PS25/3: Consumer credit regulatory returns: credit broking, debt adjusting, debt counselling and providing credit information services

Policy Statement
PS25/3
Consumer Credit Regulatory
Returns: Credit Broking, Debt
Adjusting, Debt Counselling and
Providing Credit Information
Services
May 2025

This relates to
Consultation Paper 24/19 which is available on our website at www.fca.org.uk/publications Email:
cp24-19@fca.org.uk
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Contents
Chapter 1 Summary Page 4
Chapter 2 Consultation feedback Page 11
Chapter 3 Cost-benefit analysis Page 24
Annex 1 List of non-confidential respondents Page 27
Annex 2 Abbreviations used in this paper Page 29
Appendix 1 Made rules (legal instrument)

Chapter 1
Summary
1.1 In Consultation Paper (CP24/19), we proposed a new regulatory reporting return for
consumer credit firms engaging in one or more of the regulated activities of credit broking, debt adjusting, debt counselling services and providing credit information services. This return will ask more tailored questions about how a firm operates, engages with consumers, and uses its permissions. These changes will allow us to achieve our strategic objectives and become more efficient and effective in how we regulate the sector. Better quality data will allow us to act faster and more assertively where harm is greatest with less intensive supervision where appropriate.
1.2 This data, combined with the Product Sales Data (PSD) returns and other data
sources like the Financial Lives Survey, will enable us to better understand consumers’ experiences and more effectively supervise firms in this sector. The new return seeks to make our expectations of firms clearer, using common industry terminology to help understanding. This will help firms to complete the forms more easily and result in less ad hoc information requests from us. The design of the return means we are only collecting what we need and will use and the information being provided is proportionate for each firm.
1.3 We intend to review and replace further returns for firms undertaking other consumer
credit activities. We expect this review will gradually replace all our existing CCR returns in the long term. However, we have made the decision to slow down the implementation of the remaining phases in order to lessen the burden on firms and allow us to consider the impact, and value, of this new return and the PSD returns.
1.4 This Policy Statement (PS) summarises the feedback to our proposals and our response.
It also sets out our final rules and guidance for incorporating the new return into SUP 16. Who this affects
1.5 The rules in this PS will interest firms:

• engaged in credit broking
• engaged in debt adjusting
• engaged in debt counselling
• engaged in providing credit information services
• that advise, represent or provide software to support compliance with regulatory
  reporting for any of the above firms

The wider context of this policy statement
Our consultation
1.6 Since 2014, we have required consumer credit firms to periodically provide us with
regulatory returns. These returns supply us with aggregated data for consumer credit activities. The data received is inconsistent and does not align with the harms we see in the sector, often requiring additional ad hoc data requests where we need further information to sufficiently supervise these firms.
1.7 The poor quality of the data, alongside changes to the way these markets operate,
and the associated data needed to supervise it, have changed. This prompted us to initiate our multi-year review into the replacement of our consumer credit reporting (CCR) returns for regulated activities. CP24/19 was the second consultation we issued as part of this review, following PS24/3, where we introduced 3 new PSD returns, to be completed by larger lenders.
1.8 For firms providing credit broking, credit information, debt adjusting, and debt
counselling services, we want to better understand:

• their supply chains,
• consumer understanding of products and services,
• suitability of products and consumer support,
• whether they are acting to deliver good retail customer outcomes in line with the
  Consumer Duty.
  How it links to our objectives
  1.9 Our final rules set out in this PS advance our operational objectives to:
• Secure an appropriate degree of protection for consumers (by enhancing our
  ability to identify and assess risks to them and preventing harm).
• Protect and enhance market integrity (by allowing us to make quicker and bolder
  decisions so the market functions well).
• Promote effective competition in the interests of consumers (through enhancing
  our ability to monitor the market).
  1.10 The return will enable us to deliver against our strategic objectives including supporting
  our ability to be a smarter regulator through taking a more data led approach to better detect harm and focus our work on where it is greatest. It will also support us in fighting financial crime by improving our ability to identify firms who aim to use FCA authorisation as a cover for crime and where they do not need to hold the regulated activities in scope of this return.
  1.11 The new return also seeks to make our returns easier to understand and complete. This
  supports the Government’s aim to make sure firms have a positive experience engaging with the FCA, which the Government specifies is important for supporting growth in the Treasury’s November 2024 remit letter.

Secondary international competitiveness and growth objective
1.12 In implementing these measures, we have considered our secondary objective to
facilitate the international competitiveness of the UK economy and its growth in the medium to long term. While the proposals may increase our data requirements for firms, we have aimed to reduce our reporting burden by streamlining report elements to enable firms to meet our requirements more easily.
1.13 We believe this return is compatible with our secondary objective. While we do not
expect the new return to materially affect the international competitiveness of the UK economy, it aims to improve market integrity and prevent consumer harm. This should encourage consumer trust and confidence in the UK’s consumer credit market resulting in long-term sustainable economic growth.
1.14 By improving our ability to supervise firms effectively and proportionately, through
access to quality data that identifies earlier those firms presenting the highest risk of harm to consumers, we will be able to spot trends in how the consumer credit market is evolving and make sure that we monitor the evolution of markets over time. We also expect the data collected to provide a robust evidence base for policy making, for example, to support the Treasury in their decision making around reforming the Consumer Credit Act 1974. What we are changing
1.15 We are introducing a return which will collect data from consumer credit firms with
permission to engage in any one, or more, of the regulated activities of:

• credit broking
• debt adjusting
• debt counselling
• providing credit information services
  1.16 The new return will have 5 mandatory sections of questions for all firms in scope
  followed by tailored questions specific to firms’ permissions. The 5 mandatory sections will ask for data about firms’:
• Permissions – the regulated activities firms have undertaken in the past 12
  months.
• Business model – the financial products, goods, and/or services firms are
  providing.
• Marketing – the channels firms use to acquire consumers.
• Revenue – total revenue from credit-related activities and non-credit related
  activities.
• Staff – the number of employees, and incentive and remuneration arrangements.
  1.17 The new return will replace elements of CCR002 - Consumer credit data: Volumes and
  CCR007 – Consumer credit data: Key data for credit firms with limited permission.

1.18 Some of the new return’s data elements will initially overlap with our other CCR returns.
This is an interim stage until we complete our review of the remaining credit related returns.
1.19 We are providing regulatory forbearance so that any firms that submit CCR009 do not
need to provide similar information on CCR002 or CCR007 where they relate to their credit broking, or debt management, activities (full details set out in our response to question 5 of the consultation).
1.20 The removal of the existing returns will be completed following a further consultation of
the remaining consumer credit activities. Our decision to slow down the pace of change in order to ease the impact on firms in scope means that this overlap will take longer than previously anticipated.
1.21 To reduce the impact of this overlap, we will be consulting separately on changes
to the scheduling of existing returns for firms in scope to bring them in line with the calendar year reporting. For most firms this will mean a shorter window in which they are expected to submit data on these activities and reducing the time needed to collate and provide information to us.
1.22 For principal firms, the data return must include consolidated answers from all your
Appointed Representatives (ARs) unless specified otherwise. Where directed otherwise, this would either include reporting as the principal firm only or separately as the principal firm and for activities undertaken by ARs. This includes data elements which ask for qualitative information as well as figures. This data on the regulated activities of ARs will be used to support the information received through REP025 that covers the oversight and monitoring by Principal firms. CCR002 Volumes Credit Broking, Providing Credit Information Services, Debt Adjusting and Counselling Lending, Consumer Hire, Debt Collection and Administration Non-activity specific data and Credit Reference Agencies Partially Replaced Partially Replaced Partially Replaced Completely Replaced Phase Existing Returns CCR003 Lenders Completely Replaced CCR004 Debt Management Firms Completely Replaced CCR005 Client Money and Assets Completely Replaced CCR006 Debt Collection Completely Replaced CCR007 Limited Permission Completely Replaced

Outcomes we are seeking
1.23 The new return will give us important information about how consumer credit
markets are functioning, including how firms are undertaking activities and using their permissions. This will help to inform our supervision, including whether firms are achieving the Consumer Duty outcomes.
1.24 This improved data will enable us to focus on firms where we see the greatest harm and
take a more proportionate approach to firms which present lower risk to consumers.
1.25 Firms will be able to anticipate the data they will need to provide enabling more
regulatory certainty and improving the experience for firms as the need for unscheduled data collections will significantly reduce. Measuring success
1.26 The return will help us align with our strategic priority of being a smarter regulator.
Through better use of data and technology we will be able to be more efficient, effective and proportionate, acting more quickly to deal with harm and enabling less intensive supervision of those firms demonstrably seeking to do the right thing.
1.27 As set out in CP24/19, we expect:

• To more effectively target our supervisory and policy resource as we will be able to
  identify harms quicker and prioritise our engagement accordingly.
• To intervene and reduce the level of risk faster as well as more accurately identify
  where intervention is not required.
• To more quickly identify firms who are not using their permissions and remove
  those permissions faster avoiding the potential ‘halo’ effect where consumers are misled about the level of protection offered.
• The number of ad hoc information requests we issue to firms to decrease.
  1.28 For firms, we expect:
• The number of queries from firms about how to complete our returns to decrease.
• The number of returns submitted late to us to decrease.
  1.29 As part of the FCA’s Rule Review Framework, we are providing an additional way for
  stakeholders to give evidence where they feel that our rules are not achieving their intended outcomes, as set out above, once implemented. You can do this using our online feedback form.

Summary of feedback and our response
1.30 We received 74 responses to CP24/19, including from the main trade associations who
responded on behalf of their members. Our final measures have been informed by this feedback as well as extensive engagement with firms and trade associations.
1.31 Overall, the feedback was positive with most comments pertaining to the scope of our
data elements and/or clarifying our expectations. Respondents welcomed the return’s proposed structure and frequency of submissions. Moreover, most firms appreciated the ease of completing the new return through branching logic. Most firms were able to complete the return prototype issued for testing alongside the consultation as expected.
1.32 However, in response to feedback, we have reduced by 27% the number of questions
asked in the return. We have also made changes to make our rules clearer and more effective. These include:

• Removing questions where a large proportion of firms suggested they would need
  to request data from lenders.
• Changing the data required from credit brokers from successful applications to
  total introductions. This is to make it easier for firms to provide the data.
• Allowing firms who potentially don’t hold all of the data required for the entire 12
  months to annualise this information for the first reporting period.
  1.33 We did not receive substantive feedback on our questions on Providing Credit
  Information Services. Outside of changes to some of the guidance and general changes relating to Appointed Representatives, we’ve made no other changes to these sections.
  1.34 The reduction in the volume of information compared to the original proposals will
  leave gaps in our knowledge and visibility of firms’ activities across the whole sector. However, we plan to use other existing returns, and data already being reported, to give us partial insights in these areas. We believe that removing these questions will significantly reduce the impact on firms and is a more proportionate approach. We do not consider that the final rules differ significantly from the draft rules we consulted on, as the changes are aligned with the policy intention we consulted on and do not affect the original cost benefit analysis (CBA). Equality and diversity considerations
  1.35 Under the Equality Act 2010 we are required by the public sector equality duty to have
  due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination and other conduct prohibited by that Act, to promote equality of opportunity in carrying out our policies, services and functions and to foster good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not.
  1.36 Before consulting, we considered the equality and diversity issues that may arise from
  our proposals and did not think they gave rise to any concerns. We did not receive any feedback on these considerations, and our assessment remains unchanged. So, we

do not consider that these rules and guidance materially impact any of the groups with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 (in Northern Ireland, the Equality Act is not enacted but other anti-discrimination legislation applies). Environmental, social & governance considerations
1.37 In developing these proposals, we have considered our duty under section 3B(1)(c) of
FSMA to have regard to the need to contribute towards the Secretary of State achieving compliance with the net-zero targets, in section 5 of the Environment Act 2021. We do not think there is any contribution these proposals can make to these targets. Next steps What you need to do next
1.38 If your firm is affected by these changes, you need to make sure you meet the
requirements of the new rules so that your reporting is in line with the changes set out in this PS. You will need to implement the changes within the timescales set out in
Appendix 1 Handbook Text and highlighted in Chapter 2.
What we will we do next
1.39 We will continue to engage with industry throughout the implementation period and
provide additional supporting information where appropriate. We anticipate further consultations on the data we collect on the consumer credit market, however, in order to minimise the impact of the pace of change, especially for lenders already in scope of the new PSD returns, we will delay further consultation on other consumer credit activities until after the implementation of these returns.

Chapter 2
Consultation feedback
2.1 In this chapter, we summarise the feedback on our proposals for issuing a new consumer
credit return as set out in CP24/19. Our response to each of the questions takes into account the responses to CP24/19 and, where applicable, feedback from the prototype of the return. Proposed data elements Question 1: Do you agree with the questions, or data, proposed to be collected (eg the proposed format of, or guidance around, the data)? Please provide details. Question 2: Will any of the proposed questions, or data, cause practical issues (eg requiring data you don’t currently, or would struggle to, collect)? If yes, please explain why, including whether this is because of your particular business model or the way in which you structure your business activities? General comments
2.2 A third of respondents welcomed the structure we proposed for collecting the data,
including the questions we posed and how we aligned them to firms’ regulatory activities and permissions.
2.3 Some respondents commented on the costs and regulatory burden of our proposals,
particularly where firms will also need to submit our new PSD returns initiated in PS24/3.
2.4 Some respondents mentioned potential duplication of data collection, especially for
data collected from lenders through the new PSD returns. Respondents questioned whether this data would also have to be collected from brokers.
2.5 Over half of respondents provided suggestions for clarifying or improving the data we
propose to collect to better capture the nuances of their activities. Permissions and regulatory activity
2.6 Some respondents struggled with the initial contextual questions on how they use
their permissions and which activity option was relevant to their business model. Based on submissions from the prototype, most firms were able to complete the return as expected. However, some groups were less clear on which of the return’s options applied to their business model.

2.7 There was some confusion around which regulatory activities are in scope, including
whether regulated activities outside consumer credit should be included.
2.8 Some respondents commented on the difficulty of supplying information where firms
have multiple business channels.
2.9 One respondent stated that for firms whose business is not primarily consumer credit,
the new returns may cause a disproportionate amount of work.
Data not readily available
2.10 Some firms mentioned a lack of access to loan agreement data and the costs of setting
up their systems to provide the required level of information. This feedback was not specific to a particular group of firms (neither by sector nor based on their size of the product offering). However, the overall proportion of firms where this data wasn’t available was higher than initial stakeholder engagement indicated.
2.11 Many credit brokers pointed out that the details of credit agreements, such as APR, the
term of the agreement, and especially the number of successful/declined introductions, are not readily available to them. To provide this information, they would need to request relevant data from the lenders. Credit brokers noted this will place an additional burden on the largest lenders as they will also be reporting the PSD returns at the same time.
2.12 Some respondents found the marketing spend question difficult to quantify, as their
spending could relate to a general promotion or brand campaign rather than a specific regulated activity product or services.
2.13 A few respondents felt that the type of business they operate does not work well with
the proposed changes.
Our response:
Alignment with PSD
Only firms with over £2m in outstanding / new lending will submit the PSD returns for consumer credit agreements, with reporting beginning in 2025. Our intention of requesting similar information directly from brokers was to make sure we had visibility of key information on all (approximately 20,000) credit brokers we have oversight of. Our initial industry engagement led us to believe this information was likely to be readily available. However, subsequent feedback indicates it is not as widespread as first expected. In addition, feedback highlighted that lenders would be the most affected from requiring this information as they would have to share this information with all brokers in their supply chains at least once a year. Following this feedback, we removed a large number of questions from the return which can, in part, be derived from the more granular PSD returns. While this will result in some gaps in the data we receive, limiting our visibility of the sector, we estimate these gaps will be relatively

small. The additional burden on lenders, especially those larger lenders submitting the PSD returns, would not be proportionate. The majority of remaining questions each firm would submit (based on the branching logic) will be contextual, which should be much easier for firms to provide. Overall, 57 questions have been removed accounting for a 27% reduction in questions with 52 of those questions being numeric (a 39% reduction in the number of questions requiring data to be submitted). Summary table:
Unique contextual questions
Unique numeric questions
Overal unique total
% Unique contextual questions
% Unique numeric questions
CP 80 132 212 38% 62%
PS 75 80 155 48% 52%
Actual
Difference
5 (6%) 52 (39%) 57 (27%)

• Please note numbers from the summary table exclude data table header rows. Contextual questions
  include: multiple choice, single choice, yes/no and free text questions. The following questions have been removed for each credit broking
  section relating to financial products, motor vehicles (both credit and
  hire) and goods & services (both credit and hire):

• total number of agreements
• total value of agreements (£)
• maximum value (£)
• minimum value (£)
• average value (£)
• maximum APR (%)
• minimum APR (%)
• average APR (%)
• maximum term of agreement (months)
• minimum term of agreement (months)
• average term of agreement (months)
  We have also removed the requirement to provide the following data relating to the credit broking section on relationships between lenders, brokers and owners:
• total successful introductions
• total declined introductions
• total non-successful introductions

Additional supporting materials / guidance
In a total of 59 (37%) of the final data elements and questions, we have added further guidance to help firms understand what is expected for each question or to further specify what should, or shouldn’t, be included. These have been based on a combination of the feedback received and analysis of the submissions to the prototype. Examples of these changes include:

• Additional options where firms suggested existing options didn’t align
  with their activities or where multiple options could be selected.
• Additional guidance on what should, or should not, be included for staff
  or commission.
• More detailed definitions or references to existing handbook terms to
  support firm understanding.
• Alignment with more common industry language.
  For example, we understand that firms may hold their permission for specific reasons but not actively use it and provided answer options for these scenarios. However, from our analysis and feedback, some of the answer descriptions were misunderstood. So, we have added further clarification and amended terminology based on firm feedback. Collecting this information is important to support our work to remove unused permissions from firms faster. These changes should also improve the quality of the information we collect by improving clarity. To minimise incorrect data being submitted, we are publishing a ‘flow diagram’ which sets out clearly the questions within the return and the decision points that make up the branching logic. This diagram should aid firms in understanding exactly what is required of them based on their business model and help them prepare for submitting their return. We will also work with industry and relevant trade bodies to create guides for the most common business models to aid firms’ understanding of the return. It will not be possible to create these guides for the full range of business models with permissions covered within this return, but there are some groups with common business models that make up a large proportion of firms. For example, secondary brokers in the retail or motor sector and general insurance or mortgage intermediaries where credit is ancillary to their main activities. Sales channel and marketing Firms were concerned that it is difficult to distinguish between marketing spend on general brand activity and regulated activity. So, we have removed the need to further breakdown marketing spend and the number of referrals or accepted agreements per channel. The following questions have been removed from the credit broking
  section on sales channel and marketing:
• What is your firm’s marketing spend on the channels as reported?
• Tell us about the number of referrals/agreements accepted per channel.

