smith to lead the development of its data proposition, including products like Signals and Smartlists.

A false dawn for the economy: paralysis in Government is deepening the UK's economic plight

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:48:11 +0100

The British Retail Consortium has today published their Retail Sales Monitor for May 2009. Contrary to recent positive predictions, the figures document a fall in UK retail sales values of 0.8% on a like-for-like basis, and an increase of only 0.8% on a total basis, from May 2008.

Atradius have responded to today's announcement on trade credit insurance top-up scheme.

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 13:15:37 +0100

Atradius have responded to today's announcement on trade credit insurance top-up scheme by business secretary Peter Mandelson's where he said that changes will mean many more firms can now purchase top-up cover as part of the Government's trade credit insurance scheme.

Industry Expert Appointed Customer Services Director, Simplexo

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:39:42 +0100

Adrian Cooper has been appointed as Customer Services Director by leading enterprise search vendor, Simplexo.

BSA welcomes FSA's positive approach to building societies in its plans for a new sourcebook

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:45:22 +0100

Commenting on the FSA’s publication today of a consultation paper on a new specialist sourcebook for building societies, that will enhance the supervisory guidance available on societies’ financial and credit risk management, Brian Morris, Head of Savings Policy at the BSA said:

Equifax offers Free Data Quality Audit

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:36:46 +0100

Accurate data has always been crucial for the best return on investment in marketing activity, but the current economic climate is making it even more important for businesses to ensure their databases contain the best quality information. A high turnover of businesses going under as well as new businesses starting up is making it particularly important for organisations to ensure that business to business marketing databases are completely up to date.

'Scary and crippling' victims of facility takeover fraud speak out

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 09:16:32 +0100

Fraud victims are preyed upon by organised criminals, faceless fraudsters and sometimes even those close to them. While identity fraud has until lately been favoured by fraudsters, the current recession has seen an alarming swing to facility (or account) takeover fraud, with damaging consequences for the victims.

Bank of England likely to adopt 'wait and see' approach for next couple of months

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 08:13:27 +0100

In advance of an announcement from the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) on Thursday 4 June, John Hawksworth, head of macroeconomics, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, said:

Credit crunch grip weakening as conditions start to stabilise - CBI

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:16:09 +0100

Access to finance remains a serious problem for businesses, but the rate of deterioration in credit conditions slowed further over the past three months, and conditions are expected to stabilise in the months ahead, the CBI said today (Tuesday).

One in four Financial Services workers have pay cut

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:23:26 +0100

26% of Financial Services workers have had their pay cut since the recession began. 12% have experienced a reduction in hours, the lowest in the UK, and one in three (33%) have lost benefits, the highest in the UK, according to a survey of over 1,600 workers by the Keep Britain Working campaign (keepbritainworking.com) published today, Monday 1st June.

Recession's biggest casualties found in UK's industrial heartlands

Thu, 28 May 2009 16:16:55 +0100

Whilst London is seen as the epicentre of the recession, the latest Insight Report from Experian sheds new light on the distance the recession’s shockwaves have travelled. Published today, Experian’s report reveals that the biggest casualties are to be found in the UK’s industrial and manufacturing heartlands, far away from the middle-classes.

RICS UK Construction Market Survey, Q1 2009

Thu, 28 May 2009 15:54:20 +0100

Workloads in the first three months of the year continued to weaken across the board, but some key areas, including housing, saw an easing in the pace of the decline, says the RICS construction market survey.

Borrowers at risk from distorted image of PPI

Thu, 21 May 2009 11:25:33 +0100

40 per cent of payment protection insurance claims over the past 12 months have been for accident and sickness, according to independent PPI provider Paymentcare.co.uk.

Risk of deepening recession is more pressing than future inflation threat

Wed, 20 May 2009 12:50:34 +0100

Commenting on the MPC minutes published today by the Bank of England, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Corporate Data Theft doubles since 2006

Tue, 19 May 2009 17:46:32 +0100

Analysis by law firm Mishcon de Reya and KPMG shows that corporate data theft cases in the UK have doubled between 2006 and 2008.

Fraud threats change but the damage remains

Tue, 19 May 2009 10:53:32 +0100

Research carried out by CIFAS – the UK’s Fraud Prevention Service, among its 260 Member organisations, reveals that two of the largest fraud threats facing businesses during the recession are facility takeover and online fraud.

Online fraud is becoming increasingly popular amongst fraudsters

Mon, 18 May 2009 17:34:10 +0100

To many, the thought of shopping from the comfort of your own home would seem a much safer option than venturing out onto the high street. This is not the case according to recent statistics issued by The Office of Fair Trading (OFT), which reports that 30 per cent of internet users do not shop online because they are afraid of handing over their credit details over the internet.

Keele University ensures successful telethon with ALBANYverify

Mon, 18 May 2009 17:29:06 +0100

Keele University, located near Newcastle-under-Lyme in Staffordshire, has selected ALBANYverify from market-leading e-transaction software author to ensure fast, accurate verification of UK bank account details.

TSYS and Experian to offer integrated decisioning system worldwide

Fri, 15 May 2009 16:25:11 +0100

Experian®, the global information services company, and TSYS, today announced the integration of Experian’s latest customer strategy management system, Probe SM Generation 3, with TSYS’ TS Prime processing platform.

New Actimize ATM-Debit Research Report

Tue, 12 May 2009 16:26:52 +0100

New Actimize ATM-Debit research finds that 45 percent of financial services respondents believe they have seen mass compromised card data used in fraud attacks against their organisations.

LendProtect UK Limited selects Bank Wizard Absolute from Experian

Wed, 06 May 2009 13:45:07 +0100

Experian®, the global information services company, today announced that it has been appointed by LendProtect to implement Bank Wizard Absolute, its real-time bank account verification service, as part of LendProtect’s identity verification and credit risk management platform for the consumer finance industry.

Economy forces fraudsters to change tactics

Wed, 06 May 2009 00:01:00 +0100

Automotive finance sector is targeted as organised criminals seek to steal little but often. Analysis from Experian®, the global information services company, shows how the deteriorating economic climate is changing the nature of the fraud threat faced by financial services organisations in the UK.

Graydon UK & Validis announce intention to launch Enhanced Credit Information Service

Tue, 05 May 2009 15:20:01 +0100

Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK are set to be given the opportunity to seize greater control over the information provided about them to prospective creditors by credit reference agencies. This will help increase their access to both finance and credit insurance cover which has been hit hard during the current economic crisis.

