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INSIGHTS ¦ Financial Health Report 2024

Link Description The “Financial Health Report: Affordability and Forbearance Subgroup” provides an in-depth analysis of the financial landscape in the UK following the cost-of-living crisis. It focuses on key trends in mortgage affordability, debt burdens, and financial resilience across different demographics. The report highlights the financial pressures faced by UK consumers, particularly in areas such as mortgages, energy costs, and personal debt, while also addressing gender disparities in debt repayment and savings. It aims to guide financial institutions in making… Read more

INSIGHTS ¦ How debt collection practices cause psychological harm

Link Description The “Debts and Despair” report explores the severe psychological impact of debt collection practices on individuals, particularly those experiencing mental health challenges. It provides data-driven insights into how rising living costs, coupled with aggressive and frequent debt collection tactics, are affecting the well-being of UK citizens. The report focuses on the mental health consequences of debt, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts, and offers recommendations for how financial institutions, regulators, and the government can reform debt collection practices… Read more

KEY THEMES+ ¦ DEMSA Newsletter

What you need to know this week Nikhil Rathi discussed Consumer Duty at StepChange Connected 2024, emphasising a shift in philosophy rather than new rules. Abby Thomas highlighted the increase in unaffordable lending complaints in her speech at the same event. MorganAsh launched a new customer portal "It’s Who I Am" to encourage vulnerability disclosures. FCA holds interest rates at 5%, and CPI remains at 2.2%. Consumer confidence has dropped, influenced by concerns over government budget plans. The ICO Sandbox… Read more

INSIGHTS ¦ UK residential mortgage arrears improve

Link Description The document “Pepper Arrears Report” provides an analysis of trends in UK residential mortgage arrears, with a focus on the dynamics between the residential and Buy-to-Let (BTL) sectors. It covers the improvement in arrears rates in various regions, the continued growth in BTL arrears, and a rebound in new mortgage originations. The report also highlights the uneven nature of recovery in the UK mortgage market, indicating that while some areas are improving, many borrowers continue to face financial… Read more

INSIGHTS ¦ Why agents are the next frontier of generative AI

Link Description The document “Why Agents Are the Next Frontier of Generative AI” discusses the evolving role of generative AI (gen AI), specifically focusing on AI-enabled agents that can handle complex workflows independently. It explores how AI agents will transition from knowledge-based systems to action-based solutions, capable of completing multistep tasks across digital platforms. The report outlines the potential benefits of AI agents for enhancing productivity, collaboration, and innovation across industries, while addressing the challenges and risks involved in adopting… Read more

INSIGHTS ¦ 2024 IT Risk and Compliance Benchmark Report

Link Description The “2024 IT Risk and Compliance Benchmark Report” provides a detailed analysis of the evolving governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) landscape, focusing on how organisations are managing IT risks and compliance challenges. It discusses trends such as the unification of risk and compliance functions, the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on risk management, and the shift toward integrated, automated GRC tools. The report also highlights how companies are navigating increasing regulatory scrutiny, cybersecurity risks, and the adoption of… Read more