Credit broking
Credit broking activity options
Feedback indicated there was confusion as to which credit broking activities applied to firms, with a proportion of prototype submissions having chosen activities which didn’t align to their business model. This was especially prevalent where credit broking was not the firm’s primary business. Based on this feedback, we have simplified the options describing the credit broking activity a firm has undertaken within the reporting period. Further, we received questions seeking to clarify the difference between Option A compared to Options D and E. The significant volume of uncertainty around Options D, E and F indicated that, in its current format, the question would likely lead to significant data quality issues. To simplify the question and improve the quality of the data we receive we have combined the 3 credit broking activities specified by Article 36A(1) (d), (e) and (f) of the Regulated Activities Order for which a fee is paid. The other 3 credit broking activities which cover introducing to a lender, introducing to an owner and introducing to another credit broker will remain and will we add common examples of each to help firms select the option relevant to their business model. A - Introducing a consumer to a prospective lender to enter into a credit agreement B - Introducing a consumer to another person, with a view to that person entering into a consumer hire agreement as owner C - Introducing a consumer to a credit broker with a view to the consumer entering into a credit agreement or consumer hire agreement D - Presenting or offering an agreement which would (if entered into) be a credit agreement E - Undertaking preparatory work for a consumer with a view to that consumer entering into a credit agreement F - Entering into a credit agreement on behalf of a lender G - None of the above The highlighted options above will be merged and replaced with ‘D - Charging a fee in relation to one of the credit intermediation activities described in article 36A(1)(d-f) of the Regulated Activities Order, only and not options (A), (B) or (C) above’.

Successful and declined introductions
Feedback highlighted that not all firms have oversight of the number of introductions that result in a successful agreement and the value of those agreements. So we have removed the requirement to break down brokers’ introductions into successful and declined introductions. Instead, we will only ask for the ‘Total number of introductions’ effected by the broker. The total number of introductions is the simplest and most consistent way to assess volumes and feedback indicated that this would be more readily available for firms without the need to request information from third parties. Moreover, we will be able to estimate these figures based on the total number of introductions and the number of successful agreements reported in the PSD returns. This should reduce the burden on lenders and the small number of firms whose business model means they will affect an introduction but may not have a more formal relationship with the lender. - 0 100 34.73% 12.26% 59.96% 40.04% 27.48% 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 Unique FRN Others Motor Finance Broker Supplier Other Goods & Services Primary Broker Grand Total Introduction data check Introduction data check Yes can provide breakdown of introductions No cannot provide breakdown of introductions Zero or ‘negative’ commission Some firms highlighted that they do not earn a commission from broking credit agreements, and instead pay a commission, subsidy or merchant fee to the lender, which result in negative values for total commission and total revenue. To accommodate this scenario, we have introduced a separate data field for commission or merchant fees paid to the lender.

We expect the value to be a positive figure and, if no other income is earned, total commission and revenue would be zero. For the section on the top 5 relationships if no revenue is received, then firms should enter the top 5 by commissions/merchant fee paid. Debt advice / solutions Feedback highlighted the difficulties some debt advice firms may have in providing the data in the way the questions were structured in the consultation. In particular, where some debt solutions may be administered by the firm themselves while others may be recommended but provided by a third party. To make it easier for firms to provide this data, we have split this question for each debt solution available. Feedback also indicated that these firms were unclear on how to provide the revenue information related to these solutions, including whether it was only the initial fees or all fees and, if so, the period those fees should cover. We have amended this section to include a more detailed breakdown of revenue by up-front and on-going fees if the solution is administered by the firm itself. 15.00% 12.86% 45.00% 55.00% 27.86% 17.86% 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 Unique FRN a) Money/debt advice only b) Money/debt advice and debt solutions, in which the debt solution is provided by your firm c) Money/debt advice and debt solutions, in which the debt solution is provided by another firm d) Debt advice and debt solutions, in which the debt solution provided by your firm or by another firm combination of both B and C Are you a firm that offers money/debt advice and/or provide debt solutions? Limited Permission Profile true e) None of the above Grand Total false

51.06%
61.70%
53.19%
63.83%
4.26%
4.26%
2.13%
48.94% 21.28%
19.15%
Average Average
0 10 20 30 1M 2M 3M 4M 5M 6M 0K 20K 40K 60K 80K Unique FRN Sum of Total revenue Sum of Number (newly entered) a) Debt management plans b) Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs) c) Bankruptcy d) Token payment plans Debt solution Limited Permission Profile true e) Equity release f) Budgeting arrangements false g) Debt relief order h) Other i) Debt arrangement scheme j) Minimal assets process (MAP) k) Protected trust deed m) Other Reporting Burden Question 3: If you do not currently collect specific information which is included in these proposals, how difficult would it be for you to start collecting this data? Feedback received:
2.14 Many respondents indicated they would need to update their data collection systems
and processes to supply the new return but did not expect this to be onerous. Some mentioned that it would take time to manually enter data from physical hard copies into their systems.

2.15 Several respondents pointed out that collecting this new data would be more
challenging for smaller firms, specifically around collecting data from lenders.
2.16 As noted in Question 1, a few respondents engaged in credit broking stressed that the
proposals would require them to establish data sharing arrangements with lenders and update their systems accordingly. They expressed concerns that this could impact implementation timescales, particularly where lenders are implementing the PSDs at the same time. In addition, they were concerned that lenders may no longer use small brokers if the data sharing arrangements become overly burdensome and costly.
2.17 Where firms’ in-scope activity(s) is ancillary to their main business, some respondents
argued the required data elements would be challenging to record. For example, 2 respondents explained that quantifying their marketing and tracking their referrals, specific to their debt advice services, would be difficult as this service is only provided to their customers who are already using their housing services. Likewise, an insurance provider noted that it would be difficult to separate the number of employees and marketing spend for their premium finance insurance products from their other out-of￾scope insurance products. Our response:
To reduce the burden on credit brokers and their lenders, we have removed the requirement for information that would need to be shared by lenders, as outlined in our response to Q1. Where possible, we will use data from the PSD returns to examine agreements further. We have also reduced the detail required on marketing spend as well as questions around staff levels and compliance functions. To ease reporting, we have reduced the number of questions in the return, and removed questions concentrated around detailed breakdowns of data. This means that half of the return’s questions are now contextual around firms’ business models and activities. These questions are simpler as they only require firms to select from options, which feedback indicated would be relatively easy for firms to provide. Implementation Question 4: Do you agree with the proposed timeline for implementing these returns? Feedback received:
2.18 While nearly half of the respondents considered our proposed timelines suitable, the
same number suggested we extend our proposed timelines. About a fifth of those who responded had no view or expressed some concerns.

2.19 Many of the respondents who found our timelines too short noted they do not currently
have the infrastructure to collect the proposed information. They argued extra time would enable them to establish necessary data collection processes and systems, including working with data partners, designing processes, and training staff. They added that extra time to implement these changes would result in their providing better quality data.
2.20 Among those who raised concerns, respondents in both credit broking and insurance
industries noted that the new returns would require them to create new systems and data-sharing arrangements, particularly for lenders and brokers to capture introductions and referrals.
2.21 As we consider feedback before issuing our final requirements, some respondents
were concerned that we may amend our proposals after the date firms would need to start collecting relevant data in time for the first return submission. They argued this could result in inadequate data and unnecessary costs for firms, including additional amendments to their IT systems and backdating data requests.
2.22 We received suggestions for extending our timelines, including implementing our
proposals in phases or designating the first year a pilot period so that firms could adopt the changes without risking non-compliance. Our response:
We have considered all feedback on the implementation timelines. By removing a substantial amount of our proposed questions, specifically the ones firms suggested would be difficult to provide, we expect reporting and consequently timelines will be easier to manage. While the feedback, as well as data submitted via the prototype, indicates that all other data is already available, we cannot be certain this is the case for every item of data for every firm. On that basis we have amended the rules to make sure firms are able to complete the return in the first year. Any firm which is a relevant ancillary credit firm as at 7 May 2025 which does not have sufficient data to report for the entire first reporting period must calculate an annualised figure based on the actual data available where possible. The way the return is designed, means the first part is applicable and straightforward to complete for all firms. Firms have to select options that apply to them, and this helps us understand the firms’ business models, how firms are using their permissions and how firms can be categorised, but does not ask for data. Collecting contextual information alongside even annualised data will still provide significant benefit but reduce any potential burden or risk of non-compliance for firms.

Frequency of submissions
Question 5: Do you agree with the proposed frequency of submissions, in line with a fixed calendar year? Feedback received:
2.23 Over half of all respondents agreed with our proposed frequency of submissions, in line
with a fixed calendar year.
Frequency
2.24 Most respondents agreed with our proposals to maintain the current reporting
frequency (6-monthly for full permission firms with annual revenue over £5m, 12- monthly for full permission firms with annual revenue up to and including £5m, and annual reporting frequency for limited permission firms). They agreed that the frequency of reporting, dependent on the size of a firm’s credit related revenue, was proportionate.
2.25 A couple of respondents were concerned that the frequency coupled with the new data
elements and proposed implementation date would be overly burdensome for smaller firms. They felt this could potentially drive smaller firms out of the market and stifle competition. Fixed calendar year
2.26 Less than a third of respondents disagreed with our proposal to align submissions
with a fixed calendar year. Instead, most of those who disagreed suggested we align submissions with firms’ accounting reference dates (ARDs), akin to Retail Mediation Activities returns, so that they are in sync with other regulatory reports. They argued this would avoid duplicating information gathering and reduce reporting burdens as firms could better plan and repurpose their resources, particularly where information requests overlap.

Our response:
Our proposed timelines and frequency were designed to give us directly comparable data across firms to help us draw peer comparisons and identify potential outliers. Collecting data on a calendar year will align this return with the new PSD returns, which should avoid duplication of data gathering and reporting. We also believe that those firms that undertake Retail Mediation Activities (especially mortgage intermediaries) will be required to supply far less information for this return due to the previously mentioned changes and clarifying information we will provide. This should reduce the burden on these firms, rendering alignment to other returns inconsequential. While we are conscious of the potential impact on smaller firms, we do not believe that providing this information less than once a year would give us sufficient information to monitor the sector. Moreover, without this data, we cannot establish whether firms continue to meet the Threshold Conditions. In order to reduce the impact on firms from reporting until the existing CCR002-007 forms are switched off, we will allow firms to not report against specific data fields within CCR002 and CCR007 where the subject matter is duplicated in CCR009. However, the remaining fields are still required to be completed. The specific data points which firms do not have to complete are:
CCR002

• Revenue data in column B for all relevant activities must be completed
  but data relating to fee mechanism, total customer and total transactions in rows 9 (credit broking) or 10 (debt management activities) may be left blank. CCR007
• 1A-3A where these relate to credit broking or Not-for-profit Debt
  Management activities only,
• Where a firm undertakes additional Limited Permission activities, they
  should still report information based on those other activities (eg limited permission lending or consumer hire). We also plan to further consult on the potential to amend the existing reporting schedules for some firms in scope of this return in order to align them and reduce the number of times a year a firm will have to submit data to us.

Appointed Representatives
Question 6: Will the proposal for principal firms to submit consolidated data, including the activities of Appointed Representatives, cause any difficulties or lead to any potential issues? If so, please provide details including whether the data should be split by own activities and those of Appointed Representatives. Feedback received:
2.27 A third of the respondents agreed with the proposal, stating that they are already
consolidating the data due to the impact of the AR Instrument reporting changes.
2.28 A few respondents stated that for principal firms overseeing several ARs, consolidating
data could be challenging due to the different systems and processes used by ARs.
2.29 Some principals who act as regulatory hosts highlighted that the design of the return
didn’t allow them to show where these activities were undertaken by ARs or by the principal firm which could lead to confusion and misrepresentation.
2.30 Nearly half of the respondents marked this response as ‘not applicable’.
Our response:
Although we expect this proposal will only affect approximately 6% of the population, it is important that principal firms have sufficient oversight to provide either consolidated data, split data for both the principal and their ARs, or data for only the principal itself. We expect principal firms to include a consolidated view of the activity carried out by the principal firm and their ARs (including Introducer ARs) unless specified otherwise. This applies to data elements which ask for qualitative information as well as figures. On the updated amendments to the data items, we have included questions where firms should provide separate data for both the principal and their ARs. As such, some questions will be repeated and separated out to be answered on behalf of both parties. Similarly, some questions will need to be answered only for the principal itself. This includes both contextual questions with multiple choices, such as sales channel, or numerical questions, such as total number of introductions. Firms will only be asked to provide this data if they have active ARs registered with us and is not based on any branching logic of questions.

Chapter 3
Cost-benefit analysis
3.1 In CP24/19, we presented a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) of our proposal.
3.2 We asked the following 2 questions:
Question 7: Do you have any general comments on our cost benefit analysis? Question 8: Once you have the new systems in place, what resource would you allocate to the collation and reporting of this data? Do you have an early indication of the likely scale of the costs involved?
3.3 We discuss the feedback and our response, below.
3.4 We received a range of responses from firms for both Q7 and Q8. Some firms agreed
with our CBA and supported our proposed new return. These firms also suggested that they would not face significant resource or cost implications from the proposal. Around half of firms, however, expressed scepticism about our cost estimates, with many suggesting that the costs are significantly underestimated, especially for smaller firms. However, only 2 firms gave examples of alternative cost estimates, for compliance support and external training, which we have considered. Most firms did not give us updated figures or evidence these claims.
3.5 Firms who thought our cost estimates were understated argued that, contrary to our
assumptions, some of the new return requires them to provide data that is not readily available. For example, respondents stated that firms, such as credit brokers, will need to request data from lenders. These firms thought that significant resource would be required to gather the requisite data and complete our proposed returns.
3.6 Respondents suggested that smaller firms would face the greatest burden from our
proposed return. They argued that smaller firms would likely need to invest in new data￾gathering systems, staff training, and potentially outsource compliance support to meet the requirements. They claimed that smaller firms in particular may struggle to absorb these costs without operational impacts. Some firms suggested that additional costs would be passed on to consumers.
3.7 Several firms shared concerns about the proportionality of our proposal, stating that
the benefits of our proposal are unclear or uncertain relative to the costs. One firm suggested that smaller firms with simpler operational structures may not experience the long-term benefits.
3.8 A few respondents were concerned that the volume of data being requested is
disproportionate compared to the volume of consumer credit business being undertaken. Some firms suggested that smaller firms, especially, smaller brokers, and