Recession appears to be pushing more consumers into commiting fraud

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:37:07 +0100

An unfortunate consequence of the economic downturn is an increase in fraud. And leading ID fraud expert, Equifax, believes that the latest figures from CIFAS, the UK’s Fraud Prevention Service, provide a very clear indication that even this early into the recession, fraud is certainly on the increase.

Stenham Appoints New Head of UK Property

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:33:16 +0100

Stenham, the global investment management group, has appointed Andy Taylor as Head of UK Property.

Specialist police unit marks seventh anniversary by crashing through Â£315m savings barrier

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:09:10 +0100

The Dedicated Cheque and Plastic Crime Unit (DCPCU) – the specialist police squad that tackles cheque and card fraud crime in the UK – marks its seventh anniversary on Wednesday (29 April 2009).

Online confirmation of identity for 65 million German nationals now possible

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:13:08 +0100

GB Group, the leading provider of identity management solutions, and SCHUFA, Germany’s largest credit reference agency, have today announced a strategic partnership to offer GB clients an unrivalled identity verification capability for the German market.

New HMRC powers could lead to costly investigations

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 10:10:58 +0100

UK companies could face additional, unexpected accountancy fees due to new tax investigation powers from HMRC.

UK insolvencies continue to rise, businesses still not adjusting to the downturn

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 11:40:19 +0100

The latest PwC analysis into corporate insolvency numbers show that the downturn is showing no signs of abating as more than 5,483 companies became insolvent in the first three months of 2009. This represents a 14% increase on the previous quarter and a huge 57% increase of the same quarter of 2008.

Equifax Reports First Quarter 2009 Results

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:49:28 +0100

Equifax Inc. (NYSE: EFX) today announced financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2009. The company reported revenue of $452.9 million in the first quarter of 2009, a 10 percent decrease from the first quarter of 2008, of which 6 percent was due to the unfavorable effect of foreign exchange rates.

MEGA to exhibit at UK public sector risk management event

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:47:20 +0100

MEGA, the international company that provides integrated governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) and business process analysis (BPA) software solutions, will be demonstrating the latest version of its highly rated software for GRC applications in the exhibition section of the annual conference of Alarm, the public risk management association.

Another PEP scandal

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:44:52 +0100

I'm writing in response to the charges of money laundering offences against MEP Tom West, and in order to alert you to the connection with EU Anti-Money Laundering (AML) rules relating to Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs).

Good credit scores could be crucial to the car scrappage scheme working

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 18:04:34 +0100

Equifax is highlighting that the Government’s Car Scrappage Scheme will only work if lenders lend to those who currently own 10 year old cars.

Is Insurance at risk of being the latest victim of the Credit Crunch?

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:51:25 +0100

More than 2,000 cases of insurance fraud are being detected every week according to a report issued by The Association of British Insurers last week. The report revealed that insurance fraud is up 17 per cent compared with 2007 figures, with 107,000 fraudulent claims totaling £730 million.

Neural Technologies named one of Britain's fastest growing private companies

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:27:40 +0100

Neural Technologies has been named one of Britain’s fastest growing private companies by The Sunday Times PricewaterhouseCoopers Profit Track 100 report.

Support with credit insurance 'essential in Budget'

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:51:10 +0100

Commenting on reports that small and medium-sized enterprises could receive support in next week’s Budget from new government guarantees on trade credit insurance, David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Aon comments on the government's proposed credit insurance scheme

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:37:02 +0100

Aon comments on the government’s proposed credit insurance scheme, expected to be announced in the budget next week. Susan Ross, director at Aon Trade Credit – the UK’s leading credit insurance broker – who has been campaigning for government action and calling for insurance broker involvement, said:

Atradius launches 'Buyer Trade Review' days to help businesses maintain cover

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 17:43:10 +0100

Leading trade credit insurer Atradius this week launches a new initiative to help businesses under threat of having their trade credit insurance cover withdrawn.

Hometrack carry out over 5 million portfolio property valuations in 12 months

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 12:21:01 +0100

The use of Automated Valuation Models (AVMs) for portfolio analysis has surged since the start of the credit crisis as lenders reassess the quality of their loan books. Hometrack, the UK’s leading provider of AVMs, has, as part of its portfolio service, carried out over 5 million valuations on residential properties over the last 12 months alone.

Callcredit's Systems ready for Debt Relief Orders

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 12:06:52 +0100

Callcredit, the UK’s most innovative credit reference agency, has today announced its readiness for the newly-introduced Debt Relief Orders (DROs). The company’s products and systems have been automatically updated to efficiently process DROs with no interruption to clients’ service.

KPMG Appoints Michael Crawford as Associate Partner

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:06:31 +0100

KPMG has appointed Michael Crawford as Associate Partner to the Financial Risk Management group where he will lead the insurance risk, governance and capital team covering Life, General Insurance and Bancassurance.

EBA Atradius Growth Strategy Award Winner

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 17:36:23 +0100

Webmart’s strong leadership and superior organic growth strategy has resulted in it receiving the Atradius Growth Strategy of the Year Award at the European Business Awards.

G20: world leaders must take home action lists

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:10:24 +0100

Effective change to reverse the economic downturn will only come if G20 leaders return home with a clear list of actions, the British Bankers’ Association said today.

Experian appoints managing business information division

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:47:13 +0100

Experian®, the global information services company, today announced that it has appointed Kirk Fletcher as Managing Director of its Business Information division in the UK and Ireland.

Creditsafe new ratings model

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:40:27 +0100

Creditsafe, the business and credit information expert, today announced the launch of its new credit rating model for UK businesses, making it the most up-to-date in the market and the first to take full account of the current financial crisis. The new statistical model offers customers an even more accurate assessment of businesses’ financial performance and an industry leading assessment of credit risk.

News from SecurityIP Data Loss Prevention

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:34:57 +0100

Security IP has been appointed by Awareness Technologies Inc to handle the UK launch of InterGuard, an innovative suite of data loss prevention (DLP) countermeasures. While traditional security solutions protect companies from external threats such as viruses and hacking attempts via firewalls, DLP deals with threats that originate from inside the organisation. These threats can be caused by intentional malicious behaviour, or simply careless administration and weak management procedures.& ...

Searching for information costs Corporate UK Â£6.2 bn a year

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 10:47:39 +0100

The UK economy is wasting the equivalent of £6.2 billion in time searching for information residing in corporate IT systems, according to research conducted by Simplexo, an open source enterprise search specialist.

