Interest Rate Caps: Credit Cards

With the US president announcing a 10% cap on credit card interest rates here is a quick summary of rate caps in other markets around the world. This change would of course have significant market impact in terms of access to credit, market size and likely impact consumer spending (and GDP). We would also likely see consumers looking for substitutes in other products too. Whatever your view on rates, this is one to watch closely for 2nd order impacts too… Read more

The OG is not AI

This week, the topic of AI came up in my Italian lesson. We were reflecting on just how much has changed over the last few years. What was unthinkable only a few years ago is now possible (including high-quality translations that far surpass my somewhat mediocre efforts… I’m still not very good, feeling old, but still trying!). This digital revolution thingy, has been incredible and, at times, unfathomable: from the invention of the computer (yes I remember a world before… Read more

KEY THEMES+ ¦ DEMSA Summary

What you need to know this week Bank of England data (published 5/1/2026) showed net consumer credit borrowing rose to £2.1bn in November 2025, including £1.0bn on credit cards.Annual growth in total consumer credit increased to 8.1% in November, with credit card borrowing growth rising to 12.1%.Effective interest rates remained high, including interest-charging overdrafts at 21.57% and credit cards at 21.60%.Mortgage approvals for house purchase fell to 64,500, while remortgaging approvals rose to 36,600.StepChange recorded 3,958 website visitors on Christmas… Read more

DEMSA Column: Debt advice demand / Cyber resilience / Economic Abuse / AI governance / Collaborations / Appointments / Survey / Events

In today’s bulletin: General update ICO response to the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill Does your vulnerability policy include Economic Abuse? AI governance in 2026 Collaborations & Appointments Events General update Money & Credit - November 2025 - the latest Bank of England figures were published on 5/1/2026 Net borrowing of consumer credit by individuals increased to £2.1 billion in November 2025 from £1.7 billion in October. This included net borrowing on credit cards of £1 billion, up from £0.7… Read more

AI Governance: The Strategic Imperative for 2026

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a futuristic concept – it’s now a core business function embedded in critical compliance and operational areas. ​ A joint 2024 survey by the Bank of England and the FCA revealed that 72% of UK-regulated firms are actively using or piloting AI and machine learning tools. ​ From fraud detection and customer onboarding to quality assurance and vulnerability identification, AI is starting to transform how businesses operate. However, with great power comes great… Read more

AI in the energy sector – OFGEM feedback

For those that missed it a summary of the responses from the OFGEM consultation on the use of AI in the engery sector.Training, digital and transparency were all themes, but what was interesting was also the importance of third party and supply chain risk as use starts to expand. Governance and policy is going to start to be increasingly important to stay ahead in this area.https://consult.ofgem.gov.uk/energy-technologies/ai-in-the-energy-sector-guidance-consultation/consultation/published_select_respondent Key Take Aways Broad agreement with Ofgem’s principles-based, pro-innovation approach, but qualified this with… Read more