those specialising in specific sectors may exit the market, as they will not have the resources or be able to afford to comply with the new proposals. There was also some concern about other FCA regulatory requirements and changes that firms may face in parallel to our proposal. Some firms suggested that they would struggle to provide data within the planned timescales. Our response:
We understand and have considered firms’ concerns about the proportionality of our proposal and the potentially disproportionate impact on smaller firms. Following firm feedback, and as mentioned previously in the PS, we have changed our proposal to reduce the burden on firms. This should mean the new return is more proportionate, especially for smaller firms. Our CBA estimates were for the additional costs associated with our proposals compared to the existing returns, rather than the overall cost of completing the new return. Nonetheless, we accept that our initial estimates were understated. We assumed – following industry engagement – that the data requested was likely to be readily available to firms. Firm feedback indicates this is not universally the case. This means our initial estimates incorrectly omitted most of the costs associated with gathering data that is not readily available. We have amended our proposed return by removing the majority of questions where a large proportion of firms suggested that the data required is not readily available and would need to be gathered from other firms. This has led to a reduction of around 27% of the original proposed return. We will also now allow some firms to provide an annualised figure based on actual data in the first reporting period where data is not readily available for the entire period. These changes should make it easier for firms to complete the new return and mean that they are unlikely to incur substantial additional costs from gathering data that is not readily available. Overall, we believe these changes should mean that our original cost estimates now accurately reflect the actions firms will need to take (explained further below). We expect our changes to especially reduce the burden on small firms, including smaller brokers and those specialising in specific sectors. So, we do not consider that our proposals are likely to significantly increase firm exits. Overall, we consider our original cost estimates now broadly hold, and do not need to be updated. We believe that the reduction in the number of questions will not lessen our estimates of the one-off costs to firms, associated with familiarisation and gap analysis, and IT and change project costs. We estimated, on average, a one-off cost per small firm of £1,460 and ongoing costs are estimated to be £70 per year per small firm. These costs were the most substantial part of our initial estimated cost to firms in CP24/19 (total estimated cost was £47.6m of which £45.3m was one-off cost, and the remainder ongoing costs). This is because firms will still need to make the same changes to their IT

systems and put these changes through internal governance processes irrespective of the number of questions asked in the return. While the ongoing costs to firms of collating and reporting the data required may be reduced by removing questions, this change is unlikely to be linear, and, in the absence of further evidence, difficult to quantify. As the reduction will be small (a linear reduction – which would be an overestimate – would reduce our ongoing total cost estimate to firms of £2.3m per year by £0.6m to £1.7m) we believe it is reasonable to leave our cost estimates unchanged. Finally, we anticipate there will be a slight reduction to the benefits, as we are removing a large number of questions from our new return, and, as a result, collecting less information. In place of the removed questions, we aim (where possible) to derive data from the more granular PSD returns, and, where this is not possible, we anticipate that any gaps will be relatively small. As we used contextual examples of benefits in our CBA, it is not possible to quantify a potential reduction in the benefits. Nevertheless, we do not think that any reduction would be significant and remain confident that the benefits of the proposal will outweigh the costs. This is because the core basis for additional benefits remain unchanged i.e. it remains the case that we are updating our return to gather more up-to-date, accurate, and better-quality data. This will help to improve our decision-making as a regulator and our monitoring of the wider market to quickly identify and remedy any emerging harms. This data can be derived from the remaining questions in the new return – even if contextual - and aligns with the examples of benefits that we gave in the CBA. As discussed in our CBA, it is not reasonably practicable to quantify and/or monetise these proposed benefits in full. The positive outcomes of this intervention depend on how data from the new return is used in future supervisory and policy interventions, how accurately we identify the drivers of harm from this data, and how effectively we resolve it.

Annex 1
List of non-confidential respondents
We are obliged to include a list of the names of respondents to our consultation who have consented to the publication of their name. That list is as follows:
57 Dental Care
Acorn to Oaks Financial Services ltd
AFS Group Holdings Ltd
Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI) Association of Professional Compliance Consultants Automobile Association Insurance Services Limited Aviva AXA Insurance Bedcare Ltd BMW (UK) Limited Brian William Wroe British Gas Services Ltd British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) Capita Customer Management Limited Capital Credit Union Consumer Credit Trade Association (CCTA) Christians Against Poverty Clear Score Technology Ltd Compare The Market Ltd Compliance4u Limited Currys Group Limited Debt Managers Standards Association Ltd (DEMSA) DJ Compliance

Experian
FCA Smaller Business Practitioner Panel
Finance & Leasing Association
Ford & Company General Insurance Brokers Limited HCLTECH Howden Group HSBC UK IJK Regulatory Consulting Ltd Insurance Compliance Services Ltd (ICS) Money and Pensions Service MoneySavingExpert MONY Group Financial Limited National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB) National Franchised Dealers Association Necla Bakirci SimplyBiz Services Limited The GIConsultant.co Limited Vanquis Banking Group PLC Ziifa Home Loans & Protection

Annex 2
Abbreviations used in this paper
Abbreviation Description
AR Appointed Representative
ARD Accounting Reference Date
CBA Cost Benefit Analysis
CCR Consumer Credit Reporting
CP Consultation Paper
ESG Environmental, Social and Governance
FSMA Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 OFT Office for Fair Trading PS Policy Statement PSD Product Sales Data SUP 16 Supervision Manual

Appendix 1
Made rules (legal instrument)

FCA 2025/17
CONSUMER CREDIT (REGULATORY REPORTING) (AMENDMENT) (No 2) INSTRUMENT 2025 Powers exercised A. The Financial Conduct Authority (“the FCA”) makes this instrument in the exercise of the following powers and related provisions in the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (“the Act”):
(1) section 137A (The FCA’s general rules);
(2) section 137T (General supplementary powers); and (3) section 139A (Power of the FCA to give guidance). B. The rule-making provisions listed above are specified for the purposes of section 138G(2) (Rule-making instruments) of the Act. Commencement
C. This instrument comes into force on 7 May 2025.
Amendments to the Handbook
D. The modules of the FCA’s Handbook of rules and guidance listed in column (1) below are amended in accordance with the Annexes to this instrument listed in column (2). (1) (2) Glossary of definitions Annex A Senior Management Arrangements, Systems and Controls sourcebook (SYSC)
Annex B
Client Assets sourcebook (CASS) Annex C
Supervision manual (SUP) Annex D
Notes
E. In the Annexes to this instrument, the notes (indicated by “Note:” or “Editor’s note:”) are included for the convenience of readers but do not form part of the legislative text. Citation F. This instrument may be cited as the Consumer Credit (Regulatory Reporting) (Amendment) (No 2) Instrument 2025. By order of the Board 1 May 2025

FCA 2025/17
Annex A
Amendments to the Glossary of definitions
Insert the following new definition in the appropriate alphabetical position. The text is not underlined. relevant ancillary credit firm a firm which has permission to carry on any of the following regulated activities:
(a) credit broking;
(b) debt adjusting;
(c) debt counselling; or
(d) providing credit information services.

FCA 2025/17
Annex B
Amendments to the Senior Management Arrangements, Systems and Controls sourcebook (SYSC) In this Annex, underlining indicates new text and striking through indicates deleted text. 1 Application and purpose …
1.5 Significant SYSC firm
…
Definition of a significant SYSC firm
…
1.5.3 R …
(4) “client money” means client money that a firm receives or holds in the course of, or in connection with, all of the regulated activities that it carries on:
(a) as set out in the most recent client money and client asset report relevant questions in a CCR009 return submitted to the FCA under SUP 16.12 (Integrated Regulatory Reporting); or … (5) “Assets belonging to its clients” means the assets to which the custody rules apply:
(a) as set out in the most recent client money and client asset report relevant questions in a CCR009 return submitted to the FCA under SUP 16.12 (Integrated Regulatory Reporting); or … …

FCA 2025/17
Annex C
Amendments to the Client Assets sourcebook (CASS) In this Annex, underlining indicates new text and striking through indicates deleted text. 11 Debt management client money chapter …
11.2 Firm classification
…
Notification
11.2.4 R Once every calendar year, a CASS debt management firm must notify
the FCA, in writing the relevant questions under a CCR009 return, of the information in (1), (2) or (3), as applicable, and the information in (4), in each case no later than the day specified in (1) to (4):
(1) if it held client money in the previous calendar year, the highest total amount of client money held during the previous calendar year, notification of which must be made no later than the fifteenth business day of January within the first 40 business days of the calendar year; or (2) If it did not hold client money in the previous calendar year but at any point up to and including the fifteenth business day of January first 40 business days of the calendar year the firm projects that it will do so in the current calendar year, the highest total amount of client money that the firm projects that it will hold during the current calendar year, notification of which must be made no later than the fifteenth business day of January within the first 40 business days of the calendar year; or … …
11.3 Responsibility for CASS operational oversight
CASS small debt management firm other than a not-for-profit debt advice body
11.3.1 R (1) A CASS small debt management firm, other than a not-for-profit debt
advice body, must allocate to a director or senior manager responsibility for:
…
(c) completing and submitting a CCR005 return responses to the relevant questions under a CCR009 return to the FCA in accordance with SUP 16.12.29CR.

FCA 2025/17
…
CASS small debt management firm that is a not-for-profit debt advice body
11.3.2 R A CASS small debt management firm that is a not-for-profit debt advice body
must allocate to a director or senior manager:
…
(3) completing and submitting a CCR005 return responses to the relevant questions under a CCR009 return to the FCA in accordance with SUP 16.12.29CR. … CASS large debt management firms …
11.3.4 R A CASS large debt management firm must allocate to a director or senior
manager the function of:
…
(3) completing and submitting a CCR005 responses to the relevant questions under a CCR009 return to the FCA in accordance with SUP 16.12.29CR. …

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Annex D
Amendments to the Supervision manual (SUP)
In this Annex, underlining indicates new text and striking through indicates deleted text, unless otherwise specified. 16 Reporting requirements …
16.12 Integrated Regulatory Reporting
…
Regulated Activity Group 12
…
16.12.29
C
R The applicable data items, reporting frequencies and submission deadlines referred to in SUP 16.12.4R are set out in the table below. Reporting frequencies are calculated from a firm’s accounting reference date, unless indicated otherwise. The due dates are the last day of the periods given in the
table below following the relevant reporting frequency period.
Description of data item
Data item
(note 1)
Frequency Submission deadline
Annual revenue from credit￾related regulated activities up to and including £5 million (note 2) Annual revenue from credit￾related regulated activities over £5 million … Debt management (note 6) CCR004 Annually Half yearly 30 business days [deleted] Client Money & Assets (note 7) CCR005 Annually Half yearly 30 business days [deleted]

FCA 2025/17
…
Credit broking websites
(note 10)
[deleted]
Relevant ancillary credit firm
(note 12)
CCR009 Annually Half yearly 40 business days Note 1 When Except in relation to data item CCR009, when submitting the required data item, a firm must use the format of the data item set out in SUP 16 Annex 38A. Guidance notes for the completion of the data items is data items are set out in SUP 16 Annex 38B. When submitting data item CCR009, a firm must use the format of the data item set out in SUP 16 Annex 38CR. Guidance notes for the completion of data item CCR009 are set out in SUP 16 Annex 38DG. … Note 6 (a) Subject to (b) to (d) below, this data item applies to a debt management firm and to a not-for-profit debt advice body that at any point in the last 12 months has held £1 million or more in client money or, as the case may be, projects that it will hold £1million or more in client money in the next 12 months. (b) This data item does not apply to a firm with limited permission other than a not-for-profit debt advice body within (a). (c) This data item does not apply to a firm required to submit a Capital Adequacy data item from a RAG other than RAG 12, or under SUP 16.13, unless (d) applies (d) Where a firm is required to submit a Capital Adequacy data item from a RAG other than RAG 12 or under SUP
16.13 but the firm’s highest capital requirement derives from
its activity under RAG 12, the firm should submit both CCR004 and the Capital Adequacy data item required from the RAG other than RAG 12 or SUP 16.13. [deleted] Note 7 This data item applies to a CASS debt management firm, unless the firm is subject to a requirement imposed under
section 55L of the Act stating that it must not hold client
money, or such a requirement to the same effect. [deleted] …

FCA 2025/17
Note 9 …
(c) This data item does not apply to a not-for-profit debt advice body that at any point in the last 12 months has held £1 million or more in client money or, as the case may be, projects that it will hold £1 million or more in client money in the next 12 months. Such a not-for-profit debt advice body is instead required to submit data items CCR001, CCR002, CCR004 and CCR005 and CCR009. … Note 11 [deleted] Note 12 (a) This data item applies to a relevant ancillary credit firm. The data item CCR009 can be found in SUP 16 Annex 38CR. (b) Reporting frequencies and reporting periods for this data item are calculated on a calendar year basis and not by reference to the firm’s accounting reference date. The relevant half-years end on the last business day of June and December. (c) A relevant ancillary credit firm with annual revenue from credit-related regulated activities of £5 million or less must complete data item CCR009 by reference to the annual reporting period beginning on 1 January and ending on 31 December. (d) A relevant ancillary credit firm with annual revenue from credit-related regulated activities of more than £5 million must complete data item CCR009 twice a year. (e) The submissions that a firm in (d) must make are in respect of:
(i) the 6-month period beginning on 1 January and ending on 30 June; and (ii) the annual reporting period beginning on 1 January and ending on 31 December. (f) The first reporting period for a firm which is a relevant ancillary credit firm as at 7 May 2025 or which becomes a relevant ancillary credit firm before 1 January 2026 (regardless of its annual revenues from credit-related regulated activities) is the annual period beginning on 1 January and ending on 31 December 2025. (g) The first reporting period for a firm which becomes a relevant ancillary credit firm on or after 1 January 2026 and on a date between 1 January and 30 June with annual revenue from credit-related regulated activities of £5 million

FCA 2025/17 or more is the 6-month period beginning on 1 January and ending on 30 June. (h) The first reporting period for a firm which becomes a relevant ancillary credit firm on or after 1 January 2026 and on a date between 1 January and 30 June with annual revenue from credit-related regulated activities of £5 million or less is the annual period beginning on 1 January and ending on 31 December. (i) The first reporting period for a firm which becomes a relevant ancillary credit firm on or after 1 January 2026 and on a date between 1 July and 31 December is the annual period beginning on 1 January and ending on 31 December. …
Annex
38A
Data Items relating to Consumer Credit activities This annex consists only of one or more forms. Forms are to be found through the following address:
[Editor’s note: insert link to form SUP 16 Annex 38A]

FCA 2025/17
…
CCR004 Consumer Credit data: Debt Management Firms [deleted] A 1 Total value of relevant debts under management outstanding 2 Total prudential resources requirement 3 Total prudential resources 4 Number of debt management plans that end before the end of the term originally agreed

FCA 2025/17
CCR005 Consumer Credit data: Client Money & Assets [deleted] A 1 What was the highest balance of client money held at any one time during the reporting period? 2 What was the highest number of clients for whom money was held at any one time during the period? 3 How much client money (if any) did you hold in excess of 5 days following receipt? …

FCA 2025/17
Annex
38B
Notes for completion of Data Items relating to Consumer Credit activities … CCR004 – Consumer credit data: Debt management firms [deleted]
70. This data item is intended to reflect the underlying prudential requirements
contained in CONC 10 and allows monitoring against the requirements set out there. [deleted]
71. A debt management firm is a firm which carries on the activity of debt
counselling or debt adjusting with a view to an individual entering into a particular debt solution. This is not limited to firms which enter into debt management plans. [deleted]
72. This data item must be completed in sterling and single units. [deleted]
Guide for the completion of individual fields 1A Total value of relevant debts under management outstanding Firms should enter the total value of all the relevant debts under management that are used to calculate the firm’s current prudential resources requirement. This should be the figure calculated at the latest accounting reference date, or, if there has been a change in the value of all the relevant debts under management of more than 15%, the re-calculated figure. See CONC 10.2.5R to CONC 10.2.10G and CONC 10.2.13R to CONC 10.2.14R. 2A Total prudential resources requirement Firms should enter whichever
figure is higher out of:
(a) £5000; and
(b) the variable prudential resources requirement calculated based on the value of relevant debts under management outstanding entered in element 1A.

FCA 2025/17
See CONC 10.2.5R, CONC
10.2.8R and CONC 10.2.11G to
10.2.12G.
NB: It is not permissible to answer
‘0’ for this question, even if ‘0’ was entered against 1A, as the minimum prudential resources requirement in CONC 10 is £5,000. 3A Total prudential resources Firms should enter their total prudential resources, calculated in accordance with CONC 10. 4A Number of debt management plans that end before the end of the term originally agreed Firms should identify the number of debt management plans that ended earlier than stated in the original contract during the reporting period. CCR005 – Consumer credit data: Client money and assets [deleted]
73. The purpose of this data item is so that the FCA has an understanding of
how much client money and assets is being held by CASS debt management firms in relation to debt management activity. [deleted]
74. Firms that meet the definitions of CASS debt management firm, unless
subject to a requirement imposed under section 55L of the Act stating that it must not hold client money or such a requirement to the same effect, should complete this data item. [deleted] Guide for the completion of individual fields 1A What was the highest balance of client money held during the reporting period? A CASS debt management firm should enter the highest total amount of client money that was held in respect of debt management activity at a single point in time during the reporting period. 2A What was the highest number of clients for whom client money was held during the reporting period? A CASS debt management firm should enter the highest number of clients for whom client money was held in respect of debt management activity at a single point in time during the reporting period.