Atradius launches March 2009 country reports to help businesses through tough trading times

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 10:32:52 +0100

Atradius, the leading global credit insurer, has published a series of country reports which detail the economic and business environment on a range of countries across the globe.

List Group's quantitative operational risk analysis software to help banks meet stricter regulatory

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:30:28 +0100

List Group, a leading financial technology provider, today announced it is working with risk management experts across the globe to deliver more sophisticated operational risk analysis software, as regulators prepare to adopt stricter capital adequacy requirements.

Fraud figures reveal some interesting gender patterns

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:35:07 +0100

If men truly are from Mars and women from Venus, then figures from CIFAS – The UK’s Fraud Prevention Service - confirm this by showing some remarkable differences between the sexes when it comes to fraud.

Banking & Finance industry - how can we go back to lending again?

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 14:24:24 +0100

The collapse of confidence in the banking industry over the past 18 months has highlighted the need for fundamental changes that the industry needs to undertake beyond improved risk management tools and moving towards an enterprise-wide approach to risk management. Risk managers such as Michael Gelband at Lehman Brothers, who advised against a huge buying of a collection of sub-prime mortgage lenders within Lehmann, were recently put into the spotlight and emphasised a need for financial institu ...

The UK's Flawed Reliance on Chip and PIN

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 13:40:53 +0100

Chip and PIN has been hailed an undoubted success as instances of face-to-face fraud on the UK high street diminished. But with fraudsters using alternative means to take advantage of less secure payment systems overseas and online, figures in other areas of fraud suggest that the UK should avoid over-reliance on chip and PIN as a primary means to tackle fraud.

Risk management must move up boardroom agenda say businesses

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 17:38:56 +0100

Senior business leaders from some of Britain’s top organisations have called for greater consideration of the issue of risk management at board level, in new research from Eversheds international law firm.

Coface maintains solid growth

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 23:02:37 +0100

Since the last quarter of 2008, the global credit crisis has entered a second phase. Coface is confronting the crisis with:

- a 7.1% increase in turnover in 2008 (6.5% at constant structure)
- a credit insurance loss ratio of 73% - an increase of 24 points
- a net profit of €94m (down from €204m in 2007), the decrease being limited by improved services and factoring contributions

CCJs at record levels in 2008

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:05:18 +0100

The total value of county court judgments against consumers in England and Wales was nearly £3 billion, the second highest total on record. The number rose by four percent to 827,900 in 2008, the second highest total ever, according to figures published today (March 18 2009) by Registry Trust Ltd. The number of consumer CCJs together with the total value makes 2008 a record year.

Jaywing expanding Smartdecisions with new refined and updated version

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:25:06 +0100

Data specialist Jaywing is expanding Smartdecisions with new refined and updated versions. The product enables users to make smarter credit decisions by making multi-bureau searches; these new enhancements provide three levels of access, further improving the functionality and usability of Smartdecisions.

Â£123 million of motor finance fraud prevented in industry crack down

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 13:44:17 +0100

A crack down on car finance fraud last year saved the motor finance industry £123 million. Finance companies’ efforts to combat attempted frauds at the application stage resulted in a 36 per cent drop in the number of fraud cases reported in Q4 2008, compared with the same period in 2007.

Creditsafe Group appoints New Strategic Sales Director

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 18:14:05 +0100

Creditsafe Group, the business information experts, today announced the appointment of Raj Kakar-Clayton to the position of Strategic Sales Director. Raj will have responsibility for driving strategic sales and key account management across the group’s operations in the UK, and will provide support to heads of sales in other Creditsafe operations across Europe.

Experian launches Risk Audit Plus, a new web-based risk management tool

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:45:50 +0100

Experian, the global information services company, have launched Risk Audit Plus, a new web-based risk management tool to give organisations an up-to-the-minute view of the credit risks and opportunities in their business customer base.

Coface relies on Exalead for its new universal service, EasyNumber

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 18:07:29 +0100

Exalead, European leader of search solutions and information access software in the enterprise and on the web, today announced that Coface, ranked #2 in Credit Management Services (enterprise information and debt management), has selected Exalead CloudView as an information access platform to launch EasyNumber, its new on-line search and business identification service.

Graydon UK warns against European Commission account filing proposals

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 10:50:50 +0100

European Commission proposals removing the obligation of companies with turnovers below €1m to file accounts at Companies House could further reduce access to finance for micro-businesses in the UK, according to commercial credit agency, Graydon UK.

Aon launches Cost Reduction Initiative

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 10:09:05 +0100

As global companies demand ‘quick wins’ in the face of capital constraints and expected insurance premium increases, Aon Global Risk Consulting is launching a Cost Reduction Initiative for EMEA businesses to help drive down their total cost of risk.

UK Businesses Insolvency & CCJ Statistics from ICC

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 17:20:48 +0100

The ICC monthly insolvency report gives the latest count of businesses and regions affected by insolvency in the UK - Executive Summary for December 2008.

Crosby: finally, the voice of risk speaks

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:43:01 +0100

It has been fascinating seeing the views of a senior risk manager on such public view in the wake of Sir James Crosby’s resignation at the FSA - says Eliana Boudet, (Head of Risk Management and Regulation) at Ineum consulting.

Experian warns employers of career cloning fraud risk

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 13:09:30 +0100

Experian®, the global information services company, today warned employers to beware of organised criminals using cloned career histories to secure employment in order to commit insider fraud.

Heath to lead Aon's Risk Control team for UK corporates

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 12:11:33 +0100

Aon Global Risk Consulting has appointed Graham Heath as director of Risk Control UK. In this role, Graham will help UK corporate clients to improve their business performance through effective management of their risks.

Neural Technologies implements Fraud Management Solution for Trilogy group

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 15:52:22 +0100

Risk management software solution provider, Neural Technologies, today announced that it has completed the installation of its Minotaur™ fully integrated Fraud Management Solution for Trilogy International Partners at the latter’s Ft Lauderdale data centre.

Real-Time Insolvency e-Alert - be the first to know

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 13:15:26 +0100

ICC, the acknowledged authority in the provision of UK company, risk and financial information, now delivers real-time insolvency information directly to your inbox.

Future secured at Hudson & Middleton Limited

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 11:06:46 +0100

The administrators of Hudson & Middleton Limited, one of the oldest potteries in England, have announced that they have sold the business and its assets to Hudsons Fine Bone China Limited, preserving 22 jobs at the firm’s base in Stoke-on-Trent.

