We are heading back to Global ABS – let’s meet up!

We’re thrilled to announce that Rockstead will be returning to Global ABS in Barcelona this June—and this time, we’re bringing 10 of our finest team members to make sure we catch up with as many of you as possible! After another fantastic year in structured finance and asset-backed solutions, we can’t wait to reconnect with […]

Transitional Risk and EPCs

Even though it is a reasonably recent category, transitional risk is going to be a significant issue for lenders, servicers or holders of buy to let mortgage assets. Anyone hearing the “drill, baby, drill” messages originating from the USA could believe that the ‘E’ of ESG is dead. But that certainly is not the case […]

Horizon scanning for risk managers

Regulators often remind firms that they are expected to learn from all their outputs, so risk manager horizon scanning should not be limited to regulator rules and updates. Their scanning should encompass, for example, consultation papers, speeches, press releases and portfolio letters. It should also consider portfolio letters addressed to other regulated sectors. One such […]

Managing risks in a light touch world

We have seen several market cycles and in most cases regulation and regulators are seen as followers, tightening regulation after an event – ‘after the horse has bolted’ if you like. This was certainly the case after the Global Financial Crash (GFC) of 2008/9, which led to expansion and significant tightening of regulation within the […]

The FCA continues to drive for consumer protection

The FCA final guidance (FG24/2) has just come into force, replacing and building on the earlier Covid Tailored Support Guidance, and further protecting the ongoing needs of borrowers in financial difficulty. Despite recent public criticisms, the regulator continues to promote its ‘principles-based’ approach, but this latest guidance suggests a change in tone to a more […]

The fines keep coming….

Less than a month ago we wrote about the ‘cost of non-compliance’ exceeding £1bn for poor arrears handling, through FCA fines and redress. Since then, we have seen yet another one. It is clear to us that the FCA is fining firms to drive home the need for a behavioural change in the way lenders […]

FCA fines approach £1bn for arrears breaches

Following the most recent FCA lender fine, conversations with our business partners have been ‘off the scale.’  Everyone is shocked that collection teams are still getting it so wrong.  FCA fines for the poor treatment of arrears and vulnerable customers is nothing new, and although they appear to relate to historic cases, be in no […]

SRT and Basel 3.1 – are you ready?

We are often asked by our clients to comment on market trends and movements. Significant Risk Transfer [‘SRT’] is currently dominating our conversations, and much of our work, especially our AUP services connected with SRT issuance programmes. 12 September 2024 is a key date that will lead to a seismic market shift – are you […]

Niche lenders, back in the driving seat?

The UK lending market is in the grip of a seismic shift, driven by significant M&A activity, choices being made by laggards in the digital transformation race and the regulatory impact of tightening capital requirements. Just like in any market change, adjustments also present opportunities. The changes taking place will be exploited by nimble niche […]