FCA 2025/17
3A How much client money (if any) did you hold in excess of five days following receipt? If a CASS debt management firm, at any point during the reporting period, held client money for an individual client, relating to a single transaction, in excess of five days of receipt of cleared funds, it should report the aggregate balance of this client money (i.e. the sum of all the amounts that were held longer than five days). A CASS debt management firm should report ‘0’ if it did not hold client money in excess of five days at any point during the reporting period. In accordance with CASS 11, a CASS debt management firm must pay any client money it receives to creditors as soon as reasonably practicable, save in the circumstances set out in in CASS
11. In the FCA’s view the payment
to creditors should normally be within five business days of the receipt of cleared funds. … After SUP 16 Annex 38B (Notes for completion of Data Items relating to Consumer Credit activities), insert the following new annexes, SUP 16 Annex 38CR and SUP 16 Annex 38DG. The text is all new and is not underlined. 16 Annex 38CR Data item relating to relevant ancillary credit firms

FCA 2025/17
The following data elements must be provided, where applicable, in relation to all relevant credit related regulated activity. When providing the data elements, firms with appointed representatives must provide consolidated data that includes the activities of both the firm itself as principal and the activities of its appointed representatives, unless otherwise stated below. Unless stated below, your response should apply to the relevant reporting period as indicated in Note 12 under SUP 16.12.29CR. In respect of the first reporting period for a firm which is a relevant ancillary credit firm as at 7 May 2025 only, if a firm does not have sufficient data to report for the entire period it must calculate an annualised figure based on actual data where possible. If the data element is a cumulative measure such as revenue/income, introductions made or commission received it must apply the formula:
A x (12÷B) where:
A = the value or figure available; and
B = the number of months to which the value or figure relates.
CCR009 - Consumer credit data: relevant ancillary credit firm
Section 1: Reporting fields for a firm with permission to carry on the regulated activity of credit broking
Section 1.1: Credit broking – permissions
Tell us about your permissions. Some questions will only apply if you have not undertaken or do not intend to undertake any relevant credit￾related regulated activity. Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 101A Our systems show that you have the credit broking permission. Which of the following activities have A - Introducing an individual to a prospective lender with a view to them entering into a credit agreement B - Introducing an individual to another person, with a view to that person entering into a consumer hire agreement as owner

FCA 2025/17 been undertaken using that permission?
C - Introducing an individual who wishes to enter into a credit agreement or consumer hire agreement to another person that carries on a credit broking activity under options (A) or (B) D - Charging a fee in relation to one of the credit broking activities described in article 36A(1)(d-f) of the Regulated Activities Order only and not options (A), (B) or (C) above E – Haven’t undertaken any activities in the past 12 months but expect to undertake activities in the next 12 months X - None of the above 102A Why do you hold your credit broking permission? A - Applied to cancel authorisation or to vary permission to remove credit broking B - Required to hold the permission as a provider of ‘home credit’ or ‘payday’ lending to comply with the Competition and Markets Authority Review of Home Credit Market Investigation Order 2007 (as amended) and Payday Lending Market Investigation Order 2015 (as amended) requirements to publish information on a price comparison website C - Hold permission at the request of a lender or owner in order to be on their panel D - Hold permission to in relation to credit agreements secured by a legal or equitable mortgage on land only and not any other credit agreement or consumer hire agreement eg, mortgage intermediaries W - Other reason 103A If you have selected ‘W - Other reason’, please specify why you have not used your credit broking permission. [Free text] 104A Do you engage in credit broking activity in respect of individuals who wish to enter into credit agreements A - Credit broking activity is solely in respect of agreements which are wholly or predominantly for business purposes B - Credit broking activity is mostly in respect of agreements which are wholly or predominantly for business purposes

FCA 2025/17 or consumer hire agreements which are wholly or predominantly for the purposes of a business carried on, or intended to be carried on, by the individual? C - Credit broking activity is sometimes in respect of agreements which are wholly or predominantly for business purposes D - Credit broking activity is never in respect of agreements which are wholly or predominantly for business purposes 105A Do you engage in credit broking activity in respect of any of the following types of financial product? A - Finance for specific goods or services other than insurance premiums B - Finance for insurance premiums C - Credit agreements secured on land D - Cash loans E - Credit cards F - Overdrafts W - Any other credit agreements For the remainder of Section 1: Credit broking, do not include any activities undertaken, or intended to be undertaken, using the credit broking permission which relate to credit agreements secured by a legal or equitable mortgage on land.
Section 1.2: Credit broking – credit agreements (apart from finance for specific goods and services other than insurance premiums)
Tell us about the credit agreements in respect of which you act as a credit broker. Please provide us with the following information:

• 106B-W – Total number of introductions made by your firm (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any)
• 107B-W – Total number of introductions made by appointed representatives of your firm
  This information is to be provided for each type of credit agreement (apart from finance for specific goods and services other than insurance premiums) reported in 105A.

FCA 2025/17
Section 1.3: Credit broking – goods and services
Tell us about the goods and services you broker finance for. This section only applies if you broker finance for goods and/or services. Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 108A Which of the following goods and services relate to your firm’s engagement in credit broking activity? A - Goods - Motor vehicles B - Goods - Mobility aids C - Goods - Home improvement D - Goods - Mobile phones E - Goods - Jewellery and watches F - Goods - Household goods G - Goods - Sports and leisure goods H - Goods - Mobile homes I - Goods - Tools J - Goods - Agriculture equipment and supplies K - Goods - Other plant machinery L - Goods - Office equipment M - Goods - Health care and medical care equipment N - Goods - Other O - Services - Health care and medical care P - Services - Education and training Q - Services - Travel R - Services - Membership and subscription fees

FCA 2025/17
S - Services - Other
109A Does your firm supply any of the following goods to individuals, with a view to the purchase being made on credit? A - Motor vehicles B - Mobility aids C - Home improvement D - Mobile phones E - Jewellery and watches F - Household goods G - Sports and leisure goods H - Mobile homes I - Tools J - Agriculture equipment and supplies K - Other plant machinery L - Office equipment M - Health care and medical care equipment W - Other X - Our firm does not supply goods to individuals 110A Does your firm supply any of the following services to individuals, with a view to the purchase being made on credit? A - Health care and medical care B - Education and training C - Travel D - Membership and subscription fees W - Other X - Our firm does not supply services to individuals

FCA 2025/17
Section 1.3.1: Credit broking – motor vehicles
This section only applies if your credit broking activity is related to motor vehicles. Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 111A Which of the following types of vehicles do you arrange finance for? A - Cars B - Mopeds, motorbikes or quad bikes C - Vans or light goods vehicles (up to 3.5t) D - Goods vehicles (3.5t to 7.5t) E - Heavy goods vehicles (over 7.5t) F - Motorhomes and campervans G - Buses H - Agricultural I - Construction W - Other 112A What is the condition of vehicles you arrange finance for? A - New B - Used Z - Unknown 113A Which types of finance are available on the vehicles you arrange finance for? A - Personal contract purchase (PCP) B - Hire-purchase (HP) C - Conditional sale D - Any other type of credit E - Consumer hire

FCA 2025/17
Section 1.3.2: Credit broking – motor vehicles on credit agreements
Tell us about the vehicles you arrange finance for. This section only appears for credit agreements relating to motor vehicles. Please provide us with the following information:

• 114A-W – Total number of introductions made by your firm (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any)
• 115A-W – Total number of introductions made by appointed representatives of your firm
  This information is to be provided for the vehicle types reported in 111A.
  Section 1.3.3: Credit broking – motor vehicles on consumer hire agreements
  Tell us about the vehicles on which you arrange consumer hire agreements. This section only applies for hire agreements relating to motor vehicles. Please provide us with the following information:
• 116A-W – Total number of introductions made by your firm (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any)
• 117A-W – Total number of introductions made by appointed representatives of your firm
  This information is to be provided for the vehicle types reported in 111A.
  Section 1.4: Credit broking – general goods and services
  This section only appears if your credit broking activity is related to goods and services (apart from motor vehicles). Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 118A What types of finance are available on the goods and services you sell? A - Hire purchase B - Conditional sale C - Any other fixed-sum credit D - Running-account credit E - Consumer hire

FCA 2025/17
Section 1.4.1: Credit broking – general goods and services on credit agreements
Tell us about the goods or services you supply on credit agreements. This section only appears for credit agreements relating to goods and services (apart from motor vehicles). Please provide us with the following information:

• 119B-S – Total number of introductions made by your firm (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any)
• 120B-S – Total number of introductions made by appointed representatives of your firm
  This information is to be provided for the goods and services reported in 108A.
  Section 1.4.2: Credit broking – general goods and services on consumer hire agreements
  Tell us about the goods or service you supply on consumer hire agreements. This section only applies for hire agreements relating to goods and services (apart from motor vehicles). Please provide us with the following information:
• 121B-S – Total number of introductions made by your firm (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any)
• 122B-S – Total number of introductions made by appointed representatives of your firm
  This information is to be provided for the goods and services reported in 108A.
  Section 1.5: Credit broking – supplementary
  Tell us about any extras or add-ons which your firm sells in support of the main goods or service. Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 123A What extras or add-ons does your firm sell in support of the main goods or service, not included as part of the credit agreement or consumer hire agreement? A - Regulated insurance product to cover goods or parts B - Non-regulated warranty or service product provided by the firm C - Non-regulated warranty or service product provided by a third party X - None of above

FCA 2025/17
124A What extras or add-ons does your firm sell in support of the main goods or service, included as part of the credit agreement and consumer hire agreements? A - Regulated insurance product to cover goods or parts B - Non-regulated warranty or service product provided by the firm C - Non-regulated warranty or service product provided by a third party X - None of above
Section 1.6: Credit broking – relationships with lenders, brokers and owners
Tell us about the lenders, brokers and owners your firm introduces to. Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 125A Who does your firm engage with in relation to your credit broking activities to individuals for the purposes of obtaining credit? A - Lenders unrelated to your firm B - Lenders within the same group C - Brokers unrelated to your firm D - Brokers within the same group E - Owners (consumer hire) unrelated to your firm F - Owners (consumer hire) within the same group G - None
Section 1.6.1: Credit broking – total introductions
Tell us about the details of the introductions made by your firm (excluding activity by appointed representatives, if you have any). Please provide us with the following information:

• 126AA-FA – Total credit broking revenue
• 126AB-FB – Total commission earned
• 126AC-FC – Total fees from individuals
• 126AD-FD – Other revenue received

FCA 2025/17

• 126AE-FE – Total commission / merchant fees paid
• 126AF-FF – Total introductions
  This information is to be provided in relation to the lenders, brokers and owners you engage with under 125A.
  Section 1.6.2: Credit broking – total introductions via appointed representatives
  Tell us about the lenders, credit brokers and owners to which appointed representatives of your firm introduce individuals on your behalf. Please provide us with the following information:
• 127AA-FA – Total credit broking revenue
• 127AB-FB – Total commission earned
• 127AC-FC – Total fees from individuals
• 127AD-FD – Other revenue received
• 127AE-FE – Total commission / merchant fees paid
• 127AF-FF – Total introductions
  This information is to be provided in relation to the lenders, brokers and owners your appointed representatives engage with under 125A.
  Section 1.6.3: Credit broking – top 5 lenders
  Tell us about the top 5 relationships with lenders by revenue. This section only applies if your firm has a relationship with one or more lenders for credit broking activities. Where there is no revenue made, please enter the top 5 lenders by commission or merchant fee paid to them. Please provide us with the following information (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any):
• 128A-132A – Name of lender
• 128B-132B – Firm reference number (if applicable)
• 128C-132C – Total introductions
• 128D-132D – Revenue
• 128E-132E – Commission / merchant fees paid
  This information is to be provided in relation to the lenders you engage with under 125A.

FCA 2025/17
Section 1.6.4: Credit broking – top 5 lenders via appointed representatives
Tell us about the top 5 relationships with lenders by revenue. This section only applies if appointed representatives of your firm have a relationship with one or more lenders for credit broking activities. Where there is no revenue made, please enter the top 5 lenders by commission or merchant fee paid to them. Please provide us with the following information (generated by activity of your appointed representatives):

• 133A-137A – Name of lender
• 133B-137B – Firm reference number (if applicable)
• 133C-137C – Total introductions
• 133D-137D – Revenue
• 133E-137E – Commission / merchant fees paid
  This information is to be provided in relation to the lenders your appointed representatives engage with under 125A.
  Section 1.6.5: Credit broking – top 5 brokers
  Tell us about the top 5 relationships with credit brokers by revenue. This section only applies if your firm (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) has a relationship with one or more credit brokers for credit broking activities. Where there is no revenue made, please enter the top 5 credit brokers by commission or merchant fee paid to them. Please provide us with the following information (excluding the activity of appointed representatives, if you have any):
• 138A-142A – Name of broker
• 138B-142B – Firm reference number (if applicable)
• 138C-142C – Total introductions
• 138D-142D – Revenue
• 138E-142E – Commission / merchant fees paid
  This information is to be provided in relation to the brokers you engage with under 125A.
  Section 1.6.6: Credit broking – top 5 brokers via appointed representatives

FCA 2025/17
Tell us about the top 5 relationships with credit brokers by revenue. This section only applies if appointed representatives of your firm have a relationship with one or more credit brokers for credit broking activities carried out on your behalf. Please provide us with the following information (generated by activity of your appointed representatives):

• 143A-147A – Name of broker
• 143B-147B – Firm reference number (if applicable)
• 143C-147C – Total introductions
• 143D-147D – Revenue
• 143E-147E – Commission / merchant fees paid
  This information is to be provided in relation to the credit brokers you engage with under 125A.
  Section 1.6.7: Credit broking – top 5 owners
  Tell us about the top 5 relationships with owners by revenue. This section only applies if your firm (excluding the activity of appointed representatives, if you have any) has a relationship with one or more owners for credit broking activities. Please provide us with the following information (excluding the activity of appointed representatives, if you have any):
• 148A-152A – Name of owner
• 148B-152B – Firm reference number (if applicable)
• 148C-152C – Total introductions
• 148D-152D – Revenue
• 148E-152E – Commission / merchant fees paid
  This information is to be provided in relation to the owners you engage with under 125A.
  Section 1.6.8: Credit broking – top 5 owners via appointed representatives
  Tell us about the top 5 relationships with owners by revenue. This section only applies if appointed representatives of your firm have a relationship with one or more owners for credit broking activities. Please provide us with the following information (in respect of activity generated by your appointed representatives):
• 153A-157A – Name of owner

FCA 2025/17

• 153B-157B – Firm reference number (if applicable)
• 153C-157C – Total introductions
• 153D-157D – Revenue
• 153E-157E – Commission / merchant fees paid
  This information is to be provided in relation to the owners you engage with under 125A.
  Section 1.7: Credit broking – declines
  Tell us about declines following an introduction.
  Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 158A Does your firm introduce individuals that a lender or owner has declined for credit to another credit broker, lender or hirer outside of your standard panel? Yes/No
  Section 1.8: Credit broking – firm remuneration
  Tell us about how your firm is remunerated.
  Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 159A How is your firm remunerated for its credit broking activities? A - Flat fee for click through B - Flat fee for introduction C - Flat fee for successful credit agreement entered D - Percentage of transaction value E - Fee received from the individual

FCA 2025/17
W - Other
X - No remuneration
Z - Not applicable
Section 1.8.1: Credit broking – revenue per channel
Tell us about the breakdown of revenue per channel. This section only applies if your firm charges a fee for its credit broking activities. Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 160A-W Please provide your firm’s revenue (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) for each channel. A - Flat fee for click through [Enter value] B - Flat fee for introduction [Enter value] C - Flat fee for successful credit agreement entered [Enter value] D - Percentage of transaction value [Enter value] E - Fee received from the individual [Enter value] W - Other [Enter value] 161A-W Please provide your firm’s revenue (generated through activity of your appointed representatives) for each channel. A - Flat fee for click through [Enter value] B - Flat fee for introduction [Enter value] C - Flat fee for successful credit agreement entered [Enter value] D - Percentage of transaction value [Enter value] E - Fee received from the individual [Enter value] W - Other [Enter value] 162A Does your firm proactively notify individuals that you A - Always B - Sometimes

FCA 2025/17 receive commission from the lender or owner?
C - No
D - Not applicable
163A Does your firm proactively tell individuals the value (or percentage) of the commission you receive? A - Always B - Sometimes C - No D - Not applicable 164A When does your firm charge the individual fees for credit broking finance? A - On initial contact with the individual B - Following introduction to a lender C - Following introduction to another credit broker D - Once the customer has been presented with the credit broker’s terms and conditions E - Following provision of advice/recommendation to the customer F - Following entry into a credit agreement W - Other
Section 1.9: Credit broking – sales channels
Tell us about your sales channels.
Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 165A Which of the following channels have individuals used to purchase your products or services on credit? A - Online, including website and/or app B - Email C - Telephone D - At your own physical premises, such as a store or dealership E - In an individual’s home or dwelling

FCA 2025/17
F - Other non-trade premises
G - Lead generation activities
Section 1.9.1: Credit broking – comparison tool
Tell us about your comparison tool
166A Does your firm offer personalised digital credit comparison tools to individuals? Yes/No

Section 1.9.2: Credit broking – inside the individual’s home
167A Do you demonstrate the goods or service inside the individual’s home? Yes/No

168A Do you provide a quote for goods/services while inside the individual’s home? Yes/No