New MD for ICC in the UK

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 10:34:06 +0100

Paul Byrne has been appointed new MD for ICC in the UK and Ireland. Paul has been MD for ICC in Ireland since 2006. Paul is a highly successful Managing Director with previous experience of developing and leading companies from a broad range of industries in the UK and Ireland.

Equifax puts focus on B2B marketing sales team

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 14:00:15 +0100

Leading consumer credit, business and marketing information provider, Equifax, is aligning its Marketing and Commercial Risk strategies through the promotion of Business Development Manager, Simon Bennett, to Business to Business Marketing Sales Manager.

ESF releases RMBS Issuer Principles for Transparency and Disclosure

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 18:01:51 +0100

The European Securitisation Forum (ESF), an affiliate of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA), has released the “RMBS Issuer Principles for Transparency and Disclosure” (the Principles), a set of voluntary guidelines for issuers of European residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS).

Online crime and fraud costs small businesses Â£800 a year

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:40:05 +0100

Small businesses lose up to £800 a year to fraud and online crime, according to a survey by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), which is calling for more action to tackle online crime.

Global supply chain disruption threat doubles

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:04:48 +0100

Global supply chains are becoming more vulnerable to potential disruption to trade in 42% more countries in 2009 than last year. According to Aon’s Political Risk Map, the number of countries with the 'supply chain vulnerability' icon has increased from 38 to 54 due to risks ranging from government embargo or interference with a supplier through to strikes, terrorism and sabotage.

Figures prove the need for online caution

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 17:47:33 +0100

The dangers of internet scams are highlighted by the disturbing 207% rise in the number of facility takeover frauds recorded by Members of CIFAS – the UK’s Fraud Prevention Service. This involves fraudsters gaining access to, and using, accounts held by innocent victims.

Orange Poland upgrades its fraud management capability with Neural Technologies

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 17:25:16 +0100

Orange Poland is celebrating the ‘go live’ of its new fraud management solution provided by risk management software vendor Neural Technologies (Nt).

Manduca appointed as Aon Limited non-executive chairman

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 11:52:46 +0100

Aon Limited has appointed Paul Manduca as non-executive chairman. Paul has been an independent non-executive director of Aon Limited for three years and brings over 35 years of multi-sector business experience, along with a track record of achieving results in the organisations he has worked with.

FSA statement re: HBOS

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 09:07:19 +0100

Further to our earlier statement, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) has issued the following fuller account of the issues relating to the risk function at HBOS, raised at the Treasury Select Committee on 10 February 2009.

Jonathan Pattinson joins HML as risk director

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:06:30 +0100

HML today announces the appointment of Jonathan Pattinson as the company’s new risk director. He will join HML on 30 March 2009 from Northern Rock, and has had a wide ranging career in key areas such as audit, risk and compliance.

Vanquis bank signs new five-year deal with Experian

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:03:09 +0100

Experian®, the global information services company, today announced a new five-year, multi-million pound deal with Vanquis Bank in the UK. Experian will provide the bank with services to assist its customer acquisition and management activities.

21% of UK mortgage holders have borrowed more than 90% LTV 'at risk of negative equity'

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 17:07:24 +0100

Research from Fairinvestment.co.uk has found that 21 per cent of UK mortgage holders borrowed a mortgage Loan to Value (LTV) of 90 per cent or more – potentially putting them at risk of negative equity.

Data breaches reported to ICO

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 17:16:14 +0100

New figures show a significant increase in the number of data breaches reported to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). Nearly 100 breaches have been reported to the ICO in the last three months (376 to end January 2009, compared with 277 as at end of October 2008).

Independent review of corporate governance of UK banking industry

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 17:05:58 +0100

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform and the Financial Services Secretary to the Treasury today announced a review to recommend measures to improve the corporate governance of UK banks, particularly with regard to risk management.

Creditsafe Country expands into Northern and Eastern Europe

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 13:19:01 +0100

Creditsafe, the business information experts, has announced the expansion of Creditsafe Country, its international credit referencing solution. In addition to the company’s instant access to its own home markets offline reports are now available for businesses through much of Northern and Eastern Europe.

FSA publishes Financial Risk Outlook

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:51:32 +0100

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) today published its Financial Risk Outlook (FRO) outlining the main risks facing firms, consumers and the regulatory system in the economic downturn, in particular the challenges created by banking sector and real economy deleveraging.

The British unit of Icelandic investment group Baugur placed into administration.

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 17:44:04 +0100

The British unit of Icelandic investment group Baugur, which owns stakes in a large number of high street retailers, was on Friday placed into administration. Baugur said it did not oppose the High Court petition from BG Holding's main creditor, Landsbanki, appointing PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) as administrators.

ICO response to the House of Lords Constitution Committee Surveillance Society report

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 12:29:14 +0100

Jonathan Bamford, Assistant Commissioner at the ICO, said: “Several years ago we warned about the dangers of sleepwalking into a surveillance society.

Experian publishes UK business insolvency statistics for 2008

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 16:36:59 +0100

Experian®, the global information services company, today published its insolvency data for 2008. Its analysis shows that there were 23,879 business failures over the 12 months to the end of December 2008, representing a 30% increase on 2007.

Central and Eastern European companies upbeat about longer-term outlook

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:59:26 +0100

A November 2008 survey, undertaken by the Economist Intelligence Unit on behalf of leading global credit insurer Atradius shows that despite concerns about the regional economy, companies do not expect a significant deterioration of their business in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) in the next three years.

Iceland bank seeks protection from creditors

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 11:27:09 +0100

The Icelandic retail investor Baugur, which owns stakes in Hamleys, House of Fraser and the Iceland frozen food chain, has asked for protection from creditors.

Secure data sharing an oxymoron?

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:48:53 +0100

Public service delivery relies on the right information being available to the right people without compromising security. Regulatory compliance, such as the Freedom of Information Act, also requires that data be shared. But, as soon as it is, the risk of data leakage increases.

Do not compromise AML compliance when cutting IT budgets

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:31:14 +0100

SMA Financial, SWIFT Regional partner for UK, Eire and Channel Islands today recommended that, despite the current economic uncertainty created by the global credit crunch, financial institutions and corporates still need to remain vigilant over the threat of money laundering.

Callcredit direct triumphs again at legal technology awards

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:06:30 +0100

Credit reference agency Callcredit Direct has picked up a top industry award for its electronic identity verification product CallML, for the second time in three years.

