Insights ¦ maps-standards-2025-2

Published by: The Money and Pensions Service Search for original: Link Key Take Aways The MaPS Standards have been approved by the FCA, reflecting a significant milestone in regulating consumer-facing financial guidance services. These standards are designed to ensure high-quality, consistent delivery of information, advice, and guidance, especially for consumers in vulnerable circumstances. They emphasise designing accessible, inclusive services that actively involve consumers and consider their specific needs from inception. A channel-agnostic approach is central, meaning standards apply across face-to-face,… Read more

Insights ¦ 2025 consumer digital index

Published by: Lloyds Banking Group Search for original: Link Key Take Aways Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now a central component in personal finance, with almost one-third of UK adults using AI tools weekly for managing their money, leading to reported annual savings of £399. Digital engagement across the UK has reached near-universal levels, with 95% of adults online, and significant improvement among older generations—86% of those aged 60+ are now internet users. Financial confidence correlates strongly with digital capability; those… Read more

Insights ¦ Cost of living: wave eight

Published by: Ofwat Search for original: Link Key Take Aways Nearly half of water bill payers (47%) report difficulty paying household bills ‘sometimes’ or more often, with stability over the past year. One in six (17%) water bill payers currently struggle with their water bill; concern about water costs remains high at 32%. Awareness of financial assistance for water bills remains steady at approximately 34%, but actual receipt of support is lower at 8%. Younger consumers (18-34) show higher trust… Read more

HIGHLIGHTS ¦ DEMSA Newsletter

What you need to know this week UK economic output contracted by 0.1% in October 2025, with output also down 0.1% over the three months to October, underscoring a fragile growth outlook for 2026.Supply-side disruption continues to affect manufacturing: the Jaguar Land Rover cyber-attack remains a drag on production, with only a modest October recovery.Market expectations remain for a further cut in interest rates, but the narrative of investment-led growth in 2026 is not yet supported by clear confidence indicators… Read more

KEY THEMES+ ¦ DEMSA Summary

What you need to know this week UK economic output contracted by 0.1% in October 2025, with output also down 0.1% over the three months to October, underscoring a fragile growth outlook for 2026.Supply-side disruption continues to affect manufacturing: the Jaguar Land Rover cyber-attack remains a drag on production, with only a modest October recovery.Market expectations remain for a further cut in interest rates, but the narrative of investment-led growth in 2026 is not yet supported by clear confidence indicators… Read more

DEMSA Column: MaPS standards / DWP CoP / FCA updates / AI bubble / Ability to Pay / Vulnerability / Collaborations / Events

In today’s bulletin: General update Joint FCA and ICO statement on Targeted Support and Direct Marketing FCA Regulatory Initiatives Grid - December 2025 Edition FCA confirms final guidance to tackle serious non-financial misconduct in financial services MaPS standards toolkit DWP Codes of Practice: Recovering Debt FCA update on late payment charges – good news warning Collaborations Events   General update On the topic of growth, the economy contracted by 0.1% in October 2025 according to the Office for National Statistics… Read more