169A Do sales take place inside the individual’s home?
Yes/No

Section 1.10: Credit broking – staff remuneration
Tell us about your staff remuneration. Certain questions will only apply if staff earn commission. Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 170A Are any of your staff involved with the selling of Yes/No

FCA 2025/17 regulated financial products?
171A How are your sales staff remunerated in relation to your regulated activities? A - Regular salary B - Salary plus commission C - Commission only 172A-B What is the average percentage split between your sales staff salaries versus commission? Salary [%] Commission [%] 173A How many FTE sales staff do you employ that can receive commission/direct remuneration in relation to your regulated activities? [Enter value] 174A What is your firm’s sales staff commission model? A - Variable commission based on value of product B - Variable commission based on number of sales C - Fixed commission based on value of product D - Fixed commission based on number of sales E - Flat fee W - Other 175A Do your sales staff earn commission on the sale of goods or services? Yes/No

FCA 2025/17
176A Do your sales staff earn commission on finance agreements?
Yes/No
Section 2: Reporting fields for a firm with permission to carry on the regulated activities of debt adjusting and/or debt counselling
Section 2.1: Debt adjusting and/or debt counselling – permissions
Tell us about your permissions. Certain questions will only apply if you have not undertaken or do not intend to undertake any relevant credit￾related regulated activities. Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 201A Our systems show that you have the debt adjusting and/or debt counselling permission(s). Which of the following activities have you undertaken in relation to debts due under a credit agreement or a consumer hire agreement? A - Negotiating with the lender or owner, on behalf of the borrower or hirer, terms for the discharge of a debt B - Taking over, in return for payments by the borrower or hirer, the borrower or hirer’s obligation to discharge a debt C - Any similar activity to (a) or (b) above concerned with the liquidation of debt D - Giving advice to a borrower or hirer about the liquidation of a debt due E - For activities (a) to (d) – hold the permissions solely for the purpose of full or partial settlement of credit agreements in respect of motor vehicles or other goods – eg, part exchange of vehicle F - For activities (a) to (d) – hold the permissions solely for the purpose of providing debt counselling in connection with investment advice, mortgage advice, or the whole or partial settlement of credit agreements to finance insurance premiums G – Haven’t undertaken any activities in the past 12 months but expect to undertake activities in the next 12 months X - None of the above

FCA 2025/17
202A Why have do you hold debt adjusting and/or debt counselling permission? A - Applied to cancel authorisation or to vary permission to remove debt adjusting and/or debt counselling W - Other reason 203A If you have selected ‘'W - Other reason'’, then please specify why have you not used your permission? [Free text] For the remainder of Section 2: Debt adjusting and/or debt counselling, do not include any activities undertaken, or intended to be undertaken, using the debt adjusting and/or debt counselling permission which are in connection with investment advice, mortgage advice, or the whole or partial settlement of credit agreements to finance insurance premiums.
Section 2.2: Debt adjusting and/or debt counselling – business model
Tell us about your business model.
Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 204A Are you a firm that offers money/debt advice and/or provides debt solutions? A - Money/debt advice only B - Money/debt advice and debt solutions, in which the debt solution is provided by your firm C - Money/debt advice and debt solutions, in which the debt solution is provided by another firm D - Debt advice and debt solutions, in which the debt solution is provided by your firm or by another firm (ie, a combination of (b) and (c) X - None of the above
Section 2.3: Debt adjusting and/or debt counselling – fees and revenues
Tell us about your fees and revenues. Certain questions will only apply if there is a fee charged to individuals.

FCA 2025/17
Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 205A What are the different types of money/debt advice that your firm offers? A - Advice on expenditure (eg, money management/budgeting) B - Advice on income (eg, welfare benefits) C - Unregulated debts (eg, council tax, utilities) D - Regulated debts (eg, personal loans, mortgages) E - Advice on debt solution W - Other 206A Are individuals charged a fee for money/debt advice that your firm offers? Yes/No 207A Do you charge a standalone fee for money/debt advice? Yes/No 208A Do you charge a subscription fee for money/debt advice? Yes/No 209A-W Total revenue of fees and commission per money/debt advice type for your firm (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) A - Advice on expenditure (eg, money management/budgeting) [Enter value] B - Advice on income (eg, welfare benefits) [Enter value] C - Unregulated debts (eg, council tax, utilities) [Enter value] D - Regulated debts (eg, personal loans, mortgages) [Enter value] E - Advice on debt solution [Enter value] W - Other [Enter value] 210A-W Total revenue of fees and commission per money/debt A - Advice on expenditure (eg, money management/budgeting) [Enter value]

FCA 2025/17 advice type generated by appointed representatives of your firm B - Advice on income (eg, welfare benefits) [Enter value] C - Unregulated debts (eg, council tax, utilities) [Enter value] D - Regulated debts (eg, personal loans, mortgages) [Enter value] E - Advice on debt solution [Enter value] W - Other [Enter value]
Section 2.4: Debt adjusting and/or debt counselling – debt advice/solutions
Tell us about the debt solutions you provide.
Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 211A Total number of your firm’s customers (including new and existing) (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) [Enter value] 212A Total number of customers (including new and existing) generated by activity of your appointed representatives [Enter value] 213A Total number of your firm’s customers (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) who received money/debt advice and did not take up a debt solution [Enter value]

FCA 2025/17
214A Total number of your firm’s customers (generated by activity of your appointed representatives) who received money/debt advice and did not take up a debt solution [Enter value] 215A Total number of your firm’s customers (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) who received money/debt advice and took up a debt solution [Enter value] 216A Total number of your firm’s customers (generated by activity of your appointed representatives) who received money/debt advice and took up a debt solution [Enter value] 217A Total number of your firm’s customers (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) who received money/debt advice and were not offered a debt solution [Enter value]

FCA 2025/17
218A Total number of your firm’s customers (generated by activity of your appointed representatives) who received money/debt advice and were not offered a debt solution [Enter value] 219A Total number of your firm’s customers (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) who received money/debt advice and were referred to a debt solution that was offered by another firm [Enter value] 220A Total number of your firm’s customers (generated by activity of your appointed representatives) who received money/debt advice and were referred to a debt solution that was offered by another firm [Enter value]
Section 2.4.1: Debt solutions offered and administered by your firm
Reference Data element Code (where applicable)

FCA 2025/17
221A What are the different types of debt solutions that your firm offers, in which the debt solution is administered by your firm? A - Debt management plans B - Individual voluntary arrangements (IVAs) C - Debt consolidation loan D - Token payment plans E - Equity release F - Budgeting arrangements G - Debt relief order H - Other I - Scotland only – Debt arrangement scheme J - Scotland only – Minimal assets process (MAP) K - Scotland only – Protected trust deed L - Scotland only – Sequestration M - Scotland only – Other Please provide us with the following information:

• 222A-M – Total revenue for your firm (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) of commission per debt
  solution
• 223A-M – Total up-front fees for your firm (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) per debt solution
• 224A-M – Total ongoing fees for your firm (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) per debt solution
• 225A-M – Total number of debt solutions (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) per solution type
  This information is to be provided for the debt solutions reported in 221A.
  Section 2.4.2: Debt solutions offered and administered by your firm via appointed representative
  Please provide us with the following information:

FCA 2025/17

• 226A-M – Total revenue for your firm (generated by activity of your appointed representatives) of commission per debt solution
• 227A-M – Total up-front fees for your firm (generated by activity of your appointed representatives) per debt solution
• 228A-M – Total ongoing fees for your firm (generated by activity of your appointed representatives) per debt solution
• 229A-M – Total number of debt solutions (generated by activity of your appointed representatives) per debt solution type
  This information is to be provided for the debt solution reported in 221A.
  Section 2.4.3: Debt solutions offered by your firm but administered by another firm
  Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 230A What are the different types of debt solutions that your firm offers, in which the debt solution is administered by another firm? A - Debt management plans B - Individual voluntary arrangements (IVAs) C – Debt consolidation loan D - Token payment plans E - Equity release F - Budgeting arrangements G - Debt relief order H - Other I - Scotland only – Debt arrangement scheme J - Scotland only – Minimal assets process (MAP) K - Scotland only – Protected trust deed L - Scotland only – Sequestration M - Scotland only – Other Please provide us with the following information:

FCA 2025/17

• 231A-M – Total revenue for your firm (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) of fees or commission
  per debt solution
• 232A-M – Total number of debt solutions (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) per solution type
  This information is to be provided for the debt solution reported in 230A.
  Section 2.4.4: Debt solutions offered by your firm but administered by another firm via appointed representative
  Please provide us with the following information:
• 233A-M – Total revenue (generated by activity of your appointed representatives) of fees or commission per debt solution
• 234A-M – Total number of debt solutions (generated by activity of your appointed representatives) per solution type
  This information is to be provided for the debt solutions reported in 230A.
  Section 2.4.5: Debt management plans
  Tell us about your debt management plans
  Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 235A Total number of debt management plans (excluding plans entered into through activity of your firm’s appointed representatives, if you have any) broken within 6 months of being entered into [Enter value] 236A Total number of debt management plans (excluding plans entered into through activity of your firm’s appointed [Enter value]

FCA 2025/17 representatives, if you have any) broken between 6 and 12 months of being entered into 237A Total number of debt management plans (excluding plans entered into through activity of your firm’s appointed representatives, if you have any) being administered at the end of the reporting period [Enter value]
Section 2.4.6: Debt management plans via appointed representatives
Tell us about your debt management plans
Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 238A Total number of debt management plans (generated by activity of your appointed representatives) broken within 6 months of being entered into [Enter value] 239A Total number of debt management plans (generated by activity of your appointed [Enter value]

FCA 2025/17 representatives) broken between 6 to 12 months of being entered into 240A Total number of debt management plans (generated by activity of your appointed representatives) being administered at the end of the reporting period [Enter value]
Section 2.5: Debt adjusting and/or debt counselling – charity and not-for-profit-body
Tell us if you are a charity or not-for-profit body.
Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 241A Are you a charity or not-for￾profit body? Yes/No
Section 2.6: Debt adjusting and/or debt counselling – funding source
Tell us about your funding source.
Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 242A Where do you receive funding from? A - Government department B - Money and Pensions Service (directly or as part of a supply chain) C - Government sponsored body other than Money and Pensions Service D - Private companies (including donations) E - Fair-share contributions

FCA 2025/17
F - General public donations
G - Other charities and/or not-for-profit bodies H - Internal revenue generation – eg, merchandise sales, referral fee I - Network – funding received as part of a debt advice network W - Other 243A-W What is the amount of funding received per source? A - Government department [Enter value] B - Money and Pensions Service (directly or as part of a supply chain) [Enter value] C - Government sponsored body other than Money and Pensions Service [Enter value] D - Private companies (including donations) [Enter value] E - Fair share contributions [Enter value] F - General public donations [Enter value] G - Other charities and/or not-for-profit bodies [Enter value] H - Internal revenue generation, eg, merchandise sales, referral fee [Enter value] I - Network – funding received as part of a debt advice network [Enter value] W - Other [Enter value]
Section 2.7: Debt adjusting and/or debt counselling – network
Tell us about your network.
Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 244A Are you part of a network? A - Citizens Advice B - Community Money Advice C - Advice UK

FCA 2025/17
D - Law centre
W - Other
X - Not part of any network
Section 2.8: Debt adjusting and/or debt counselling – engagement with individuals
Tell us about how you engage with individuals.
Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 245A How do you engage with individuals? A - Website B - Live/web chat C - Chatbot D - Email E - Online / digital advice tool F - Instant messaging (eg, WhatsApp) G - Video conferencing or chat H - Telephone I - SMS J - Your own physical premises K - Individual’s home or dwelling L - Other non-trade premises
Section 2.8.1 Debt adjusting and/or debt counselling – contact centre
Tell us about your contact centre. Certain questions will only apply if your firm has a contact centre. Reference Data element Code (where applicable)

FCA 2025/17
246A Do you have a contact centre?
A - Yes, and we collect data / Management Information (“MI”) B - Yes, but we do not collect data / MI C - No 247A How many inbound calls are received? [Enter value] 248A How many inbound calls are dropped? [Enter value] 249A How many inbound calls are answered? [Enter value] 250A What is the total wait time for inbound calls (seconds)? [Enter value] 251A What is the average call waiting time (seconds)? [Enter value]
Section 2.8.2: Debt adjusting and/or debt counselling – web chat
Tell us about your web chat demand. Certain questions will only apply if your firm has web chat as a method of engagement. Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 252A Number of web chat enquiries [Enter value] 253A Number of web chat enquires that have been resolved [Enter value]

FCA 2025/17
254A Number of webchat enquiries that have been abandoned [Enter value]
Section 2.8.3: Debt adjusting and/or debt counselling – chatbot
Tell us about your chatbot demand. Certain questions will only apply if your firm has a chat bot as a method of engagement. Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 255A Number of chatbot enquiries that went on to involve a human agent [Enter value] 256A Number of chatbot enquiries that led to a resolution without speaking to a human agent [Enter value] 257A Number of chatbot enquiries that were abandoned [Enter value]
Section 2.9: Debt adjusting and/or debt counselling – referrals
Tell us about your referrals.
Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 258A How are individuals referred to your firm? A - Government body B - Local council C - Credit card provider D - Utility provider

FCA 2025/17
E - Referral from an appointed representative of the reporting firm F - Internal referral from another firm in same group structure G - Other regulated firms H - Self-referral, eg, in which individuals refer themselves to your firm W - Other Z - Unknown 259A-Z Total referrals to your firm per referral source type A - Government body [Enter value] B - Local council [Enter value] C - Credit card provider [Enter value] D - Utility provider [Enter value] E - Referral from an appointed representative of the reporting firm [Enter value] F - Internal referral from another firm in same group structure [Enter value] G - Other regulated firms [Enter value] H - Self-referral, eg, in which individuals refer themselves to your firm [Enter value] W - Other [Enter value] Z - Unknown [Enter value] 260A How are individuals referred to appointed representatives of your firm? A - Government body B - Local council C - Credit card provider D - Utility provider F - Internal referral from another firm in same group structure G - Other regulated firms

FCA 2025/17
H - Self-referral, eg, in which individuals refer themselves to your firm W - Other Z - Unknown 261A-Z Total referrals to appointed representatives of your firm per referral source type A - Government body [Enter value] B - Local council [Enter value] C - Credit card provider [Enter value] D - Utility provider [Enter value] F - Internal referral from another firm in same group structure [Enter value] G - Other regulated firms [Enter value] H - Self-referral, eg, in which individuals refer themselves to your firm [Enter value] W - Other [Enter value] Z - Unknown [Enter value]
Section 2.10: Debt adjusting and/or debt counselling – staff
Tell us about your staff. Certain questions will only apply if your staff earn a commission. Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 262A Do you have customer-facing advisors? Yes/No 263A What is the employment status of the customer-facing advisors in your firm? A - Full time employed B - Part time employed C - Volunteer W - Other

FCA 2025/17
264A How many full-time equivalent (FTE) customer￾facing advisors do you employ? [Enter value] 265A How are your customer￾facing advisors remunerated? A - Regular salary B - Salary plus commission C - Commission only 266A-B What is the average percentage split between your customer-facing advisors’ salaries and commission? Salary [%] Commission [%] 267A Do your customer-facing advisors earn commission when an individual enters a debt solution? Yes/No 268A How many customer-facing advisors volunteer with your firm? [Enter value]
Section 2.11: Debt adjusting and/or debt counselling – settlements
Tell us about your settlements.
Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 269A Total number of settlements made by your firm [Enter value]

FCA 2025/17
(excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) involving a
part-exchange of a vehicle or
goods on finance
270A Total value of all settlements made by your firm (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) involving a
part-exchange of a vehicle or
goods on finance
[Enter value]
Section 2.13.1: Debt adjusting and/or debt counselling – settlements via appointed representatives
Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 271A Total number of settlements made by appointed representatives of your firm involving a part-exchange of a vehicle or goods on finance [Enter value] 272A Total value of all settlements made by appointed representatives of your firm involving a part-exchange of a vehicle or goods on finance [Enter value]
Section 2.12: Debt adjusting and/or debt counselling – prudential
Tell us about your prudential information.

