Search
Close this search box.
Sign up for our weekly Newsletter

FCA confirms ban on discretionary commission models

Authority says preventing the use of this type of commission would remove the financial incentive for brokers to increase the interest rate that a customer pays and give lenders more control over the prices customers pay for their motor finance. 
Financial data collection

Share

July 28, 2020

FOLLOWING consultation last October, the Financial Conduct Authority said it will introduce a ban on motor finance discretionary commission models from next January.

Currently, some car retailers and motor finance brokers receive commission linked to the interest rate that customers pay – creating an incentive to sell more expensive credit to some customers.

Brokers can effectively set the interest rate and the FCA found that the widespread use of this type of commission creates an incentive for brokers to act against customers’ interests.

The FCA estimates the changes would save customers £165 million a year.

Preventing the use of this type of commission would remove the financial incentive for brokers to increase the interest rate that a customer pays and give lenders more control over the prices customers pay for their motor finance.

In the light of consultation feedback and the additional operational pressures which the sector is facing at present the FCA has agreed to give firms limited additional time to implement the new rules, with the ban coming into force on 28 January 2021.

Christopher Woolard, the FCA’s Interim Chief Executive, said: “By banning this type of commission, where brokers are rewarded for charging consumers higher rates, we will increase competition and protect consumers.

“We estimate that consumers could save £165 million because of today’s action.”

The FCA will also make changes to the way in which customers are told about the commission they are paying to ensure that they receive more relevant information.

These disclosure changes apply to many types of credit brokers and not just those selling motor finance. These changes will also come into force on 28 January 2021.

The move is likely to have minimal effect on Leasing Broker Federation members as brokers largely sell PCH not PCP so  cannot change or affect the Interest Rates.
Federation Relationships Director Graham Prince said: “There is a common misunderstanding within the media that PCPs are leases and are the same as PCH.  This cannot be further from the truth.
“PCP is a purchase product and the customer knows the Interest Rate ( APR ) and the residual value ( purchase price ) that must be paid at the end of the agreement to finally own the vehicle.
“They can often hand the vehicle back but then they are committed to that manufacturer and tied in moving forward. It is easier to terminate a PCP Agreement but more liabilities around valuation at the end of the agreement.
“PCH is a Personal Contract Hire Agreement. No ownership is available to the hirer at the end of the agreement. No interest rates or residual values are quoted to the “user” as it is the funders risk at the end of the agreement if the vehicle does or doesn’t achieve the value they assumed it would be worth at the beginning of the agreement.”

Sue Robinson, Director of the National Franchised Dealers Association said the six-month implementation period for the ban was an improvement on the originally proposed 3-month and in line with the NFDA’s previous lobbying calls.

She added: “Franchised dealers are committed to providing clarity to their customers and NFDA supports appropriate measures that are of benefit to consumers.

“We will now be looking at the policy statement in detail to understand the full implications for the sector and continue to liaise with FCA and our franchised dealer members going forward”.

Adrian Dally, Head of Motor Finance at the Finance and Leasing Association said: “This is a welcome announcement from the FCA as it provides clarity for the industry.

“We are also pleased that the regulator accepted our point about the need to monitor the consumer hire market as the ban on discretionary commissions does not extend to personal contract hire agreements.”

 

Thinking of the switch to electric?

Need help in finding the right electric vehicle for you? Compare driving range, battery capacity, charging time, price, and features to find the perfect EV for you.

Got a spare 30 seconds?

 Help us to provide you with better market insight by completing a very short survey. It is anonymous and only takes 30 seconds. You will get free access to the quarterly results.

Share this article

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Reddit
Email

Want more motoring news?

Sign up here for our free weekly serving of motoring.

Sign up here for our free weekly serving of motoring.

Chris Wright

Chris Wright

Chris Wright has been covering the automotive industry nationally and internationally for 30 years. Following spells with consumer titles he became News Editor of Automotive Management (AM), Editor of Automotive International, International Editor for Detroit-based Automotive News, and Editor of Dealer Update. He has also co-authored several FT Management Reports and contributes regularly to Justauto.com

Latest news

Scroll to Top