News

Caroline Siarkiewicz, director and debt advice expert at the Money and Pensions Service said: “The Money and Pensions Service welcomes this Public Statement which sets out how government intends to work collaboratively to help people with debts owed to the public sector. We would encourage government to use the Standard Financial Statement (SFS) which offers best practice on how to...

Caroline Siarkiewicz, director and debt advice expert at the Single Financial Guidance Body, commented: “The news of the WageDay Advance collapse will cause uncertainty for their customers. While today’s news may tempt some to stop their repayments, it is important they carry on as normal, because customers who have entered into a loan agreement must fulfil it. “When 11.5 million UK...

Teresa Fritz, Proposition Manager at the Single Financial Guidance Body, commented: “The new mortgage adviser directory will be a valuable tool for consumers, helping them choose an intermediary that provides regulated, personalised advice, and offering products from a wide range of providers. In addition, consumers will be able to search for intermediaries who specialise in the less...

Caroline Siarkiewicz, Debt Advice Expert and Director at the Single Financial Guidance Body commented: “The FCA has identified improvement in the quality of advice provided by debt management firms, which is a good outcome for consumers. “If you’re struggling with debt and don’t know where to start, it’s always best to talk to an experienced adviser. There are different solutions for...

Charlotte Jackson, Head of Pensions Guidance Services at the Single Financial Guidance Body commented: “The increase to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) award limit means that from April consumers will have access to a higher level of compensation from financial services firms when a complaint is upheld. This will give added protection and assurance to consumers when using a certified...

Money Advice Service (MAS)1 research showed that adult financial capability is linked to what is seen, learned and experienced in childhood and adolescence.2 There is a growing appreciation of the importance of financial education – and that it needs to start early. Ensuring all children and young people get a meaningful financial education, allowing them to manage money well and make...

David Loosemore, Technical Specialist – Team Leader at the Single Financial Guidance Body, commented: “The SFGB welcomes the research from PSIG (Pension Scams Industry group) which highlights the ongoing challenges in tackling pension scams. Whilst there is no silver bullet, one of the keys to success will be continued collaboration across the sector and sharing of intelligence and...

Melinda Riley, pensions expert and Head of Technical and Advocacy team, at the Single Financial Guidance Body, commented: “The Single Financial Guidance Body welcomes the increase in minimum pension contributions. Most people would like to be able to choose to stop work one day and choose how they live. We would encourage everyone to keep paying into their pensions pot if at all possible,...

Charlotte Jackson, Head of Pensions Guidance Services at the Single Financial Guidance Body commented: “Pension scams can be devastating for anyone that falls victim to one. In many cases a lifetime’s savings can be lost in moments. Evidence has shown that prevention is the best defence against pension scams. While our research says eight scam calls take place every second, the good...

SFGB Press Release 8 February 2019 SFGB Debt Advice Commissioning – Update On 29th January, the SFGB Board met to agree a budget (subject to DWP and HMT approval) that will enable the continuation of debt advice funding and increase the number of people who can access free debt advice. At the same meeting, the Board took the decision to stop the recent competitive tendering...

Media comment: Money and Pensions Service welcomes Fairness Group Joint Public Statement

Media comment: Single Financial Guidance Body responds to the collapse of WageDay Advance

Media comment: Single Financial Guidance Body responds to FCA Mortgage Market Report

Media comment: Single Financial Guidance Body comments on FCA review of debt management firms

Media comment: Single Financial Guidance Body comments on FOS compensation award limit increase

How families teach children about money

Media comment: Single Financial Guidance Body responds to new Pension Scams Industry Group research

Media comment: Single Financial Guidance Body comments on increases to pension contributions

Media comment: Single Financial Guidance Body responds to TPR release on fraudster families running multimillion pound pension scams

SFGB Debt Advice Commissioning – Update

Managing money in uncertain times