FCA 2025/17
Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 273A Total value of relevant debts under management that are outstanding [Enter value] 274A Total prudential resources requirement [Enter value] 275A Total prudential resources [Enter value]
Section 2.13: Debt adjusting and/or debt counselling – client money
Tell us about your firm’s regulated activity in relation to client money. Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 276A Select the option which describes your firm’s regulated activity in relation to client money A - The reporting firm’s activity in relation to client money is for debt management activity only B - The reporting firm’s activity in relation to client money includes, but is not limited to, debt management activity C - The reporting firm’s activity in relation to client money does not include debt management activity D - The reporting firm does not carry out any regulated activity in relation to client money E - The reporting firm is unable to determine whether it carries out any regulated activity in relation to client money 277A What was the balance of client money held as at the reporting period end? [Enter value]

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278A What was the highest total amount of client money held during the reporting period? [Enter value] 279A If the firm did not hold client money during the reporting period, please project what the firm will hold for the next calendar year [Enter value] 280A What is your ‘CASS debt management firm type’ classification? A - CASS large debt management firm B - CASS small debt management firm 281A What was the highest number of clients for whom client money was held at any one time during the reporting period? [Enter value] 282A-D What was the balance of unallocated client money held as at the reporting period end which has remained unallocated for a period of 6 business days or more? A - 6-29 days [Enter value] B - 30-59 days [Enter value] C - 60-90 days [Enter value] D - 90+ days [Enter value]
Section 3: Reporting fields for a firm with permission to carry on the regulated activity of providing credit information services
Section 3.1: Providing credit information services – permissions

FCA 2025/17
Tell us about your permissions.
Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 301A Our systems show that you have permission for providing credit information services. Which of the following activities have you undertaken? A - Checking whether a credit information agency holds information on behalf of an individual B - Considering the content of the information about an individual from a credit information agency C - Taking steps leading to the modification of information about an individual that a credit information agency holds D - Taking steps to stop a credit information agency holding information about an individual or passing such information onto others E - Giving advice to an individual about any of the above X - None of the above 302A Why do you hold providing credit information services permission? A - Applied to cancel authorisation or to vary permission to remove providing credit information services B - Hold the permission solely for the purpose of providing credit information that my own firm holds on the individual C - Hold the permission to operate an electronic system in relation to lending under Article 36H of the Regulated Activities Order (RAO) D - Haven’t undertaken any activities in the past 12 months but expect to undertake activities in the next 12 months W - Other reason 303A If you have selected ‘W – Other reason’, please specify why you have not used your permission [Free text]

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304A In the past 12 months, where have you got credit information from? A - Equifax B - Experian C - TransUnion D - Other credit reference agency (CRA) not listed above E - Lenders F - Other credit information agency G - Open Banking data
Section 3.2: Providing credit information services – fee model
Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 305A Do you charge a fee for getting credit information on behalf of an individual? A - Yes, there is a standalone fee for getting the information B - Yes, there is a subscription fee that includes this service C - No, the service is offered free of charge
Section 3.2.1: Providing credit information services – standalone fees
Tell us about the standalone fees you charge for providing credit information services on to an individual. Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 306A Fee charged per individual (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) [Enter value] 307A Total number of individuals charged a fee (excluding [Enter value]

FCA 2025/17 activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) 308A Total revenue from fees (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) [Enter value] 309A Fee charged per individual (generated by activity of your appointed representatives) [Enter value] 310A Total number of individuals charged a fee (generated by activity of your appointed representatives) [Enter value] 311A Total revenue from fees (generated by activity of your appointed representatives) [Enter value]
Section 3.2.2: Providing credit information services – subscription fees
Tell us about the subscription fees you charge for providing credit information services to an individual. Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 312A What subscription terms do you (excluding activity of your appointed A - Weekly B - Monthly

FCA 2025/17 representatives, if you have any) offer?
C - Annually
W - Other
313A-W What are the subscription fees for each of the subscription terms (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any)? A - Weekly [Enter value] B - Monthly [Enter value] C - Annually [Enter value] W - Other [Enter value] 314A What subscription terms do you (generated by activity of your appointed representatives) offer? A - Weekly B - Monthly C - Annually W - Other 315A-W What are the subscription fees for each of the subscription terms (generated by activity of your appointed representatives)? A - Weekly [Enter value] B - Monthly [Enter value] C - Annually [Enter value] W - Other [Enter value]
Section 3.3: Providing credit information services – subscriptions
Tell us about your customers and their interaction with your subscription models. Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 316A How many individuals signed up to a subscription (excluding activity of your [Enter value]

FCA 2025/17 appointed representatives, if you have any)?
317A How many individuals have cancelled a subscription (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any)? [Enter value] 318A What is the total revenue made from subscriptions (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any)? [Enter value] 319A What is the average duration of a subscription before it is cancelled (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any)? [Enter value] 320A How many individuals signed up to a subscription (generated by activity of your appointed representatives)? [Enter value] 321A How many individuals have cancelled a subscription (generated by activity of [Enter value]

FCA 2025/17 your appointed representatives)?
322A What is the total revenue made from subscriptions (generated by activity of your appointed representatives)? [Enter value] 323A What is the average duration of a subscription before it is cancelled (generated by activity of your appointed representatives)? [Enter value]
Section 3.3.1: Providing credit information services – subscription cancellations
Tell us about your subscription cancellations.
Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 324A Are individuals able to cancel their subscription term early? Yes/No 325A Do you charge a cancellation fee? Yes/No 326A How much is the cancellation fee? [Enter value]
Section 3.4: Providing credit information services – business model
Tell us about your business model.

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Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 327A Do you collect the information in order to give wider financial advice (eg, as part of your role as a mortgage or financial adviser)? Yes/No 328A Do you collect the information in order to undertake regulated debt advice (eg, as part of offering debt counselling and/or debt adjusting services)? Yes/No
Section 3.5: Providing credit information services – credit score
Please provide us with information in relation to your services and credit scores. Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 329A Do you collect the information to give general advice on how an individual should improve their credit score (eg, sign up to the electoral roll)? Yes/No 330A Do you collect the information to tailor the advice on how an individual Yes/No

FCA 2025/17 should improve their credit score?
331A In your marketing, do you advertise that you can improve an individual’s credit score? Yes/No 332A What is the total number of individuals you track credit scores for (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any)? [Enter value] 333A What is the total number of individuals you track credit scores for (generated by activity of your appointed representatives)? [Enter value] 334A Of the individuals you track credit scores for, how many individuals have had an improved score after using your services (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any)? [Enter value] 335A Of the individuals you track credit scores for, how many have had an improved score [Enter value]

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(generated by activity of your appointed representatives)?
Section 3.6: Providing credit information services – tailoring advice
Tell us about how you tailor your advice.
Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 336A Do you tailor the advice per individual? Yes/No 337A Do you tailor the advice based on an individual’s credit score? Yes/No 338A Do you utilise the credit information to provide tailored introductions to lenders (eg, to offer price comparison services or other credit broking activities)? Yes/No 339A Do you tailor the list of lenders/credit brokers based on credit score? Yes/No 340A Do you rank credit facilities in order of lenders that provide the highest value commissions? Yes/No

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341A What is the total number of individuals who have gone on to take out credit based on a referral via your firm (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any)? [Enter value] 342A What is the total number of individuals who have gone on to take out credit based on a referral via your firm (generated by activity of your appointed representatives)? [Enter value]
Section 4: Reporting fields for a relevant ancillary credit firm
Section 4.1: Relevant ancillary credit firm – marketing
Tell us about your firm’s marketing.
Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 401A Which of the following channels does your firm use for marketing? A - Online B - Email C - Telephone D - Social media E - Door-to-door

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F - Traditional media (TV, radio, print)
G - Outdoor advertising
X - None of the above
Section 4.2: Relevant ancillary credit firm – revenues
Tell us about your firm’s revenues.
402A-C Total revenue from your firm’s credit-related regulated activities (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) A - Credit broking [Enter value] B - Debt adjusting and debt counselling [Enter value] C - Providing credit information services [Enter value] 403A-C Total revenue from your firm’s credit-related regulated activities (generated by activity of your appointed representatives) A - Credit broking [Enter value] B - Debt adjusting and debt counselling [Enter value] C - Providing credit information services [Enter value]
Section 4.3: Relevant ancillary credit firm – miscellaneous
Tell us about the following.
Reference Data element Code (where applicable) 404A Are you a member of a trade body or association that has a code of conduct that you are signed up to? Yes/No

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16 Annex
38DG
Notes for completion of data item relating to relevant ancillary credit firms

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Introduction

1. These notes relate to the CCR009 return in SUP 16 Annex 38CR (Data item relating to relevant ancillary credit firms).
2. They aim to assist relevant ancillary credit firms in completing and submitting the data item relevant to credit broking, debt adjusting,
   debt counselling and providing credit information services.
3. The purpose of the data item is to provide a framework for the collection of information by the FCA as a basis for its supervisory and
   other activities. It also has the purposes set out in SUP 16.12.2G.
4. The data should be accurate and not give a misleading impression of the firm. A data item is likely to give a misleading impression if
   a firm omits a material item, includes an immaterial item or presents items in a manner which is misleading. Scope
5. Subject to SUP 16.12.29BR, relevant ancillary credit firms are required to complete the data item applicable to the activities they
   undertake as set out in SUP 16.12.29CR.
   Defined terms
6. Where terms are italicised, they have the meaning shown in the Glossary of definitions in the FCA Handbook. Where we use an
   alternative word or phrase, we expect firms to apply an ordinary meaning to that word or phrase. Currency
7. Unless otherwise stated, firms should report in sterling.
8. Where annual audited accounts are reported in a currency other than sterling, the values should be converted to sterling using an
   appropriate rate of exchange at the reporting date or, where appropriate, the rate of exchange fixed under the terms of any relevant currency hedging transaction.
9. Where you are reporting any monetary values, calculations or percentages, unless otherwise stated, figures should be reported to 2
   decimal places.

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10. Where you report any non-monetary values, unless otherwise stated, figures should be reported as a whole number.
General reporting guidelines
11. The data elements in SUP 16 Annex 38CR (Data item relating to relevant ancillary credit firms) should reflect the standard accounting
practices followed in the preparation of a firm’s annual report and accounts, unless otherwise stated.
12. Unless otherwise stated, your response should apply to the relevant reporting period as indicated in Note 12 under SUP 16.12.29CR.
13. All figures should be reported in single units.
CCR009 – Data item relating to relevant ancillary credit firms
14. This data item enables the FCA to better capture and understand how firms operate in the consumer credit markets.
15. Not all of the following questions will appear when a firm completes this return. Certain questions will only appear where applicable and
based on a firm’s responses.
16. Unless otherwise stated, the responses made by a principal firm must include a consolidated view of the activity carried on by the
principal firm and their appointed representatives, including introducer appointed representatives. This applies to data elements which ask for qualitative information as well as figures.
17. In relation to an appointed representative with more than one principal, a principal firm must only report information about the
appointed representative’s activity for which the principal firm is responsible.

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Guide for the completion of individual fields
Section 1: Reporting fields for a firm with permission to carry on the regulated activity of credit broking
Section 1.1: Credit broking – permissions
101A Our systems show that you have the credit broking permission. Which of the following activities have been undertaken using that permission? Select all that apply. See PERG 2.7.7EG for details of the activities that fall within credit broking. Examples of credit broking activities generally include, but are not limited to, the following (whether or not the credit broking firm earns a fee):
A - A price comparison website that introduces customers to third-party lenders to take out a loan. A - A supplier of goods or services, such as a high street retailer or a dentist that introduces the customer to a third-party lender to pay for the goods or service. B - A motor dealer that introduces customers to a finance provider to facilitate the hire of a vehicle under a consumer hire agreement. B - A supplier of machinery that introduces the customer to a hire/lease company so they can hire/lease the equipment from that company under a consumer hire agreement. C - A motor dealer (or other type of supplier of goods or services) that introduces customers to a third-party company who then introduces that customer to a lender or a hire/leasing provider. C - An insurance intermediary who introduces a customer to an insurer who then introduces that customer to another third party company to pay their insurance premiums via a credit agreement. If the activities undertaken using the credit broking permission relate only to credit agreements secured by a legal or equitable mortgage on land and not any other credit agreement or consumer hire agreement, select ‘X - None of the above’. You will then only need to complete 102A; and not the remainder of Section 1: Credit broking of this return.

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102A Why do you hold your credit broking permission?
Select one option only.
103A If you have selected ‘W -
Other reason’, please specify why you have not used your credit broking permission N/A 104A Do you engage in credit broking activity in respect of individuals who wish to enter into credit agreements or consumer hire agreements which are wholly or predominantly for the purposes of a business carried on, or intended to be carried on, by the individual? Select one option only. Please answer in respect of credit broking activity undertaken in the past 12 months (if applicable). If not applicable, then please answer in respect of credit broking activity your firm intends to undertake within the next 12 months. 105A Do you engage in credit broking activity in respect of any of the following types of financial product? The selections made should relate to agreement types for which the reporting firm’s credit broking activities constitute regulated activity. Please answer in respect of credit broking activity undertaken in the past 12 months (if applicable). If not applicable, then please answer in respect of credit broking activity your firm intends to undertake within the next 12 months. Select all that apply. A - Finance for specific goods or services other than insurance premiums This includes fixed-sum credit and running-account credit, the use of which is restricted to the financing of goods or services other than insurance premiums. It also includes consumer hire agreements. It does not include credit agreements which are secured by a legal or equitable mortgage on land.

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B - Finance for insurance premiums
This includes fixed-sum credit and running-account credit, the use of which is restricted to the financing of insurance premiums. C - Credit agreements secured on land This includes any credit agreements secured by a legal or equitable mortgage on land. D - Cash loans This includes any fixed-sum credit agreements which are not restricted to the financing of goods or services, and are not secured on land. E - Credit cards F - Overdrafts W - Any other credit agreements This includes credit agreements which are not one of any of the above agreement types. For the remainder of Section 1: Credit broking, do not include any activities undertaken, or intended to be undertaken, using the credit broking permission which relate to credit agreements secured by a legal or equitable mortgage on land.
Section 1.2: Credit broking – credit agreements (apart from finance for goods and services other than insurance premiums)
106B-W Total number of introductions made by your firm (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) Total number of introductions of individuals made to prospective lenders, regardless of outcome. For firms that undertake lead generator activity, this includes the number of customers whose contact details were passed onto a lender or credit broker. 107B-W Total number of introductions made by appointed representatives of your firm

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Section 1.3: Credit broking – goods and services
108A Which of the following goods and services relate to your firm’s engagement in credit broking activity? Select all that apply Please answer in respect of credit broking activity undertaken in the past 12 months (if applicable). If not applicable, then please answer in respect of credit broking activity your firm intends to undertake within the next 12 months. 109A Does your firm supply any of the following goods to individuals, with a view to the purchase being made on credit? Select all that apply. Select the good(s) that your firm provides, in respect of which you may broker credit for. If your firm does not supply goods, and acts purely as a broker in this regard, select ‘X - Our firm does not supply goods to individuals’. 110A Does your firm supply any of the following services to individuals, with a view to the purchase being made on credit? Select all that apply. Select the service(s) that your firm provides, in which you may broker credit for. If your firm does not supply services, and acts purely as a broker in this regard, select ‘X - Our firm does not supply services to individuals’.
Section 1.3.1: Credit broking – motor vehicles
111A Which of the following types of vehicles do you arrange finance for? Select all that apply. 112A What is the condition of vehicles you arrange finance for? Select all that apply.

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113A Which types of finance are available on the vehicles you arrange finance for? Select all that apply. A - Personal contract purchase (PCP) A hire-purchase agreement which includes a guaranteed minimum future value of the motor vehicle which is set out as an optional additional repayment at the end of the agreement, with the option for the borrower(s) to return the motor vehicle instead of making that repayment. B - Hire-purchase (HP) A hire-purchase agreement that is not a personal contract purchase. C - Conditional sale A conditional sale agreement. D - Any other credit A credit agreement which is not one of any of the above credit agreement types. E - Consumer hire A consumer hire agreement.
Section 1.3.2: Credit broking – motor vehicles on credit agreements
114A-W Total number of introductions made by your firm (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) Total number of introductions of individuals made to prospective lenders, regardless of outcome. For firms that undertake lead generator activity, this includes the number of customers whose contact details were passed onto a lender or credit broker. 115A-W Total number of introductions made by appointed representatives of your firm
Section 1.3.3: Credit broking – motor vehicles on consumer hire agreements

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116A-W Total number of introductions made by your firm (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) Total number of introductions of individuals made to prospective owners, regardless of outcome. For firms that undertake lead generator activity, this includes the number of customers whose contact details were passed onto an owner or credit broker. 117A-W Total number of introductions made by appointed representatives of your firm
Section 1.4: Credit broking – general goods and services
118A What types of finance are available on the goods and services you sell? Select all that apply. A - Hire-purchase (HP) A hire-purchase agreement. B - Conditional sale A conditional sale agreement. C - Any other fixed-sum credit A fixed-sum credit agreement which is not one of any of the above agreement types. D - Running-account credit A Running-account credit agreement E - Consumer hire A consumer hire agreement.
Section 1.4.1: Credit broking – general goods and services on credit agreements
119B-S Total number of introductions made by your firm (excluding Total number of introductions of individuals made to prospective lenders, regardless of outcome.

FCA 2025/17 activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) For firms that undertake lead generator activity, this includes the number of customers whose contact details were passed onto a lender or credit broker. 120B-S Total number of introductions made by appointed representatives of your firm
Section 1.4.2: Credit broking – general goods and services on consumer hire agreements
121B-S Total number of introductions made by your firm (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) Total number of introductions of individuals made to prospective owners, regardless of outcome. For firms that undertake lead generator activity, this includes the number of customers whose contact details were passed onto an owner or credit broker. 122B-S Total number of introductions made by appointed representatives of your firm
Section 1.5: Credit broking – supplementary
123A What extras or add-ons does your firm sell in support of the main goods or service, not included as part of the credit agreement or consumer hire agreement? Select all that apply. 124A What extras or add-ons does your firm sell in support of the main goods or service, included as part of the credit Select all that apply.