Political Stability Next Victim of Credit Crunch

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:08:14 +0100

2009 will see the political consequences of the global credit crunch start to have an impact, according to the 16th annual Political Risk Map, launched today by Aon Risk Services, a division of Aon Corporation.

ABI welcomes Lord Mandelsons confidence in the trade credit insurance market

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 18:50:30 +0100

Nick Starling, the ABI’s Director of General Insurance and Health, has commented on the announcement by Business Secretary, Lord Mandelson, that the Government is working on a possible scheme to help improve the availability of credit to businesses.

The credit crisis no longer spares any zone

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:30:44 +0100

During the 13th Country Risk Conference, Coface announces the downgrading of 22 country ratings. For the first time, two of the biggest emerging countries are negative watch-listed simultaneously: China and Russia.

Ian Lonergan appointed Exact CEO

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:05:51 +0100

Exact are pleased to announce the appointment of Ian Lonergan to the role of Chief Executive Officer. Ian previously held the position of Chief Financial Officer at Exact.

FAC launches services to tackle 'Friendly Fraud' for online merchants

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:50:10 +0100

First Atlantic Commerce Ltd. (FAC), a leading international, online multi-currency payment and risk management solutions provider, unveils a comprehensive suite of ‘card-not-present’ consumer pre-authentication and data risk management solutions aimed at reducing or mitigating RC23 and RC83 chargebacks associated with online payment ‘friendly fraud’.

Grayling warns of credit crunch crime wave

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:37:04 +0100

The Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Grayling, slammed Labour for their inaction on crime after a new set of "alarming" statistics were released. The figures show an increase in burglary, fraud and forgery and an eighteen percent increase in robberies with a knife.

Fraud on the increase

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 12:39:59 +0100

The analysis of fraud trends during 2008 by CIFAS - The UK's Fraud Prevention Service - reveals an unsettling 16% growth in fraud throughout the UK. Particular trends include:

Callcredit reinforce commitment to protecting personal data

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:56:46 +0100

Callcredit, the UK’s most innovative credit reference agency, furthered its commitment to protecting consumer data on 28th January by signing the Information Commissioner’s Personal Information Promise.

Tracesmart join the British Bankers Association

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:31:53 +0100

Cardiff based Tracesmart, leading suppliers of asset reunification and identity verification services, has announced that it is now a professional associate member of the British Bankers’ Association (BBA).

Unemployment rate rises to 6.1%

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 12:35:17 +0100

There has been a fall in both the number of people in employment and the employment rate. The number of unemployed people, the unemployment rate and the claimant count have all increased.

Predictive power pays as Experian signs up Payzone

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 12:46:38 +0100

Payzone, the leading European consumer payments and cash distribution network, has selected Experian®, the global information services company, to help it grow its retail business customer base, while undertaking accurate risk assessment on non-limited businesses.

Government Asset Backed Security Guarantee Requires Transparency

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:18:29 +0100

Risk transparency will be vital if taxpayers are expected to underwrite asset backed securities as part of the government’s plan to kick-start the securitisation market, according to Exact, mortgage asset quality assessor and servicer.

British business ill prepared for downturn long before the credit crunch

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 13:17:37 +0100

Research from Graydon UK, a leading credit risk management agency, reveals that the working capital and financing challenges currently faced by a growing majority of UK businesses cannot be blamed solely on the impact of the global credit crunch.

40,000 companies face insolvency in 2009

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 13:09:06 +0100

More than 40,000 companies will be declared insolvent in 2009 says the Credit Management Research Centre (CMRC) at Leeds University Business School. Forecasting models developed by the CMRC indicate that insolvencies will rise by 35 per cent compared with 2008 and by more than 62 per cent compared with company failures in 2007.

Company insolvencies set to increase by 35% in 2009

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 12:08:35 +0100

UK Risk & Insolvency Report forecasts further rise in company insolvencies driven by the collapse in revenue/operating surpluses and high leverage The collapse of company sales and high levels of company debt are the key drivers of corporate insolvencies currently in the UK.

Risk ignorance 'greatest 2009 challenge'

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:53:15 +0100

70% of UK risk managers have declared that making sure the employees in their organisation are risk savvy is their biggest challenge in light of new pitfalls according to research conducted by Aon, the leading global provider of risk management services.

Aon Global UK appoints new director

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:20:59 +0100

Aon Global UK has appointed Fiona Davies as a director to drive business growth and relationship management with multinationals.

PRMIA Announces Associate PRM Award Winner

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:50:35 +0100

The Professional Risk Managers’ International Association (PRMIA) today announced that Dhiraj Anand, a Business Analyst with RBS in India, is the winner of the PRMIA Associate PRM Emerging Market Award.

Country risk: Emerging economies caught in the storm

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 12:32:31 +0100

Euler Hermes has published its analysis of country risk in a global economic crisis. Country risk takes on another dimension in a recessionary environment.

Fair Isaac Announces Keynote Speakers for InterACT 2009

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:28:38 +0100

Fair Isaac Announces Keynote Speakers for InterACT 2009: The New Face of Risk, March 10-13 in New York City. World-Renowned Economic Authorities to Address Financial Crisis.

ifs School of Finance celebrates 130 years of success

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 12:44:28 +0100

This year marks the 130th anniversary of the ifs School of Finance. The ifs School of Finance was founded as the Institute of Bankers in 1879 to provide qualifications for the banking industry.

Bank rate cut by half a percentage point

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 12:45:10 +0100

The Bank of England cut interest rates by half a percentage point on Thursday to a record low of 1.5 percent as it battles to keep Britain from falling into a deep slump, and experts say borrowing costs will fall again next month.

UK Risk & Insolvency Report forecasts further rise in company insolvencies

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:41:47 +0100

County court judgments have risen by 29 per cent over the past 12 months signaling further corporate distress for UK plc as companies struggle with tightening cash flow and ready access to bank debt.

New Head of Compliance and Internal Audit for Lowell Group

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:14:18 +0100

Lowell Group, the Leeds-based debt purchasing specialist, has appointed Sam Marsden as its new Head of Compliance and Internal Audit. Sam has 10 years experience in financial services with GE Money UKU across a broad range of areas, including risk management, internal audit and debt collection.

Latest Credit Action debt statistics

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 12:18:16 +0100

Total UK personal debt at the end of November 2008 stood at £1,456bn. This has slowed further to 4.1% in the last 12 months which equates to an increase of ~ £56bn.