FCA 2025/17 agreement and consumer hire agreements?
Section 1.6: Credit broking – relationships with lenders, brokers and owners
125A Who does your firm engage with in relation to your credit broking activities to individuals for the purposes of obtaining credit? Select all that apply. ‘Within the same group’ refers to a company within the same group structure or another branch. ‘Unrelated’ means not part of the same corporate group structure. ‘Brokers’ in this instance means those firms that your firm introduces to.
Section 1.6.1: Credit broking – total introductions
126AA-FA Total credit broking revenue Total income received from individuals, credit brokers, lenders, owners or vendors for your credit broking activities. This includes commissions, fees from individuals and any other income received. 126AB-FB Total commission earned This is a subtotal of total credit broking revenue. 126AC-FC Total fees from individuals This is a subtotal of total credit broking revenue. 126AD-FD Other revenue received This is a subtotal of total credit broking revenue. 126AE-FE Total commission / merchant fees paid Total amount paid to credit brokers, lenders, owners or vendors for your credit broking activities. 126AF-FF Total introductions Total number of individuals introduced regardless of outcome. For firms that undertake lead generator activity, this includes the number of customers whose contact details were passed onto a lender or credit broker.
Section 1.6.2: Credit broking – total introductions via appointed representatives

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127AA-AF Total credit broking revenue
(generated by activity of your appointed representatives) Total income received from individuals, credit brokers, lenders, owners or vendors for your credit broking activities. This includes commissions, fees from individuals and any other income received. 127AB-FB Total commission earned (generated by activity of your appointed representatives) This is a subtotal of total credit broking revenue. 127AC-FC Total fees from individuals (generated by activity of your appointed representatives) This is a subtotal of total credit broking revenue. 127AD-FD Other revenue received (generated by activity of your appointed representatives) This is a subtotal of total credit broking revenue. 127AE-FE Total commission / merchant fees paid (generated by activity of your appointed representatives) Total amount paid to credit brokers, lenders, owners or vendors for your credit broking activities. 127AF-FF Total introductions (generated by activity of your appointed representatives) Total number of individuals introduced regardless of outcome. For firms that undertake lead generator activity, this includes the number of customers whose contact details were passed onto a lender or credit broker.
Section 1.6.3: Credit broking – top 5 lenders
128A-132A Name of lender This can include lenders who are unrelated to your firm or within the same group. 128B-132B Firm reference number (if applicable) N/A

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128C-132C Total introductions Total number of individuals in respect of whom your firm engaged in a credit broking activity. 128D-132D Revenue (£) Amount of commission earned by the firm from the lender in respect of the firm’s engagement in credit broking activities. 128E-132E Commission / merchant fees paid (£) N/A
Section 1.6.4: Credit broking – top 5 lenders via appointed representatives
133A-137A Name of lender This can include lenders who are unrelated to your firm or within the same group. 133B-137B Firm reference number (if applicable) N/A 133C-137C Total introductions Total number of individuals in respect of whom your firm engaged in a credit broking activity. 133D-137D Revenue (£) Amount of commission earned by the firm from the lender in respect of the firm’s engagement in credit broking activities. 133E-137E Commission / merchant fees paid (£) N/A
Section 1.6.5: Credit broking – top 5 brokers
138A-142A Name of broker This can include credit brokers who are unrelated to your firm or within the same group. ‘Brokers’ in this instance are defined as those firms that your firm introduces to. 138B-142B Firm reference number (if applicable) N/A

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138C-142C Total introductions Total number of individuals in respect of whom your firm engaged in a credit broking activity, regardless of outcome. For firms that undertake lead generator activity, this includes the number of customers whose contact details were passed onto a lender or credit broker. 138D-142D Revenue (£) Amount of commission earned by the firm from the credit broker in respect of the firm’s engagement in credit broking activities. 138E-142E Commission / merchant fees paid N/A
Section 1.6.6: Credit broking – top 5 brokers via appointed representatives
143A-147A Name of broker This can include credit brokers who are unrelated to your firm or within the same group. ‘Brokers’ in this instance are defined as those firms that your firm introduces to. 143B-147B Firm reference number (if applicable) N/A 143C-147C Total introductions Total number of individuals in respect of whom your firm engaged in a credit broking activity, regardless of outcome. For firms that undertake lead generator activity, this includes the number of customers whose contact details were passed onto a lender or credit broker. 143D-147D Revenue Amount of commission earned by the firm from the credit broker in respect of the firm’s engagement in credit broking activities. 143E-147E Commission / merchant fees paid N/A
Section 1.6.7: Credit broking – top 5 owners

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148A-152A Name of owner This can include owners who are unrelated to your firm or within the same group. 148B-152B Firm reference number (if applicable) N/A 148C-152C Total introductions Total number of individuals in respect of whom your firm engaged in a credit broking activity, regardless of outcome. For firms that undertake lead generator activity this includes the number of customers whose contact details were passed onto a lender or credit broker. 148D-152D Revenue Amount of commission earned by the firm from the owner in respect of the firm’s engagement in credit broking activities. 148E-152E Commission / merchant fees paid N/A
Section 1.6.8: Credit broking – top 5 owners via appointed representatives
153A-157A Name of owner This can include owners who are unrelated to your firm or within the same group. 153B-157B Firm reference number (if applicable) N/A 153C-157C Total introductions Total number of individuals in respect of whom your firm engaged in a credit broking activity, regardless of outcome. For firms that undertake lead generator activity this includes the number of customers whose contact details were passed onto a lender or credit broker. 153D-157D Revenue Amount of commission earned by the firm from the owner in respect of the firm’s engagement in credit broking activities.

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153E-157E Commission / merchant fees paid
N/A
Section 1.7: Credit broking – declines
158A Does your firm introduce individuals that a lender or owner has declined for credit to another credit broker, lender or hirer outside of your standard panel? For example, to a specialist credit broker who deals with low credit score individuals.
Section 1.8: Credit broking – firm remuneration
159A How is your firm remunerated for its credit broking activities? Select all that apply.
Section 1.8.1: Credit broking – revenue per channel
160A-W Please provide your firm’s revenue (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) for each channel. Set out the amount of revenue earned by the firm under each channel in respect of the firm’s engagement in credit broking activities. 161A-W Please provide your firm’s revenue (generated through activity of your appointed representatives) for each channel. Set out the amount of revenue earned by the firm under each channel in respect of the firm’s engagement in credit broking activities.

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162A Does your firm proactively notify individuals that you receive commission from the lender or owner? Select one option only. 163A Does your firm proactively tell individuals the value (or percentage) of the commission you receive? Select one option only. 164A When does your firm charge the individual fees for credit brokering finance? Select all that apply.
Section 1.9: Credit broking – sales channels
165A Which of the following channels have individuals used to purchase your products or services on credit? Select all that apply. Where an individual has agreed and accepted the terms and conditions and has made a payment to your firm such as an initial deposit or direct debit set up. For cross-channel sales journeys, this is where the bulk of the transaction takes place. Where a sale has been made through more than 1 method – eg, telephone and then post – report the channel where the product choice was made.
Section 1.9.1: Credit broking – comparison tool
166A Does your firm offer personalised digital credit comparison tools to individuals? For example, showing an individual a list of broking options between different lenders, or different types of credit products such as regulated hire-purchase agreements and personal loans.
Section 1.9.2: Credit broking – inside the individual’s home

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167A Do you demonstrate the goods or service inside the individual’s home? N/A 168A Do you provide a quote for goods/services while inside the individual’s home? N/A 169A Do sales take place inside the individual’s home? A sale has taken place where an individual has agreed and accepted terms and conditions and there has been a payment made to your firm such as an initial deposit or direct debit set up.
Section 1.10: Credit broking – staff remuneration
170A Are any of your staff involved with the selling of regulated financial products? N/A 171A How are your sales staff remunerated in relation to your regulated activities? ‘Sales staff’ in this instance is any staff member of the firm that interacts with individuals and sells credit agreements. The staff member may not be directly employed to do so, but this forms
part of their role.
Select one option only.
172A-B What is the average percentage split between your sales staff salaries versus commission? Provide percentage figures for both staff salary and commission. 173A How many FTE sales staff do you employ that can receive commission / direct remuneration in relation to your regulated activities? ‘Sales staff’ in this instance is any staff member of the firm that interacts with individuals and sells credit agreements. The staff member may not be directly employed to do so, but this forms
part of their role.
‘Full-time equivalent (FTE)’ is a unit of measurement used to compare the number of hours worked by staff in a business. FTE is calculated by comparing a member of staff’s average hours

FCA 2025/17 worked to the average hours of a full-time member of staff. For example, if a full-time member of staff works 40 hours per week, and a part-time staff member works 20 hours per week, the part￾time staff is counted as 0.5 FTE. If you are a sole proprietor with no additional staff, enter ‘0.00’. 174A What is your firm’s sales staff commission model? Select all that apply. ‘Fixed commission’ is commission based per unit or for meeting sales targets. ‘Variable commission’ is commission based on a percentage of a product value. 175A Do your sales staff earn commission on the sale of goods or services? N/A 176A Do your sales staff earn commission on finance agreements? N/A
Section 2: Reporting fields for a firm with permission to carry on the regulated activities of debt adjusting or debt counselling
Section 2.1: Debt adjusting and/or debt counselling – permissions
201A Our systems show that you havethe debt adjusting and/or debt counselling permission(s). Which of the following activities have you undertaken in relation to debts due under a credit agreement or a consumer hire agreement? See PERG 2.7.8BG and PERG 2.7.8CG for details of the activities that fall within debt adjusting and debt counselling, respectively. Select all that apply. 202A Why do you hold debt adjusting and/or debt counselling permission? Select one option only.

FCA 2025/17
203A If you have selected ‘'W - Other reason'’, then please specify why have you not used your permission? N/A For the remainder of Section 2: Debt adjusting and/or debt counselling, do not include any activities undertaken, or intended to be undertaken, using the debt adjusting and/or debt counselling permission which are in connection with investment advice, mortgage advice, or the whole or partial settlement of credit agreements to finance insurance premiums.
Section 2.2: Debt adjusting and/or debt counselling – business model
204A Are you a firm that offers money/debt advice and/or provides debt solutions? Select one option only. Please answer in respect of relevant activity undertaken in the past 12 months (if applicable). If not applicable, then please answer in respect of activity your firm intends to undertake within the next 12 months. ‘Money advice’ means general advice on money-related issues such as budgeting, utility bills or council tax. ‘Debt advice’ means giving an opinion as a guide to action to be taken, in this case the liquidation of debts. It either explicitly or implicitly steers the individual to a particular course of action as set out in PERG 17.5G. Should you refer individuals for a debt solution to another firm in the same umbrella group of companies as your own firm, select ‘C - Money/debt advice and debt solutions, in which the debt solution is provided by another firm’.
Section 2.3: Debt adjusting and/or debt counselling – fees and revenues
205A What are the different types of money/debt advice that your firm offers? Select all that apply. 206A Are individuals charged a fee for money/debt advice that your firm offers? This includes any administration fee for using your firm’s service for debt advice.

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207A Do you charge a standalone fee for money/debt advice?
A one-off fee that your firm charges for providing debt advice.
208A Do you charge a subscription fee for money/debt advice?
A regular payment made to receive a money/debt advice product or service from your firm. 209A-W Total revenue of fees and commission per money/debt advice type for your firm (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) Provide values in respect of fees or commission received. 210A-W Total revenue of fees and commission per money/debt advice type generated by appointed representatives of your firm
Section 2.4: Debt adjusting and/or debt counselling – debt advice/solutions
211A Total number of your firm’s customers
(including new and existing) (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) Include all individuals who approached your firm for money/debt advice and/or a debt solution. ‘Approach’ means engagement with a firm through any one or more of the following channels:

• webform;
• live/web chat;
• chatbot;
• email;
• online/digital advice tool
• instant messaging (eg, WhatsApp);
• video conferencing or chat;

FCA 2025/17

• telephone;
• SMS;
• your own physical premises;
• individual’s home or dwelling; or
• other non-trade premises.
  212A Total number of customers (including new and existing) generated by activity of your appointed representatives Include all individuals who approached your appointed representatives for money/debt advice and/or a debt solution. ‘Approach’ means engagement with a firm through any one or more of the following channels:
• webform;
• live/web chat;
• chatbot;
• email;
• online/digital advice tool
• instant messaging (eg, WhatsApp);
• video conferencing or chat;
• telephone;
• SMS;
• your own physical premises;
• individuals’s home or dwelling; or
• other non-trade premises.

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213A Total number of your firm’s customers
(excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) who received money/debt advice and did not take up a debt solution When a debt solution (provided by your firm) was presented but the individual did not proceed with the arrangement, scheme or procedure. This should be a subset of the total number of customers. 214A Total number of your firm’s customers (generated by activity of your appointed representatives) who received money/debt advice and did not take up a debt solution When a debt solution (provided by your appointed representatives) was presented but the individual did not proceed with the arrangement, scheme or procedure. This should be a subset of the total number of customers. 215A Total number of your firm’s customers (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) who received money/debt advice and took up a debt solution When a debt solution (provided by your firm) was presented and the individual proceeded with the arrangement, scheme or procedure. This should be a subset of the total number of customers. 216A Total number of your firm’s customers (generated by activity of your appointed representatives) who received money/debt advice and took up a debt solution When a debt solution (provided by your appointed representative) was presented and the individual proceeded with the arrangement, scheme or procedure. This should be a subset of the total number of customers. 217A Total number of your firm’s customers (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) who received money/debt advice and were not offered a debt solution When, after engagement, no suitable debt solution was found or needed. This should be a subset of the total number of customers. 218A Total number of your firm’s customers (generated by activity of your appointed

FCA 2025/17 representatives) who received money/debt advice and were not offered a debt solution 219A Total number of your firm’s customers (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) who received money/debt advice and were referred to a debt solution that was offered by another firm This could be referrals within the same group or to an unrelated firm. This should be a subset of the total number of customers. 220A Total number of your firm’s customers (generated by activity of your appointed representatives) who received money/debt advice and were referred to a debt solution that was offered by another firm
Section 2.4.1: Debt solutions offered and administered by your firm
221A What are the different types of debt solutions that your firm offers, in which the debt solution is administered by your firm? Select all that apply. 222A-M Total revenue for your firm (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) of commission per debt solution Provide values in respect of commission received, in which the debt solution is administered by you firm. Include any revenue received via Fair Share. 223A-M Total up-front fees for your firm (excluding activity of your appointed Provide values in respect of fees that are received up front – ie, received when the debt solution is entered into.

FCA 2025/17 representatives, if you have any) per debt solution 224A-M Total ongoing fees for your firm (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) per debt solution Provide values in respect of ongoing fees received in the reporting period – eg, a monthly fee received for a debt solution. Include all fees received in the reporting period, including those for debt solutions that have been entered into prior to said period. 225A-M Total number of debt solutions (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) per solution type Provide values in respect of debt solutions that are administered by your firm.
Section 2.4.2: Debt solutions offered and administered by your firm via appointed representative
226A-M Total revenue for your firm (generated by activity of your appointed representatives) of commission per debt solution Provide values in respect of commission received, in which the debt solution is administered by your appointed representatives. Include any revenue received via Fair Share. 227A-M Total up-front fees for your firm (generated by activity of your appointed representatives) per debt solution Provide values in respect of fees that are received up front – ie, received when the debt solution is entered into. 228A-M Total ongoing fees for your firm (generated by activity of your appointed representatives) per debt solution Provide values in respect of ongoing fees received in the reporting period – eg, a monthly fee received for a debt solution. Include all fees received in the reporting period, including those for debt solutions that have been entered into prior to said period.

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229A-M Total number of debt solutions (generated by activity of your appointed representatives) per debt solution type Provide values in respect of debt solutions that are administered by your appointed representatives.
Section 2.4.3: Debt solutions offered by your firm but administered by another firm
230A What are the different types of debt solutions that your firm offers, in which the debt solution is administered by another firm? Select all that apply. 231A-M Total revenue for your firm (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) of fees or commission per debt solution Provide values in respect of fees or commission received, in which the debt solution is administered by another firm. 232A-M Total number of debt solutions (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) per solution type Provide values in respect of debt solutions that are administered by another firm.
Section 2.4.4: Debt solutions offered by your firm but administered by another firm via appointed representative
233A-M Total revenue (generated by activity of your appointed representatives) of fees or commission per debt solution Provide values in respect of fees or commission received, in which the debt solution is administered by another firm. 234A-M Total number of debt solutions (generated by activity of your appointed representatives) per solution type Provide values in respect of debt solutions that are administered by another firm.

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Section 2.4.5: Debt management plans
235A Total number of debt management plans
(excluding plans entered into through activity of your firm’s appointed representatives, if you have any) broken within 6 months of being entered into A debt management plan is broken if 3 consecutive payments are missed, excluding partial payments. 236A Total number of debt management plans (excluding plans entered into through activity of your firm’s appointed representatives, if you have any) broken between 6 and 12 months of being entered into 237A Total number of debt management plans (excluding plans entered into through activity of your firm’s appointed representatives, if you have any) being administered at the end of the reporting period N/A
Section 2.4.6: Debt management plans via appointed representatives
238A Total number of debt management plans
(generated by activity of your appointed representatives) broken within 6 months of entering into a solution A debt management plan is broken if 3 consecutive payments are missed, excluding partial payments. 239A Total number of debt management plans (generated by activity of your appointed

FCA 2025/17 representatives) broken between 6 to 12 months after entering into a solution 240A Total number of debt management plans (generated by activity of your appointed representatives) being administered at the end of the reporting period N/A
Section 2.5: Debt adjusting and/or debt counselling – charity and not-for-profit-body
241A Are you a charity or not-for-profit body? N/A
Section 2.6: Debt adjusting and/or debt counselling – funding source
242A Where do you receive funding from? Select all that apply.
243A-W What is the amount of funding received per source?
N/A
Section 2.7: Debt adjusting and/or debt counselling – network
244A Are you part of a network? Select all that apply.
Section 2.8: Debt adjusting and/or debt counselling – engagement with individuals
245A How do you engage with individuals? Select all that apply. This relates to engagement before, during or after providing either debt advice or a debt solution.
Section 2.8.1: Debt adjusting and/or debt counselling – contact centre
246A Do you have a contact centre? Select one option only.

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A ‘contact centre’ is a dedicated team/operation for answering phone calls/queries for debt or money advice over the phone. 247A How many inbound calls are received? ‘Inbound’ means individual to firm. 248A How many inbound calls are dropped? ‘Dropped’ means that the individual left the call queue before their call could be answered. 249A How many inbound calls are answered? ‘Answered’ means that the call was taken by a member of staff. 250A What is the total wait time for inbound calls (seconds)? The ‘total wait time’ is the length of time that the individual waits to speak with a member of staff after that initial route. Set out the length of time in seconds by adding all of the wait times for all individuals. 251A What is the average call waiting time (seconds)? This is calculated by dividing the individual’s total wait time by the number of calls answered. Set out the length of time in seconds.
Section 2.8.2: Debt adjusting and/or debt counselling – web chat
252A Number of web chat enquiries ‘Enquiries’ mean that a user started an initial interaction through the communication tool. 253A Number of web chat enquires that have been resolved This relates to an interaction which the firm classed as resolved by the human agent. 254A Number of webchat enquiries that have been abandoned This relates to an interaction which was left unresolved, due to the disconnection of the chat.
Section 2.8.3: Debt adjusting and/or debt counselling – chatbot
A real-time online communication tool that allows users to interact with a chatbot (a computer program that simulates and processes human conversation)

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255A Number of chatbot enquiries that went on to involve a human agent This relates to an interaction which needed further assistance provided by a member of staff. 256A Number of chatbot enquiries that led to a resolution without speaking to a human agent This relates to an interaction which the firm deemed to be successfully resolved by the chatbot. 257A Number of chatbot enquiries that were abandoned This relates to an interaction which was left unresolved, due to the disconnection of the chat.
Section 2.9: Debt adjusting and/or debt counselling – referrals
258A How are individuals referred to your firm Referred as introduced to your firm by another firm for the purpose of obtaining money/debt advice and/or debt solutions. Select all that apply. 259A-Z Total referrals per referral source type Enter total referral numbers for each source type. 260A How are individuals referred to appointed representatives of your firm? Referred as introduced to your firm by another firm for the purpose of obtaining money/debt advice and/or debt solutions. Select all that apply. 261A-Z Total referrals to appointed representatives of per referral source type Enter total referral numbers for each source type.
Section 2.10: Debt adjusting and/or debt counselling – staff
262A Do you have customer-facing advisors? A ‘customer-facing advisor’ is anyone in the firm who interacts with individuals for the purpose of providing debt advice and/or debt solution services.

FCA 2025/17
263A What is the employment status of the customer-facing advisors in your firm? Select all that apply. ‘Employed’ includes contractors or those directly employed by your firm. 264A How many FTE customer-facing advisors do you employ? Where you have part-time customer facing advisors, calculate this by adding the total hours worked by part-time and full-time customer facing advisors and dividing that total by the number of available full-time hours in year. For example, if the firm has 20 part￾time customer facing advisors that work 50% of normal hours, the figure would be 10. Report to 2 decimal places where the result is not a whole number. For example, if the firm has 15 part time customer facing advisors that work 50% of normal hours, the figure would be 7.50. 265A How are your customer-facing advisors remunerated? Select all that apply. 266A-B What is the average percentage split between your customer-facing advisors’ salaries and commission? Provide percentage figures for both customer facing advisors’ salary and commission. 267A Do your consumer-facing advisors earn commission when a customer enters a debt solution? Answer ‘Yes’ if advisors get a commission linked to individuals entering into a debt solution even where the commission is paid after a period of time, or other similar incentives where the commission is based on a number or percentage of individuals entering into a debt solution. 268A How many customer-facing advisors volunteer with your firm? N/A
Section 2.11: Debt adjusting and/or debt counselling – Settlements
269A Total number of settlements made by your firm (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have A settlement is each occasion where money is paid to cleared off the outstanding amount under the loan until it is repaid in full (including any applicable fees and interest).

FCA 2025/17 any) involving a part-exchange of a vehicle or goods on finance 270A Total value of all settlements made by your firm (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) involving a part-exchange of a vehicle or goods on finance
Section 2.11.1: Debt adjusting and/or debt counselling – settlements via appointed representatives
271A Total number of settlements made by appointed representatives of your firm involving a part-exchange of a vehicle or goods on finance A settlement is each occasion where money is paid to cleared off the outstanding amount under the loan until it is repaid in full (including any applicable fees and interest). 272A Total value of all settlements made by appointed representatives of your firm involving a part-exchange of a vehicle or goods on finance
Section 2.12: Debt adjusting and/or debt counselling – prudential
273A Total value of relevant debts under management that are outstanding Enter the total value of all the relevant debts under management that are used to calculate the firm’s current prudential resources requirement. This should be the figure calculated at the latest accounting reference date, or, if there has been a change in the value of all the relevant debts under management of more than 15%, the recalculated figure. See CONC 10.2.5R to CONC 10.2.10G and CONC 10.2.13R to CONC 10.2.14R for further information.

FCA 2025/17
274A Total prudential resources requirement Enter whichever figure is higher out of:

• £5000; and
• the variable prudential resources requirement calculated based on the value of
  relevant debts under management outstanding entered in element 270A (Total value of relevant debts under management that are outstanding). See CONC 10.2.5R, CONC 10.2.8R and CONC 10.2.11G to CONC 10.2.12G. It is not permissible to answer ‘0’ for this question, even if ‘0’ was entered against 270A (Total value of relevant debts under management that are outstanding), as the minimum prudential resources requirement in CONC 10 is £5,000. 275A Total prudential resources Enter the firm’s total prudential resources, calculated in accordance with CONC 10.
  Section 2.13: Debt adjusting and/or debt counselling – client money
  276A Select the option which describes your firm’s regulated activity in relation to client money. Select 1 option only. Your firm is not subject to a requirement imposed under section 55L of the Act stating that it must not hold client money, or such a requirement to the same effect. This section of the data item relates to money which your firm receives or holds on behalf of a client in the course of or in connection with debt management activity only. 277A What was the balance of client money held as at the reporting period end? N/A 278A What was the highest total amount of client money held during the reporting period? Report the highest total amount of client money held during the preceding reporting period. Monetary values must be a sterling equivalent GBP (£) reported to 2 decimal places. Record zero amounts as 0.00.

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279A If the firm did not hold client money during the reporting period, please project what the firm will hold for the next calendar year. N/A 280A What is your ‘CASS debt management firm type’ classification? Select 1 option only. As described in CASS 11.2.3R. 281A What was the highest number of clients for whom client money was held at any one time during the reporting period? A CASS debt management firm should enter the highest number of clients for whom client money was held in respect of debt management activity at a single point in time during the reporting period. 282A-D What was the balance of unallocated client money held as at the reporting period end which has remained unallocated for a period of 6 business days or more? When entering this data, firms should report the data according to 1 of 4 specified time bands according to the length of time for which the client money has remained unallocated:

• 6-29 days;
• 30-59 days;
• 60-90 days; and
• 90+ days.
  This would align with a similar question on unresolved client money items in the client money and asset return (CMAR) for investment firms (see Q24 in the CMAR) set out in SUP 16 Annex 29R (Client Money and Asset Return).
  Section 3: Reporting fields for a firm with permission to carry on the regulated activity of providing credit information services
  Section 3.1: Providing credit information services – permissions
  301A Our systems show that you have permission for providing credit information services. Which of the Select all that apply.

FCA 2025/17 following activities have you undertaken?
See PERG 2.7.20KG for details of the activities that fall within providing credit information services. 302A Why do you hold providing credit information services permission? Select 1 option only. 303A If you have selected ‘W - Other reason’, please specify why you have not used your permission N/A 304A In the past 12 months, where have you got credit information from? Select all that apply.
Section 3.2: Providing credit information services – fee model
305A Do you charge a fee for getting credit information on behalf of an individual? A ‘standalone fee’ is a one-off fee. A ‘subscription fee’ is a regular payment made to receive a product or service. Select all that apply.
Section 3.2.1: Providing credit information services – standalone fees
306A Fee charged per individual (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) The standalone fee that is charged per individual for obtaining credit information on their behalf. Where the fee is not fixed, enter the average amount of all of the fees charged within the reporting period. 307A Total number of individuals charged a fee (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) The total number of individuals charged a fee for obtaining credit information.

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308A Total revenue from fees (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) The total amount of income received for getting credit information on behalf of an individual. 309A Fee charged per individual (generated by activity of your appointed representatives) The standalone fee that is charged per individual for obtaining credit information on their behalf. Where the fee is not fixed, enter the average amount of all of the fees charged within the reporting period. 310A Total number of individuals charged a fee (generated by activity of your appointed representatives) The total number of individuals charged a fee for obtaining credit information. 311A Total revenue from fees (generated by activity of your appointed representatives) The total amount of income received for getting credit information on behalf of an individual.
Section 3.2.2: Providing credit information services – subscription fees
312A What subscription terms do you
(excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) offer? Select all that apply. A ‘subscription term’ is the inherent commitment length for subscriptions linked to the service you provide. 313A-W What are the subscription fees for each of the subscription terms (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any)? A ‘subscription fee’ is the fee that is charged per individual for obtaining credit information on their behalf. Where the fee is not fixed, enter the average amount of all of the fees charged within the reporting period.

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314A What subscription terms do you
(generated by activity of your appointed representatives) offer?
Select all that apply.
A ‘subscription term’ is the inherent commitment length for subscriptions linked to the service you provide. 315A-W What are the subscription fees for each of the subscription terms (generated by activity of your appointed representatives)? A ‘subscription fee’ is the fee that is charged per individual for obtaining credit information on their behalf. Where the fee is not fixed, enter the average amount of all of the fees charged within the reporting period.
Section 3.3: Providing credit information services – subscriptions
316A How many individuals signed up to a subscription (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any)? N/A 317A How many individuals have cancelled a subscription? N/A 318A What is the total revenue made from subscriptions? The total amount of income received from individual subscriptions. 319A What is the average duration of a subscription before it is cancelled (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any)? The average length of time from when an individual signs up to the subscription service to when they cancel, in respect of agreements cancelled. Set out your response in days. Do not count those individuals that cancelled within a cooling-off period. 320A How many individuals signed up to a subscription (generated by activity of your appointed representatives)? N/A

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321A How many individuals have cancelled a subscription (generated by activity of your appointed representatives)? N/A 322A What is the total revenue made from subscriptions (generated by activity of your appointed representatives)? The total amount of income received from individual subscriptions. 323A What is the average duration of a subscription before it is cancelled (generated by activity of your appointed representatives)? The average length of time from when an individual signs up to the subscription service to when they cancel, in respect of agreements cancelled. Set out your response in days. Do not count those individuals that cancelled within a cooling-off period.
Section 3.3.1: Providing credit information services – subscription cancellations
324A Are individuals able to cancel their subscription term early? N/A 325A Do you charge a cancellation fee? N/A 326A How much is the cancellation fee? Where the fee is not fixed, enter the average amount of all of the fees charged within the reporting period.
Section 3.4: Providing credit information services – business model
327A Do you collect the information in order to give wider financial advice (eg, as part of your role as a mortgage or financial adviser)? For the purposes of this data element, ‘advice’ is giving an opinion to the individual. It either explicitly or implicitly steers the individual to a particular course of action. 328A Do you collect the information in order to undertake regulated debt N/A

FCA 2025/17 advice (eg, as part of offering debt counselling and/or debt adjusting services)?
Section 3.5: Providing credit information services – credit score
329A Do you collect the information to give general advice on how an individual should improve their credit score (eg, sign up to the electoral roll)? For the purposes of this data element, ‘advice’ is giving an opinion to the individual – in this case, general advice on how an individual should improve their credit score. It either explicitly or implicitly steers the individual to a particular course of action. 330A Do you collect the information to tailor the advice on how an individual should improve their credit score? For the purposes of this data element, ‘advice’ is giving an opinion to the individual – in this case, general advice on how an individual should improve their credit score. It either explicitly or implicitly steers the individual to a particular course of action. 331A In your marketing, do you advertise that you can improve an individual’s credit score? N/A 332A What is the total number of individuals you track credit scores for (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any)? ‘Tracking credit scores’ means monitoring an individual’s credit score to measure positive or negative change. 333A What is the total number of individuals you track credit scores for (generated by activity of your appointed representatives)?

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334A Of the individuals you track credit scores for, how many have had an improved score after using your services (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any)? ‘Improvement’ means a positive change in an individual’s credit score. 335A Of the individuals you track credit scores for, how many have had an improved score after using your services (generated by activity of your appointed representatives)?
Section 3.6: Providing credit information services – tailoring advice
336A Do you tailor the advice per individual?
For the purposes of this data element, ‘advice’ is giving an opinion as a guide to action to be taken, in this case tailored advice (as in advice that is unique to that specific individual) on how an individual should improve their credit score. It either explicitly or implicitly steers the individual to a particular course of action. 337A Do you tailor the advice based an individual’s credit score? For the purposes of this data element, ‘advice’ is giving an opinion as a guide to action to be taken, in this case tailored advice (as in advice that is unique to that specific individual) on how an individual should improve their credit score. It either explicitly or implicitly steers the individual to a particular course of action. 338A Do you utilise the credit information to provide tailored introductions to lenders (eg, to offer price comparison services or other credit broking activities)? N/A

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339A Do you tailor the list of lenders/credit brokers based on credit score? ‘Tailoring a list of lenders/credit brokers’ means presenting a set of lenders/credit brokers to individuals that are deemed to be appropriate to that individual based on their credit score. 340A Do you rank credit facilities in order of lenders that provide the highest value commissions? N/A 341A What is the total number of individuals who have gone on to take out credit based on a referral via your firm (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any)? N/A 342A What is the total number of individuals who have gone on to take out credit based on a referral via your firm (generated by activity of your appointed representatives)?
Section 4: Reporting fields for a relevant ancillary credit firm
Section 4.1: Relevant ancillary credit firm – marketing
401A Which of the following channels does your firm use for marketing? Select all that apply. For credit broking, channels used for the marketing of financial services, goods, or services in which the use of credit is promoted. For debt adjusting and debt counselling, channels used for the marketing of debt and money advice and/or debt solution services.

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For providing credit information services, channels used for the marketing of services in which credit information is provided. Select all that apply. If your firm does not specifically do any marketing in relation to the above regulated activities, select ‘X - None of the above’.
Section 4.2: Relevant ancillary credit firm – revenues
402A-C Total revenue from your firm’s credit-related regulated activities (excluding activity of your appointed representatives, if you have any) Total amount of revenue received from the following credit-related regulated activities:

• credit broking;
• debt adjusting;
• debt counselling; and
• providing credit information services.
  For example, a firm sells a product for £1,000 after referring the individual for financing. The firm receives £50 commission for the credit broking referral, as well as the £1,000 for the product sale. The firm would report its credit broking-related revenue as £50. £0 can be reported if no income is derived from the permissions that the firm holds. For example, if a not-for-profit body provides debt and money advice services free of charge and receives no other revenue, it can report £0. Equally, if a retail firm holds the permission of ‘credit broking’ only and receives no commission or financial incentives from the finance companies it refers to, nor does it charge for the referral, it can report £0. In this scenario, the retail firm will get paid for the item in full, but for the specific activity of credit broking, no income was received. Selling of goods in itself is not a regulated activity. 403A-C Total revenue from your firm’s credit-related regulated activities (generated by activity of your appointed representatives)
  Section 4.3: Relevant ancillary credit firm – miscellaneous
  404A Are you a member of a trade body or association that has a code of conduct that you are signed up to? N/A

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