2008 electoral roll data added to Equifax database

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 14:56:26 +0100

New Electoral Roll data already available to lenders for credit and identity checks as leading credit and business information specialist, Equifax, completed the uploading of the 2008 electoral roll data from all the UK’s local councils on 1st January 2009, making the powerful identity verification information available to lenders immediately.

UK GDP set to fall more than in 1990s recession

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 14:23:53 +0100

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has published its January 2009 Economic Forecast update, the first of the year, which predicts cumulative GDP falls totalling 2.9 per cent over the five quarters between Q3 2008 and Q3 2009; this compares with cumulative GDP declines of 2.25 per cent predicted in the November forecast.

Creditors get better access to information in company failures

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 13:42:27 +0100

New rules that will require administrators to reveal to creditors the name of the buyer and the price paid when carrying out a 'pre-pack' administration will be introduced on 1st January 09. Pre-pack administrations tend to be used where commercial pressures require urgent action.

First-time buyer home affordability has improved significantly in 2008

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 13:29:42 +0100

The new Halifax First-Time Buyer (FTB) Affordability Review tracks housing affordability in 406 local authorities (including 32 London boroughs) across the UK. A local authority (LA) is classified as affordable if the average house price for a FTB is lower than the price someone on average earnings in the area can pay based on the historical average house price to earnings ratio of 4.0.

Fair Isaac Announces Release of Debt Manager 7

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 14:40:34 +0100

Fair Isaac Corporation, the leading provider of analytics and decision management technology, today announced the immediate availability of Fair Isaac Debt Manager solution 7, the first available product of the Fair Isaac Decision Management Suite.

Jaywing closes the net on fraudsters with Smartfraud

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:00:32 +0100

Data specialist Jaywing, a member of Digital Marketing Group plc, has launched Smartfraud; a new tool based on known frauds and other key data which gives banks and lenders easy to implement postcode level insight to determine consumer fraud potential.

Serious security problems with Internet Explorer

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 13:10:41 +0100

A flaw has been found in Microsoft's Internet Explorer which could allow criminals to take control of people's computers and steal their passwords, internet experts say.

Tracesmart visitors will be first to access new Electoral Roll Search 2009

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:39:07 +0100

Cardiff based company Tracesmart, is the first online people search facility to make the 2009 edited Electoral Roll available to the general public. To ensure their customers have access to the most up-to-date records available, Tracesmart has uploaded the new electoral data in record time this year, easily out-manoeuvring the competition and significantly benefiting their loyal customer base.

East London tops UK fraud hotspots

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 10:59:47 +0100

East London has today been unveiled as the region most at risk of ID fraud in the British Isles, according to a new fraud ranking developed by credit reference agency Callcredit . The news comes as a further blow for East London, which only last month was named as the most indebted area in the UK.

Credit crisis demonstrates the importance of strategic risk management

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 10:13:43 +0100

A recent seminar held by The Institute of Operational Risk examined the causes of the sub-prime and credit crisis and identified the most important lessons from this crisis for Bank Directors, Chief Risk Officers and Operational Risk Managers.

Fraud spectre looms increasingly large for financial services sector

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 09:18:04 +0100

The financial services sector is increasingly concerned about its susceptibility to fraud, with almost a third of sector businesses (31%) anticipating the issue will affect them in 2009, according to new research from international law firm Eversheds LLP.

Neural Technologies named Large Technology Supplier of the Year

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 17:19:02 +0100

Risk management solution provider Neural Technologies was last night presented with an Organisational Excellence Award from the British Computer Society (BCS). The company was named Large Technology Supplier of the Year in a glittering ceremony held at Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

Credit data firm to cut 300 posts

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:50:56 +0100

Nottingham-based credit information firm Experian is to slash 300 jobs across the UK and Irish Republic in the New Year. The company said it would consult with its 4,000 employees before making the cuts at the end of March 2009.

New website for fast judgement checks

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:29:17 +0100

A new website - Trust Online has been launched this month (December) to give people immediate access to millions of judgment records in the British Isles and Ireland. Trust Online has been developed by Registry Trust - the non-profit company which gathers information from six jurisdictions, including the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines for England and Wales under contract to the Lord Chancellor.

Credit agency warns businesses to keep up their defences against fraud

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 13:52:13 +0100

Commercial credit agency Graydon UK today urged businesses to remain wary to the threat posed to their security by fraudsters, warning that new Government figures revealing a rise in fraud convictions merely scratch the surface of what is one of the UK's fastest growing crimes.

New Experian report outlines key credit risk management strategies for the industry

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 15:50:48 +0100

Experian, the global information services company, have published a new report providing expert recommendations for credit risk management in today's turbulent economic climate, containing emerging market insights and suggested strategies from the company's industry experts,

Credit card industry announces important data sharing enhancement

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:22:43 +0100

Additional data will help the credit industry to identify customers who may be at risk of getting into financial difficulties and to deliver on commitments in the revised Banking Code.

Car frauds explode

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:02:58 +0100

Since the start of 2008 there has been a dramatic increase in the number of people attempting to obtain car finance fraudulently, according to research.

PPI conclusions under fire

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Lenders have hit out at a decision by the Competition Commission to announce remedies for the payment protection insurance (PPI) market, claiming that it has gone well beyond its remit and the evidence it has which shows customers will only consider taking cover when they borrow and not afterwards.

CIFAS celebrates 20 years of fraud prevention

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 01:00:00 +0100

CIFAS, the UK's Fraud Prevention Service, has been preventing fraud for 20 years, with members sharing information on identified frauds in the fight to prevent further fraud.

Credit insurer warns UK firms to be more open about their difficulties

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Companies experiencing difficulties during the recession need to be more open about their problems, 'or face the consequences', according to a UK credit insurer.

One day national strike to affect Companies House

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Industrial Action by the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) will result in a one day national strike, scheduled to take place on Monday 10 November 2008.

Businesses need clear data breach strategies

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 01:00:00 +0100

A credit information provider has offered advice for businesses as the Information Commissioner criticises organisations that have lost consumer data.

Latest figures show UK's fraud landscape has changed

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Figures from the UK's Fraud Prevention Service at the end of the third-quarter of 2008 confirm that the UK's fraud landscape has changed.

Consumer publication investigation into credit files welcomed

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 01:00:00 +0100

An online credit information provider has welcomed the findings of a report by the UKs largest consumer publication into the role of credit information.

Economy shrinks in 3rd quarter making recession all but inevitable

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 01:00:00 +0100

The country's economy shrank 0.5% in the third quarter of 2008, the first contraction in 16 years, substantially more than expected and with the current quarter likely to prove as bad if not worse, a recession is all but inevitable.

Mortgage lending hits 17-year low

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Gross mortgage lending reached an estimated £17.7bn in September, a decline of 10% from August and 42% from September last year, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML).

Financial regulator fines mortgage company directors

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Two directors have each been fined £30,000 by the financial regulator for shortcomings in their mortgage business. The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has fined two directors from Abbey Mortgages Limited, based in Bexleyheath and Stokesley, £30,000 each for shortcomings in their mortgage business which put financially vulnerable customers at risk and the firm at risk of being used for mortgage fraud.

Fraudsters' website shut in swoop

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 01:00:00 +0100

A website used by criminals to buy and sell credit card details and bank log-ins has been shut down after a police operation, the BBC has learned.

International forum Darkmarket ran for three years and led to fraud totalling millions of pounds. Nearly 60 people connected with the site have been arrested in Manchester, Hull and London, as well as Germany, Turkey and the US. The Serious Organised Crime Agency said it was "a one-stop shop" for criminals.

Warning over new EU accounts rules

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Creditors have warned that they want a single set of accounting rules and that a current European Commission review of fair value accounting threatens to undermine transparency and comparability.

The Commission is due to host a meeting in Brussels tomorrow to discuss accounting reform, including further relaxation to fair value.

Credit checks are critical in current climate

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Small businesses are urged to invest in new credit checks on their customers to ensure they are aware of any potentially bad apples.

According to Clive Lewis, head of SME issues at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW): Knowing who you are dealing with is the key to survival in the current turbulent economic climate.

The release of deceased data by the General Registrar welcomed

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 01:00:00 +0100

The UK's Fraud Prevention Service (CIFAS) has welcomed the weekly release of death records for the first time to stop fraudsters from using these identities.

Card fraud losses increased by 14% in first six months

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Total card fraud losses increased by 14% in the six months to June 2008 compared with the first half of 2007 according to new figures from the UK payment association.

Payments industry growth in 'money mule' fraud activity

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 01:00:00 +0100

More than 870 recruitment adverts for money mules have been detected in the first half of the year.

Bank charges and lending restrictions could get worse for small businesses

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 01:00:00 +0100

A business lobby group is concerned at reports that high street banks are beginning to reduce credit facilities and increase overdraft charges.

The UK's Fraud Prevention Service receives award from Home office

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 01:00:00 +0100

The Home Office has awarded Specified Anti-Fraud Organisation (SAFO) status to CIFAS, the UK's Fraud Prevention Service.

Banks are still lending to small businesses despite the credit crunch.

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Figures from the British Bankers Association (BBA) have shown that lending by the main high street banks providing small business services has grown.

Tighter lending criteria and falling house prices discourage first-time buyers

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Loans to first time buyers continued to decline in July compared to June although remortgaging rose and lending for house purchase held steady during the same period.

More companies have taken up trade credit insurance as a result of the crunch

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 01:00:00 +0100

The economic downturn has encouraged more companies to take up trade credit insurance for added protection.

Commission nominates members of Expert Group on Credit Histories

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 01:00:00 +0100

The group's objective is to identify solutions that will maximise the circulation of credit data within the EU. The experts will present their report with recommendations by 1 May 2009.

New mortgage approvals in July are at a record low

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 01:00:00 +0100

The number of new mortgages approved for home buyers fell in July to just 33,000 - down by 71% on a year ago.

Small firms struggled to access finance even before credit crunch

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Small businesses struggled to access finance in the months before the credit crunch began to bite.

Personal details of more than a million bank customers sold on eBay

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Personal details of more than a million bank customers have been found on a computer sold on eBay for £35.

Barclays unveils overdraft buffer zone

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Barclays current account customers have been notified of changes to their accounts that will see them receive an automatic additional borrowing buffer zone which will allow them to go over their credit limit at a set penalty fee.

Cooperation to help victims of fraud

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Victims of identity fraud will find the task of setting their credit record straight much easier with a new Victims of Fraud service, unveiled by the UK's three largest consumer credit reference agencies.

Data controller prosecution

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 01:00:00 +0100

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has successfully prosecuted a London accountant for offences under the Data Protection Act, reminding creditors of their need to register as data controllers.

Consultation on irresponsible lending is launched

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 01:00:00 +0100

A public consultation on the scope of the Office of Fair Tradings (OFT) project looking at irresponsible lending in UK consumer credit markets has been launched.

Crime maps to go live

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Interactive maps on police websites will allow for greater tracking of regional crime statistics, according to a government review, and may prove a useful resource for credit professionals.

Approvals for new home loans fall to a record low in June

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 01:00:00 +0100

New Bank of England data showed approvals for new home loans fell to a record low in June pointing to further
sharp falls in house prices in the months ahead.

Banks suffer as fraud levels reach all time high in first six months of 2008

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Total fraud levels have increased by 50% in the first six months of 2008, with the financial sector suffering more
than half.

Government "should crack down on business crime"

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 01:00:00 +0100

A business forum has said government should be doing more to prevent business crime which has increased by over £2bn since 2004.

Mortgage fraud fight recognised

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Mortgage lenders efforts to tackle fraud have been recognised by the Financial Services Authority (FSA), in a public letter which recognises the priority that the industry has given to fraud issues even in the current challenging market conditions.

SMEs being "exploited" over credit terms

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:00:30 +0100

Large companies are exploiting small businesses by delaying invoice payments and imposing new terms and settlement fees on owners, a major trade body has claimed.

Landlords warned of tenant late payment risks

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:59:47 +0100

A major industry trade association is warning landlords of the real risk of rental arrears if they fail to carry out appropriate checks on prospective tenants or face increasingly slow payments.

Mortgage lending declines

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Gross mortgage lending declined to an estimated £23.8bn in June, down 3% from May and 32% from June 2007, according to research.

Southern fraud hotspots revealed

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 19:45:00 +0100

Research by CIFAS has found that London and the South-East are the key hotspots for fraudulent applications across all product sectors.

Electoral roll sales may be banned

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 19:44:00 +0100

Councils are to be banned from selling home addresses off the electoral register to the credit reference agencies, under new proposals.

ID theft becomes UK's top safety fear for 2008

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 19:35:00 +0100

Identity theft has overtaken street crime and fears of being mugged or attacked to become the nation's top safety fear.

Call for new approach to sharing personal information

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 19:28:00 +0100

Government and industry were urged today to transform the way they use and share our personal information, in the wake of recent high profile data-losses.

Alarming results highlight serious risks of UK recession

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:21:00 +0100

The results of an economic survey for the second quarter show a serious risk of recession in the UK.

Fight Against Money Laundering Goes Online

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:51:00 +0100

A guide taking readers through the complexities of the international standards, directives and regulations set up to defeat money laundering and terrorist financing has gone online.

Warning given over tax refund scam

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:44:00 +0100

Consumers and businesses alike have been warned against providing personal bank and credit card information when promised a tax refund by a scam email.

Debtors will not review financial positions

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:03:00 +0100

Despite the testing market conditions, less than a third of consumers have reviewed their finances in light of the credit crunch and a fifth of people claim it is a term created by the media.

Major fall in mortgage approvals

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:57:00 +0100

A 14% fall in mortgage approvals to 179,000 in May is further confirmation that the market for home loans is shrinking quickly, according to analysts.

Credit union rules slackened

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:55:00 +0100

The government has revealed plans aimed at boosting the number of borrowers on low wages who use credit unions.

Risk

Neural Technologies finalist in IT Supplier of the Year Award

Callcredit Strengthens Leadership Team

Begbies Traynor Group launches BTG Global Risk Partners

SAS ranked as a leader credit risk management systems market for fourth year

Coface confirms the strong recovery of its result in the 1st half of 2010

With SAS software, Alliant Credit Unionâs enhanced risk management program will lead market

Action taken against two brokers for mortgage fraud failings

Nearly one in three UK firms targeted by fraudsters in past eighteen months

Experian appoints Head of Insurance for UK & Ireland

Callcredit agrees long-term credit report deal with Rent4Sure

Creditsafe launches advanced prospecting tool

LSC - the first public body to fight fraud through CIFAS

Atradius appoints Mark Palmer to lead and expand its London Special Products team

Adeptra brings context and intelligence to global banks with new deployments of its decision engine

Lafayette Federal Credit Union picks SASÂ® for predictive insight from operational data

FSA bans five individuals for insurance fraud and insurance broker gets large fine

CIFS introduces new collections service

The Internal Betrayal: CIFAS releases Special Report into Staff Fraud

41st Parameter Teams With Horus Fraud Prevention Solutions to Establish Local Presence in S America

Euler Hermes appoints new commercial director for UK and Ireland

Lax security and payment complexity leaving small firms stung by credit card fraud

Government Needs Open Mind on Tackling Benefit Cheats

Callcredit Information Group Announces New Telecoms Division

Equifax credit reference data is helping to tackle benefit fraud

Comment from Callcredit Information Group on benefit fraud

SAS a leader in operational risk management and GRC report

Â£1bn of savings can be delivered through better fraud detection in the public sector

Experian signs global data integration deal with HSBC

Creditsafe launches ratings commentary

Emerge from global recession, increase information, and reduce your manual intervention

The Human Cost of Fraud - What Can People Do To Protect Themselves?

Recovery for creditors becomes more challenging as burden on Insolvency Service continues to grow

HSBC focuses on customer retention & growth with Equifax

Tracesmartâs New Arrival Set to Optimise Collections Tracing

Lloyds Banking Group announces plans to reduce conveyancing panel

FSA bans and fines former Northern Rock finance director Â£320,000

Experian launches new property move alert service

Rating agency: Coface filed for accreditation with the CESR

Equifax warns rogue directors could be on the rise

Seized criminal footage shows importance of shielding your PIN at cash machines

Identity fraud levels continue to rise

Equifax appoints technology solutions director

Oita Bank selects SAS Marketing Automation on Teradata to revitalise business intelligence capacity

Equifax strengthens marketing solutions team

GB Group Exclusively Incorporates iovation Device Reputation into Identity Management Services

R3 Media Statement on Director Disqualification and Insolvency Service resource

Insolvency Service offers BIS a carefully considered plan to meet the 11% cuts agenda

Equifax enhances access and user experience for its Debtor Management Solutions

FSA Chairman calls for debate

More structured financial education needed in secondary schools

FICO Launches Optimisation âStarter Kitâ to Reclaim Card Profitability

Credit reports available online for all consumers

Bad management to blame for nearly 60% of corporate insolvencies

New Task Force to Tackle Money Laundering & Fraud

Credit sales can stimulate trade, 'but transparency and trust are essential'

Seventy percent higher risk of bankruptcy in the North East than in London

Five banned, and one fined Â£130,000 and banned, as FSA continues crack down on mortgage fraud

Publication of the Finance Bill 2010

Equities Offer Value as Recovery Continues, Barclays Capital Says

Vivacom select Neural Technologies for Fraud Management

New SASÂ® Enterprise GRC enhances performance, collaboration and transparency

SASÂ® innovation revolutionises agile decision-making

Card fraud gang sentenced to 15 years

The Next Generation in Fraud and Risk Case Management?

Precise Mortgages Goes Live with DPR Solution

Lowest share of house purchase market for first-time buyers since 2007

Euristix provides enhanced risk management for specialist lender, Buy As You View

MGEN selects SASÂ® to optimise operational risk management program

Start-Up discrimination

New FICO Service Enables Banks to Fine-Tune Risk Strategies Based on Economic Conditions

âUK Plastic Cards: Outlook to 2011â added to ReportBuyer.com

Â£1bn of savings 'can be delivered through better fraud detection in the public sector'

Equifax offers smaller companies fast-track to risk decisioning

MCR completes sale of Robbs department store in Hexham

Talk of interest rate hike sparks insolvency fears among small businesses

Chief Executive of Company Watch Limited announces his retirement

VocaLink Take Home Pay Index continues its decline hitting a new record low in May

MCR completes sale of renowned housewares brand

P&A Receivables European Credit Forum alerts channel to growing threat of fraud scams

With SAS software, Alliant Credit Unionâs enhanced risk management program will lead market

Tracesmartâs New Arrival Set to Optimise Collections Tracing

FICO Launches Optimisation âStarter Kitâ to Reclaim Card Profitability

âUK Plastic Cards: Outlook to 2011â added to ReportBuyer.com

Identity Fraud - Donât let someone steal your good name

CIG takes on cycle challenge for NSPCCâs Childâs Voice Appeal

Government run agency least supportive of exporters amongst worldâs main trading nations

Hypermonitoring â The inside story delivered to your desktop

A further three firms sign up for FRSGlobalâs liquidity solution in Q1

Time to Pay Scheme, now itâs time to pay up!